Understanding the 'Fifth': From Imperial to Metric
The term "fifth" is a historical remnant from when liquor was measured in US customary units. A fifth referred to one-fifth of a US gallon, which is equal to approximately 25.6 fluid ounces. With the move to metric standards in 1980, the standard retail bottle size for spirits became 750 milliliters (ml), which is slightly smaller at 25.4 fluid ounces. Despite the change, the term "fifth" remains commonly used, especially for American whiskies like bourbon. For practical purposes, a fifth and a 750ml bottle are the same and contain the same amount of liquid, regardless of the spirit.
The Standard Calculation
To determine how many drinks are in a fifth of bourbon, the calculation is straightforward. It relies on two key figures: the volume of the bottle and the size of a standard pour.
- Bottle Volume: A standard fifth (750ml) contains 25.4 fluid ounces.
- Standard Pour Size: The US standard for a shot or a single pour of a spirit is 1.5 fluid ounces. This is also the basis for a standard drink equivalent for 80-proof (40% ABV) spirits, as defined by health organizations.
Using these numbers, we can perform a simple division: 25.4 ounces ÷ 1.5 ounces per drink = 16.93 drinks. For most practical purposes, this is rounded down to 16 or 17 full drinks.
Factors that Influence the Final Drink Count
While the math is clear, the real-world number of drinks can vary. Several factors impact how many servings you ultimately get from a 750ml bottle of bourbon.
- The Pour Itself: A "heavy" free pour can easily exceed 1.5 ounces, reducing the total number of drinks. Using a jigger or another measuring tool will ensure consistency and a more accurate count.
- Cocktail Recipes: Many cocktail recipes call for more than a single 1.5-ounce shot of bourbon. For example, a Manhattan might use 2 ounces of bourbon, meaning you'll get far fewer drinks from the bottle than if you were serving neat pours.
- High-Proof Bourbon: Not all bourbon is 80-proof. Some are bottled at higher proofs (e.g., 90, 100, or barrel-proof) and will have a higher alcohol content by volume (ABV). For a standard drink equivalent (containing 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol), you would need to adjust the pour size down for a higher proof bourbon.
- Spillage and Inconsistencies: Spillage, evaporation, and general inconsistencies in pouring can slightly alter the total number of servings, which is why some estimates round down to 16 full drinks.
How Many Drinks Per Bottle Size?
This table provides a quick reference for common liquor bottle sizes and the estimated number of 1.5-ounce shots they contain.
| Bottle Size | Milliliters (ml) | Fluid Ounces (oz) | Approximate 1.5-oz Shots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miniature (Nip) | 50 ml | 1.7 oz | 1 |
| Quarter Pint | 100 ml | 3.4 oz | 2 |
| Half Pint | 200 ml | 6.8 oz | 4 |
| Pint | 375 ml | 12.7 oz | 8 |
| Fifth (Standard) | 750 ml | 25.4 oz | 17 |
| Liter | 1 L | 33.8 oz | 22 |
| Handle (Half-Gallon) | 1.75 L | 59.2 oz | 39 |
Planning for a Party
If you are planning an event, knowing how many drinks are in a fifth of bourbon is incredibly helpful for managing your inventory and ensuring you have enough for your guests. As a general rule, you should always overestimate your needs, especially if you are serving multiple cocktails that use bourbon as a base. Considering a cocktail like an Old Fashioned typically uses 2 ounces of bourbon, a fifth would only produce a dozen or so cocktails.
It's also important to factor in the preferences of your guests. If people are primarily drinking shots or neat pours, you can rely more closely on the 16-17 drink estimate. However, a bar set up for mixing drinks will see those servings disappear faster as more bourbon is used per drink. For more information on standard drink sizes and responsible consumption, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers comprehensive guidance.
List of Popular Bourbon Cocktails and Pour Sizes
- Old Fashioned: Typically uses 2 ounces of bourbon.
- Whiskey Sour: Often uses 2 ounces of bourbon.
- Manhattan: Standard recipes call for 2 to 2.5 ounces of bourbon.
- Mint Julep: Can range from 2 to 3 ounces of bourbon depending on the recipe.
These popular cocktails highlight why the number of drinks from a bottle is not a fixed, single figure but rather a useful estimate that requires consideration of the final application.
Conclusion
In summary, a fifth of bourbon contains approximately 17 standard 1.5-ounce pours, derived from its 750ml volume. However, this count can decrease depending on the size of your pour and whether you are making cocktails that require more than a standard shot. Understanding these factors allows for better planning, whether you're stocking a home bar or preparing for a party, ensuring you can serve your guests efficiently and responsibly. The key is to be mindful of pour sizes and drink recipes to get the most accurate estimate from your bottle.
