How Many Shots is 50ml of Whiskey? The Global Answer Explained

December 16, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 50ml is a common size for mini liquor bottles in the US, but how many shots is 50ml of whiskey depends entirely on where you are pouring. In some countries, it is a single shot, while in others, it is a double or slightly oversized pour.

Quick Summary

The number of shots in 50ml of whiskey is not universal, ranging from one standard US 'nip' to a double in the UK or a single in Russia, based on different regional measuring standards.

Key Points

Not Universal: The number of shots in 50ml of whiskey depends entirely on your location and local pouring standards.
US Standard: In the US, where a shot is typically 1.5 ounces (~44ml), a 50ml pour is slightly more than a single shot, often sold as a mini bottle or "nip".
UK Double: In the UK, a 50ml serving is the legally defined standard for a double shot of spirits.
Russian Single: In Russia, a 50ml pour is traditionally considered a standard single shot.
Jigger for Accuracy: For precise home bartending, using a jigger is more reliable than relying on a potentially inconsistent shot glass.
Shots vs. Standard Drinks: Always differentiate between a volumetric shot and a standard drink, which is based on a specific amount of pure alcohol.

The Global Variation in Shot Sizes

The most confusing aspect of measuring alcohol is that a "shot" is not a standardized unit of measurement worldwide. Its volume is determined by local laws, customs, and the establishment serving the drink. This means that 50ml can represent different things in different countries, causing understandable confusion for both drinkers and bartenders.

50ml as a US "Nip" or Oversized Single

In the United States, the commonly accepted standard for a single shot is 1.5 fluid ounces, which equates to approximately 44 milliliters. A 50ml bottle, often called a "nip" or "miniature," is a common retail size that is just slightly larger than this standard pour. For most practical purposes in the US, a 50ml serving of whiskey would be considered a single, if slightly generous, shot. A US double shot would typically be 3 ounces, or around 89ml.

50ml as a UK "Double" Shot

The United Kingdom has specific legal requirements for serving spirits in licensed establishments. Here, a standard single measure is either 25ml or 35ml, with 50ml being the standard measure for a double shot. Therefore, in the UK, 50ml of whiskey is consistently a double shot, representing a significantly larger portion than a single pour.

50ml as a Russian "Single" Shot

In contrast to the US and UK, 50ml is the widely accepted standard size for a single shot in Russia. This cultural norm is often associated with the tradition of drinking vodka, but it applies to other spirits like whiskey as well. This highlights how a single volume measurement can carry different cultural weight and meaning around the world.

Using a Jigger for Precise Measurement

For home bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts, relying on shot glass markings can be unreliable due to the global variations in size. The best way to ensure accuracy is to use a jigger, which is a standardized bar tool for measuring spirits. Jiggers are available in a variety of sizes and markings (e.g., 1 oz, 1.5 oz, 2 oz), allowing for precise pours regardless of location or recipe. This tool is essential for creating balanced cocktails and controlling alcohol consumption.

Here are some common measurements for home bartending:

Miniature (50ml): Considered one US shot or a UK double.
Quarter Pint (100ml): Approximately two 1.5 oz shots in the US.
Standard Bottle (750ml): Typically yields about 17 standard US shots.
Liter (1000ml): Contains roughly 22 standard US shots.

50ml and Standard Drink Guidelines

It is crucial to distinguish between a volumetric "shot" and a "standard drink." Many countries, including Australia and Ireland, use the concept of a standard drink to communicate alcohol content based on grams of pure alcohol, not just volume. A standard drink may not correspond perfectly to a shot glass pour. For instance, in Australia, a 30ml nip of 40% ABV spirits is considered one standard drink. A 50ml pour of whiskey, depending on its alcohol by volume (ABV), will almost always contain more than one standard drink. Always check the bottle label and local health guidelines to accurately track alcohol intake. The US government's TTB provides valuable resources on these regulations, and you can explore their resources further for more information. https://www.ttb.gov/regulated-commodities/beverage-alcohol/distilled-spirits/conversion-tables.


Feature	United States	United Kingdom	Russia
Single Shot	1.5 oz (~44ml)	25ml or 35ml	50ml
50ml Whiskey	Generous single "nip"	Standard double shot	Standard single shot
Measurement Standard	Varies by state; 1.5 oz is common bar practice	Legally defined 25ml or 35ml single; 50ml double	50ml is customary

Conclusion

The simple question of how many shots is 50ml of whiskey has no single, universal answer. It serves as a prime example of the differences in international drinking customs and legal regulations. What is a standard single shot in one country may be a double in another, or even just a "miniature" bottle. For consistent pouring, especially when mixing drinks at home, a jigger is the most reliable tool. For responsible drinking, understanding the local definition of a "standard drink" is more important than the shot size itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 'nip' or miniature bottle of whiskey typically contains 50ml of liquor. In the US, this is often treated as one serving or a single shot, despite being slightly larger than the standard 1.5-ounce pour.

50ml of whiskey is equal to approximately 1.7 fluid ounces. This volume is often sold in miniature or 'nip' bottles in the US.

No, 50ml is a double shot only in specific countries, such as the United Kingdom, where a single shot is 25ml or 35ml. In other places like Russia, 50ml is a single shot.

Shot sizes differ due to variations in local drinking culture, historical practices, and specific government regulations regarding the service of alcohol in bars and restaurants.

For accurate measurement at home, use a jigger with clear milliliter markings. Alternatively, a miniature 50ml bottle can be poured directly, but its shot count will depend on your country's definition.

A 'shot' is a unit of volume that varies globally, while a 'standard drink' is a unit defined by the amount of pure alcohol it contains, typically for health and safety guidelines.

A standard 750ml bottle of whiskey contains 15 miniature (50ml) bottles. This can be calculated by dividing 750 by 50.