What is a Fifth and Why Is It Called That?
A 'fifth' of vodka, or any other liquor, is a standard 750-milliliter (ml) bottle. For most of the 20th century in the United States, a fifth was legally defined as one-fifth of a US gallon, which is equal to about 25.6 fluid ounces. In 1980, the US government standardized liquor bottle sizes to the metric system to conform with international standards. The new 750ml bottle, containing approximately 25.4 fluid ounces, was so close to the old fifth that the name stuck. So, while the measurement is now metric, the popular slang term 'fifth' remains.
The Historical Roots of the "Fifth"
Before the metric system was adopted, liquor was sold in fractional parts of a gallon, which is a key part of understanding what a 5th of vodka means. The 'fifth' became a common size due to retail laws regarding how much liquor a retailer could sell. Bottles larger than a fifth of a gallon were considered wholesale, which was often regulated differently than retail sales. The fifth, therefore, became the de facto standard for retail customers. This history explains why Americans still use the term for a 750ml bottle, even though it is no longer precisely a fifth of a gallon.
How Many Shots Are in a Fifth of Vodka?
For many, a key question is how many servings a fifth of vodka contains. Based on a standard 1.5-ounce shot size in the US, a 750ml bottle holds approximately 17 shots.
- Miniature (50ml): Approximately 1 shot.
- Half-Pint (200ml): Approximately 4 shots.
- Pint (375ml): Approximately 8 shots.
- Fifth (750ml): Approximately 17 shots.
- Liter (1000ml): Approximately 22 shots.
- Handle (1.75L): Approximately 39 shots.
This calculation assumes a precise 1.5-ounce pour and does not account for variations in pouring technique, shot glass size, or the concentration of the alcohol.
Calorie and Content Information for a Fifth of Vodka
For those mindful of their diet or health, understanding the nutritional content of a fifth is important. The calories in vodka are derived solely from its alcohol content, as pure vodka contains no sugar, carbs, or sodium. An 80-proof (40% ABV) vodka, which is the most common proof sold, contains roughly 97 calories per 1.5-ounce shot. Therefore, a 750ml fifth of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 1,600 calories.
Vodka Content by Proof
| Proof | ABV | Calories per 1.5 oz Shot | Calories per Fifth (750ml) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 Proof | 40% | ~97 calories | ~1,600 calories |
| 100 Proof | 50% | ~124 calories | ~2,000 calories |
| Flavored | Varies | Can be higher | Higher |
A Fifth of Vodka and Responsible Drinking
While a fifth is a common size, it represents a large quantity of alcohol. Responsible consumption is crucial. For reference, a single 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka is considered one standard drink. A fifth, therefore, contains a significant number of standard drinks, far exceeding recommended daily limits. The danger is magnified by vodka's potency compared to other alcoholic beverages. For instance, a 750ml bottle of wine contains around five standard glasses, while a fifth of vodka contains over 16 standard shots. If you have concerns about your alcohol consumption, seeking professional help is a responsible step toward better health. You can find more information about alcohol misuse and treatment options from authoritative sources such as the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) [Link: NIAAA https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/].
Conclusion
In summary, a 5th of vodka means a standard 750ml bottle. The name is a throwback to pre-1980s US measurement standards, but the term remains a common colloquialism today. This size holds approximately 17 standard shots of vodka, and understanding its volume is essential for everything from mixing cocktails to practicing responsible drinking habits. The next time you hear someone refer to a 'fifth,' you'll know the history behind the measurement and what it means for your favorite spirit.
