Quick Answer
A standard shot of liquor in the United States contains 1.5 fluid ounces. This amount is defined by law in several states and refers to a shot of 80 proof distilled spirits. So a single shot of liquor like vodka, whiskey, rum, gin, or tequila will be 1.5 fluid ounces.
What Is a Shot?
A shot is a small serving of a distilled alcoholic beverage, typically consumed as a single serving. Shots are the usual way of drinking stronger spirits like vodka, whiskey, tequila, rum, and others.
Shots are generally served in small glasses designed for that purpose. Common names for these glasses include shot glass, jigger, shooter, tot glass, and pony glass. They typically hold between 1 and 3 fluid ounces of liquid.
The most common size for a shot glass in the United States is 1.5 fluid ounces. A standard U.S. regulation shot is 1.5 ounces of 80 proof liquor, which contains 40% alcohol.
Standard Shot Sizes
Here are some standard shot sizes:
- United States – 1.5 fluid ounces
- United Kingdom – 1 fluid ounce
- Australia – 1 fluid ounce
- Japan – 1.7 fluid ounces
- Russia – 2.1 fluid ounces
So a single shot in a bar or restaurant will typically be around 1-2 fluid ounces, with 1.5 ounces being the most common. Shots may contain slightly more or less than the “standard” amounts, but they are generally served in that range.
Determining Shot Sizes
There are a few ways to determine exactly how many ounces are in a specific pour of liquor when you are making drinks at home:
Read the Marks on a Jigger
A jigger is a bartending tool used to precisely measure out shots. It has two sides – one for a 1 ounce pour and one for a 1.5 ounce pour. So if you fill up one side of a standard jigger, you can be sure you have a 1 or 1.5 ounce shot.
Use a Shot Glass
Fill up a shot glass and pour the contents into a measuring cup to determine the exact fluid volume. Make sure it’s level with the rim. This will show you the number of ounces in the particular shot glass you are using.
Look up the Glass Specifications
Shot glass sizes are standardized, so you can look up the official size of a particular glass online or on the packaging. This will tell you its intended shot volume. For example, a standard 1.5 ounce shot glass holds exactly that amount when filled to the brim.
Factors that Affect Shot Sizes
While 1.5 ounces is considered a standard single shot in the United States, the actual amount can vary slightly depending on several factors:
Type of Liquor
The convention is based on a shot of 80 proof liquor (40% alcohol). So a shot of 80 proof vodka would be 1.5 ounces. Higher proof liquors like overproof rum or liquors below 80 proof may have slightly more or less liquid in a “standard” shot pour.
Pouring Style
Some bartenders have a heavy hand and pour more generously. A busy bartender may fill the glass completely to the top, while a more precise pour with a jigger may put slightly less.
Type of Glassware
Shots can be served in everything from a tiny glass to a rock glass. The shape and dimensions will determine how many ounces it holds when filled up. A wider glass may fit more than a tall, slender one.
Regional Differences
Standards vary somewhat around the world, so a single shot in Australia or Japan may not contain the same amount of liquid as one in the U.S. Different countries have their own conventions.
Personal Preference
Some people expect a shot to be filled to the top, while others consider any reasonably full glass to be a proper single serve. This can lead to inconsistencies.
Specialty Shot Sizes
While a single shot is usually around 1.5 ounces, some larger or smaller shot options include:
Pony Shot – 1 ounce
A pony shot contains just 1 fluid ounce of liquor. This is a smaller single serving.
Double Shot – 3 ounces
A double shot is, not surprisingly, twice the size of a standard single shot for a total of 3 fluid ounces of liquor.
Bookers’ Shot – 2 ounces
More generous than a single shot at 2 ounces, this is sometimes referred to as a “Bookers’ shot.”
Rocks Pour – 2-3 ounces
When liquor is served “on the rocks” in an old fashioned glass, it’s typically 2 to 3 ounces.
So while the classic 1.5 ounce shot is standard, you may encounter slightly smaller or larger pours depending on the specific establishment and drink. The bartender or menu should indicate if a larger or smaller shot size is being served.
