Standard Pours vs. Variable Pours
The most important factor determining how many shots you get from a bottle of liquor is the serving size, or 'pour.' In the United States, a standard shot is typically 1.5 fluid ounces, but this isn't a federal law and can vary. For example, Utah officially defines a shot as 1.5 ounces, while some bars pour lighter 1.25-ounce shots, and a double shot is commonly 3 ounces. Globally, a standard shot can be even smaller, such as the 25ml (approximately 0.85 oz) measure common in the UK. This article focuses primarily on the U.S. standard of 1.5 ounces for its calculations. However, acknowledging these variations is crucial for accurate planning, especially when mixing cocktails or managing inventory.
The Common 'Fifth' (750ml) Explained
The 750ml bottle is the most common size for spirits and wine in the U.S. and is often referred to as a "fifth"—a holdover term from when it was one-fifth of a gallon. This size is the yardstick for many home and professional bartenders. At 1.5 ounces per shot, a 750ml bottle yields approximately 16 to 17 shots. To account for potential spillage and inconsistent pouring, rounding down to 16 is a conservative and practical estimate. If you're mixing cocktails, which often require 2 to 2.5 ounces of spirits, that 750ml bottle will yield fewer drinks, typically around 10 to 12.
Break Down the Numbers by Bottle Size
Understanding how many shots are in a bottle is straightforward math: divide the total liquid volume by the volume of a single shot. For instance, a 1.75-liter bottle contains 59.2 fluid ounces. Divided by a standard 1.5-ounce shot, this yields about 39 shots. This principle applies to all other liquor bottle sizes as well.
Shots Per Common Liquor Bottle Size
Below is a list of common liquor bottle sizes and the number of shots you can expect, based on the U.S. standard 1.5-ounce pour:
- Miniature (50ml / 1.7 oz): 1 shot
- Quarter Pint (100ml / 3.4 oz): 2 shots
- Half Pint (200ml / 6.8 oz): 4 shots
- Pint (375ml / 12.7 oz): 8 shots
- Fifth (750ml / 25.4 oz): 16–17 shots
- Liter (1L / 33.8 oz): 22 shots
- Magnum (1.5L / 50.7 oz): 33 shots
- Handle (1.75L / 59.2 oz): 39 shots
- Double Magnum / Jeroboam (3L / 101.4 oz): 67 shots
Knowing these standard yields is critical for both inventory management in a professional setting and for accurately planning the amount of alcohol needed for an event at home.
Comparison Table: US vs. UK Shot Yields for Common Bottles
| Bottle Size | US Shots (1.5 oz) | UK Shots (25 ml) |
|---|---|---|
| 375ml (Pint) | 8.45 | 15 |
| 750ml (Fifth) | 16.9 | 30 |
| 1L (Liter) | 22.5 | 40 |
| 1.75L (Handle) | 39 | 70 |
This comparison table illustrates how significantly regional standard pour sizes can affect the number of shots derived from the same bottle. The smaller UK measure of 25ml results in a far higher number of shots per bottle compared to the U.S. standard of 1.5 ounces (~44ml). This difference can be a surprise for those accustomed to one system traveling and drinking in a region that uses another.
The Real-World Impact: How Pouring Affects Efficiency
Beyond just knowing the math, the real number of shots you get is affected by pouring technique. Free-pouring, a style where bartenders don't use a jigger, can lead to over-pouring, reducing the total number of drinks from a bottle and cutting into profits. This is why professional bartenders are often trained to use a jigger for consistency. At home, using a jigger is also the best way to ensure your cocktails are consistent and that you can reliably plan your liquor usage for an event. The size of the shot glass also plays a role; a larger glass might encourage a larger pour, even if the intent is to serve a standard amount.
Another consideration is the type of spirit. High-proof or particularly flavorful spirits like mezcal or certain bitters are often served in smaller amounts (sometimes just 1 ounce), which would increase the number of servings from a bottle. In contrast, a “rocks pour,” which is 2 ounces, is intended for sipping and savors the spirit, effectively halving the number of servings per bottle compared to a standard shot. For home enthusiasts, understanding these variables helps create the desired drink experience, whether it's a quick shot or a leisurely sipped cocktail. To sharpen your skills and learn more about mixology fundamentals, consider resources from reputable bartending schools or industry guides.
Conclusion
Knowing how many shots you can get from a bottle of liquor depends on the bottle size and the specific pour size. For a standard 750ml bottle in the U.S., you can expect around 16 shots, while a larger 1.75L handle provides closer to 39. These numbers are a starting point, as variations in pouring, regional standards, and cocktail recipes will alter the final yield. Using a jigger ensures consistency and accuracy for both home mixology and professional inventory management, helping you get the most out of every bottle.
