The History Behind the Term "Fifth"
Before the United States officially adopted the metric system for liquor sales in the late 1970s, bottle sizes were measured in imperial units. A standard bottle was designated as one-fifth of a U.S. liquid gallon, which equals 25.6 fluid ounces. However, when the liquor industry transitioned to the metric system on January 1, 1980, the standard bottle size became 750ml. Conveniently, 750 milliliters is almost exactly 25.4 fluid ounces, making it close enough to the original "fifth" to keep the traditional name alive in American slang. The transition was even beneficial for distillers, who gained a small amount of liquor per bottle due to the minor difference in volume.
Breaking Down a Fifth of Tito's Vodka
So, when you see a bottle of Tito's labeled "750ml," it is also colloquially known as a fifth. Tito's Handmade Vodka is a popular American vodka made from corn, giving it a smooth and clean finish that makes it an excellent mixing spirit.
How Many Shots are in a Fifth?
Using the standard U.S. shot size of 1.5 fluid ounces, a 750ml bottle contains approximately 17 shots. This calculation is based on dividing the bottle's volume in ounces (25.4 oz) by the volume of a standard shot (1.5 oz). It is important to remember that this number can vary slightly depending on the exact pour size.
Volume in Ounces and Milliliters
The modern fifth is exactly 750 milliliters (ml). In fluid ounces, this is equivalent to about 25.4 fl oz. Many people also use terms like "liter" (1000ml) or "handle" (1.75L) when discussing larger liquor bottles, but the fifth remains the most common standard size for retail sales.
Popular Cocktails with Tito's
Because of its smooth flavor profile, Tito's works exceptionally well in a variety of mixed drinks. Here are some popular options:
- Tito's All-American Lemonade: A refreshing mix of Tito's Handmade Vodka and lemonade.
- Tito's American Mule: A twist on the classic Moscow Mule, combining Tito's with ginger beer and a lime wedge.
- Tito's Soda Lime: A simple and clean combination of Tito's, sparkling water, and a squeeze of lime.
- Tito's Bloody Mary: The brand's take on the classic brunch cocktail, featuring tomato juice and various spices.
- Tito-Rita: A vodka-based margarita alternative with orange liqueur, lime juice, and agave nectar.
Comparison of Vodka Bottle Sizes
Here is a quick reference table comparing a fifth to other common liquor bottle sizes available for brands like Tito's:
| Bottle Name | Milliliters (ml) | Fluid Ounces (fl oz) | Approx. Shots (1.5 oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miniature (Nip) | 50 ml | 1.7 oz | 1 |
| Half-Pint | 200 ml | 6.8 oz | 4 |
| Pint | 375 ml | 12.7 oz | 8 |
| Fifth (Standard) | 750 ml | 25.4 oz | 17 |
| Liter | 1000 ml | 33.8 oz | 22 |
| Handle (Half-Gallon) | 1750 ml | 59.2 oz | 39 |
Storing Your Tito's Vodka
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality of your vodka. An unopened bottle of Tito's has an indefinite shelf life if kept in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, the vodka will not spoil, but it will gradually lose some of its flavor and aroma over time due to oxidation. For best results, it is recommended to finish an opened bottle within a year or two. Storing it in the refrigerator can help preserve its crispness, and a freezer can give it a thicker, more viscous texture, although some connoisseurs prefer not to freeze higher-end spirits to avoid masking their subtle notes. For long-term storage, always ensure the cap is tightly sealed to minimize air exposure.
Conclusion
While the term may be a historical remnant, a fifth of Tito's is simply the standard 750ml bottle of vodka, a common sight on liquor store shelves. It provides a versatile amount of spirits for cocktails, shots, or sipping. Understanding the measurements and storage best practices ensures you can get the most out of your Tito's, whether you're mixing a popular drink like a Tito's Mule or crafting your own creation for a party.
One authoritative outbound link: Tito's Handmade Vodka