Measuring Shots Without Tools
You don’t necessarily need measuring equipment to get an accurate shot amount. Here are some ways to estimate a single shot visually:
– It should be about 3/4 inch to 1 inch deep in a standard 1.5 ounce shot glass.
– The liquid should come up to about halfway when poured into a rocks glass.
– It will measure roughly halfway between the fingers when poured into a single cupped hand.
– Estimate that a single sip from a standard water bottle is roughly 1 ounce. So one full gulp would be about a 1.5 ounce shot.
Again, these are just rough estimates. For true precision when mixing drinks, it’s best to use jiggers, shot glasses, and other measuring tools. But in a pinch, these tricks can help you eyeball a standard single shot amount.
Measuring Shots Precisely
To accurately measure out shot amounts when preparing cocktails:
– Use a jigger with 1 ounce and 1.5 ounce sides. Fill to the correct line for a perfect single or double.
– Fill a shot glass and pour into a measuring cup to verify the exact ounces.
– Use a graduated cylinder or other lab measurer for precise ounces.
– For larger amounts, pour into a measuring cup marked with ounces and fractions.
– Use a digital scale and do the math based on liquid densities. This works for unusual shaped glasses.
Precision is necessary for consistent cocktails and for limiting excess alcohol consumption. So investing in a quality jigger and using measurement tools is advised for home mixologists.
Variation Based on Alcohol Content
A standard shot at 40% alcohol contains 0.6 ounces of pure ethanol. So the alcohol content can vary:
| Liquor Proof | Alcohol Content in 1.5 ounce Shot |
|---|---|
| 80 proof (40% ABV) | 0.6 ounces |
| 90 proof (45% ABV) | 0.675 ounces |
| 100 proof (50% ABV) | 0.75 ounces |
| 110 proof (55% ABV) | 0.825 ounces |
| 120 proof (60% ABV) | 0.9 ounces |
| 150 proof (75% ABV) | 1.125 ounces |
So while a 1.5 ounce shot is standard, the alcohol quantity can go up or down depending on the proof. This needs to be accounted for when determining number of servings in a cocktail recipe.
State Laws on Shot Sizes
In some U.S. states, there are legal definitions around standard shot sizes for serving liquors:
Utah
A shot cannot exceed 1.5 fluid ounces. Bars and restaurants must use metered dispensing systems to ensure accurate pours.
Oregon
A shot is defined as 1.5 fluid ounces of 80 proof beverage. This is the basis for determining number of servings.
Colorado
A single alcohol drink serving is 1.5 fluid ounces of 80 proof liquor, 12 ounces of beer, or 5 ounces of wine.
Florida
A standard drink is 1.5 ounces of 80 proof liquor, 4 ounces of wine, or 12 ounces of beer.
So in these states, the conventional 1.5 ounce liquor shot is literally defined by law for commercial establishments. Other jurisdictions use it as a general guideline without an actual legal specification.
Shot Sizes Around the World
Standard shot sizes vary from country to country based on tradition, culture, and regulations. Here are some common sizes:
United Kingdom – 25ml or 35ml
A single in the UK is typically either 25ml (0.8oz) or 35ml (1.2oz).
Australia and New Zealand – 30ml
The standard pour is 30ml, equal to 1 fluid ounce.
Japan – 50ml
A single shot is typically 50ml, or 1.7 fluid ounces.
Russia – 50-60ml
Shots are traditionally larger in Russia, ranging from 50-60ml (1.7-2oz).
Germany and Austria – 20ml or 40ml
Shots can be either 20ml (0.7oz) or 40ml (1.3oz).
South Africa – 25ml or 50ml
Standards are either a 25ml tot or a 50ml double tot.
Canada – 1-2 ounces
Canadian shot sizes are similar to the US, ranging from 1-2 fluid ounces.
So while 1 to 2 ounces is the norm worldwide, the exact size deemed standard in a single shot varies between regions. But the amounts generally fall within that range.
