Tag: Bar knowledge

Back in 16th-century England, the term "proof" was coined through a crude gunpowder test to determine the alcohol content of spirits for taxation purposes. If the liquor-soaked gunpowder could still ignite, it was considered proof of high alcohol content. Today, this term has evolved, and understanding what does "proof" mean is crucial for modern drinkers and mixologists alike.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a standard US drink contains 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. This translates to a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof bourbon, which is typically 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). The precise amount of alcohol in one shot of bourbon depends on its proof and the pour size.

According to liquor industry data, a 375 ml bottle is commonly referred to as a "pint" in the United States, even though this is not a technically accurate measurement. The discrepancy arises from the clash between older imperial measurements and the metric system's adoption for distilled spirits.