Deciphering Canadian Liquor Nicknames
Understanding bottle sizes can be confusing, especially when regional nicknames are involved. In Canada, a "26" is a slang term for a 750-millilitre (mL) bottle of liquor. This term, along with its variants like "two-six" or "twenty-sixer," is a holdover from the days when liquor was sold using imperial measurements, and this particular bottle size held 26 fluid ounces. Despite the official shift to the metric system in the 1970s, the old nickname for this standard-sized bottle has remained popular and widely understood across the country.
The Imperial to Metric Transition
To fully appreciate the origin of the "26" nickname, it's helpful to look at the historical context of Canada's metric conversion. When Canada began its metrication process in the 1970s, the liquor industry transitioned from imperial fluid ounces to metric millilitres. A 750 mL bottle became the new standard size, replacing the 26-ounce imperial bottle. While 750 mL is slightly less than 26 imperial ounces (1 imperial fluid ounce equals approximately 28.41 mL, making 26 oz roughly 738.7 mL), it was chosen as the most convenient and practical metric equivalent. The established vernacular, however, clung to the older, more familiar number.
Comparison of Standard Alcohol Bottle Sizes
To provide clarity, here is a comparison of common bottle sizes across different units of measurement, including the Canadian '26' and the American 'fifth'.
| Bottle Type | Millilitres (mL) | Ounces (oz) (Approx.) | Shots (1.5 oz/44 mL) | Common Nickname(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miniature | 50 mL | 1.7 oz | ~1 shot | Nip, mini |
| Half-Pint | 200 mL | 6.8 oz | ~4 shots | Half-pint |
| Pint (Canada: Mickey) | 375 mL | 12.7 oz | ~8 shots | Pint, Mickey (Cdn) |
| Fifth (Standard) | 750 mL | 25.4 oz | ~17 shots | Fifth (US), 26er (Cdn) |
| Liter | 1000 mL | 33.8 oz | ~22 shots | Liter |
| Handle | 1.75 L | 59.2 oz | ~39 shots | Handle, half-gallon |
Other Canadian Liquor Slang
Beyond the "two-six," Canadian liquor stores and consumers use other specific nicknames for bottle sizes. These terms further highlight the country's unique cultural relationship with alcohol measurements.
- Mickey (375 mL): This refers to a 375 mL bottle of hard alcohol, roughly half the size of a "26".
- Forty (1.14 L): This larger bottle size, specifically 1.14 litres, is sometimes called a "forty" because it replaced the 40-ounce imperial bottle.
The Lingering Legacy of Imperial Units
While Canada officially embraced the metric system decades ago, a number of colloquialisms rooted in imperial measurements persist. The enduring use of "26" for 750 mL is a prime example of this phenomenon. It showcases how everyday language can preserve cultural history, even as official standards change. For international visitors or those unfamiliar with Canadian drinking culture, understanding these terms is essential for navigating liquor purchases without confusion.
Why the Global 750 mL Standard?
The 750 mL bottle, known colloquially as a "26" in Canada or a "fifth" in the US, is a widely accepted standard for spirits and wine around the world. The reason for this standardization is multifold: it simplifies international trade, aids in calculating alcohol content per serving, and standardizes production for distilleries and wineries. The bottle is a manageable size for transport and storage, and its universal recognition has helped streamline the global alcohol market.
Conclusion
In short, when a Canadian refers to a "26" of alcohol, they are simply talking about a 750 mL bottle of spirits. The name is a fun piece of Canadian history, echoing the country's move from imperial to metric measurements in the last century. While the actual measurement is now standardized to 750 mL, the old term endures. It’s a perfect example of how language, particularly slang, can survive long after the literal meaning has become obsolete, providing a quirky but endearing cultural reference point.
Understanding Liquor Volume and Terminology
- History: A "26 of alcohol" is a Canadian nickname for a 750 mL bottle, named after the historical 26-ounce imperial measurement it replaced.
- Metric Standard: The modern equivalent for a "26" is a 750 mL bottle, which is the standard size for many spirits and wine bottles globally.
- Regional Differences: While Canadians use "26" or "two-six," Americans often refer to the same 750 mL bottle size as a "fifth".
- Other Slang: Canadian liquor terminology includes other nicknames, such as "mickey" for a 375 mL bottle and "forty" for a 1.14 L bottle.
- Calculation: A direct conversion of 26 US fluid ounces is approximately 768.9 mL, but the Canadian "26" is based on 26 imperial fluid ounces, which is closer to the 750 mL metric standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Is a '26 of alcohol' bigger than a 750 mL bottle? Answer: No, a "26 of alcohol" is the colloquial Canadian term for a 750 mL bottle of spirits, not a different size. The nickname is a remnant from a historical imperial measurement.
Question: Where did the term '26 of alcohol' come from? Answer: The term originated in Canada when liquor was sold in imperial measurements. A standard bottle contained 26 fluid ounces. When the country switched to the metric system, 750 mL became the new standard, but the nickname stuck.
Question: What is a 'fifth' in mL? Is it the same as a '26'? Answer: A "fifth" is the American term for a 750 mL bottle of liquor. While it's the same volume as a Canadian "26" (750 mL), the names originated differently—a fifth was one-fifth of a US gallon.
Question: How many shots are in a 26er (750 mL) bottle? Answer: There are approximately 17 standard 1.5-ounce shots in a 750 mL bottle of liquor.
Question: Are all 26-ounce bottles sold today actually 750 mL? Answer: Most liquor bottles sold today globally conform to standard metric sizes like 750 mL. Any historical or informal references to 26 ounces refer to this standard 750 mL size.
Question: What is a 'mickey' in Canada? Answer: A "mickey" is a Canadian slang term for a smaller, 375 mL bottle of hard alcohol, which is half the size of a 26er.
Question: Why do some alcohol bottles have 700 mL instead of 750 mL? Answer: While 750 mL is standard in North America, some European countries use a 700 mL standard for spirits due to regional regulations. This explains why bottle sizes can sometimes differ when importing certain brands.