Factors Affecting Shot Sizes Around the World
Shot sizes around the world are influenced by various factors:
Cultural Drinking Habits
Countries with a tradition of spirit drinking often have larger shots, like Russia. Countries with less liquor consumption may have smaller sizes.
Drink Strength Preferences
Vodka is consumed at a higher proof in Eastern Europe, so shots may be larger to account for dilution.
Measuring Systems
Standard metric measurements like 25ml and 50ml are common shot amounts where the metric system is used. Imperial measurements like 1-2oz are popular in countries like the United States.
Regulations
Legal definitions of standard drinks, like in Australia, lead to consistent shot sizes. Self-regulation leads to more variation.
Taxation
Higher liquor taxes may encourage smaller shots to minimize cost. Lower taxes allow for more generous pours.
Glassware Conventions
Traditional glass types and shapes help form expectations around proper shot volumes.
So while 1-2 ounces is globally common, reasons like culture, laws, taxation, and conventions lead to specific differences between countries.
Double Shots and Multiple Servings
Any time a shot is ordered as a “double”, it essentially contains twice the standard single serving amount:
United States – 3 ounces
A double is typically 3 ounces, or two times the normal 1.5 ounce U.S. shot.
United Kingdom – 50ml
Doubles are usually 50ml rather than the standard 25ml or 35ml.
Australia – 60ml
A double is 60ml rather than the single 30ml.
Japan – 100ml
Double shots are 100ml, or two 50ml servings.
For three or more shots multiply accordingly – a triple would be three times a single, a quadruple four times the standard amount, and so on.
So while amounts vary around the world, ordering a double essentially just means twice the usual size in a particular country.
Amount of Alcohol in a Shot
Since various liquors have different alcohol contents (known as alcohol by volume or ABV), the amount of pure ethanol can vary:
Vodka
With an ABV around 40%, a 1.5 ounce shot of vodka would contain about 0.6 ounces of alcohol.
Whiskey
For an 80 proof whiskey at 40% ABV, there is 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol in a standard 1.5 ounce shot.
Gin
With a typical ABV of 40-47%, a gin shot would have 0.6 to 0.7 ounces of alcohol.
Rum
For a 80 proof or 40% ABV rum, a shot has roughly 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol.
Tequila
With an ABV ranging from 40-50%, tequila would have 0.6 to 0.75 ounces of alcohol.
So while a standard liquor shot is defined as 1.5 ounces of liquid, the amount of actual alcohol varies. Higher proof liquors will contain more ethanol.
Number of Shots in Various Liquor Bottle Sizes
Based on the standard 1.5 ounce single shot, here is how many shots come in various liquor bottle sizes:
– 200ml (6.8oz) bottle – 4 to 5 shots
– 375ml (12.7oz) bottle – 8 shots
– 750ml (25.4oz) bottle – 16 shots
– 1 liter (34oz) bottle – 22 shots
– 1.75 liter (60oz) bottle – 40 shots
So a typical 750ml bottle would contain around 16 standard 1.5 ounce shots. Of course, this may vary slightly by pour accuracy and the liquid lost to foam and non-liquid volume.
Terms Related to Shot Sizes and Liquor Servings
There are some other common terms related to shot sizes and pouring liquor:
Finger of Liquor
This is a splash of spirit, around 1 ounce, as would cover one finger in a glass. Less than a full shot.
Poney Shot
A 3/4 ounce miniature shot. Smaller than the typical single serving.
Bumper
A shot filled to the brim with no room to spare. The most generous possible pour.
Nip
Slang for a small shot or mini serving of liquor, usually just 1 ounce.
Gulp
A very large single liquor serving, typically around 4-5 ounces. Significantly bigger than a regular shot.
Neat
A shot served without ice or other mixers, just straight spirits.
So in summary, a standard single shot in the United States contains 1.5 fluid ounces of 80 proof liquor. This equals about 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. Shots are generally meant to be consumed as a single service. Drink sizes and alcohol content varies for double shots or servings in different countries. But in most places a single is between 1-2 ounces. Understanding standard shot sizes allows for proper pouring at bars and events.
