Quick Answer
A single tot typically contains 30-45 ml of liquor. The exact amount can vary based on the type of liquor and the size of the glass used. A standard bar pour is generally around 1.5 fluid ounces or 45 milliliters.
What is a Tot?
A tot is a small measure of spirits or liquor, usually served as a single shot. The word “tot” likely originated from the word “small” or “tiny” in Old English. A tot is often referred to as a “nip” or a “shot” in American English. It represents a single serving of a distilled alcoholic beverage like whiskey, rum, vodka, or tequila.
Standard Tot Size
While there is no universal standard size for a tot, it typically contains anywhere from 30 to 45 ml (1 to 1.5 fluid ounces) of liquor. The most common tot sizes are:
- 30 ml (1 fluid ounce) – A single jigger or pony shot
- 45 ml (1.5 fluid ounces) – A standard bar pour in many countries
- 60 ml (2 fluid ounces) – A double shot
In the United States, a standard drink is defined as containing 0.6 fluid ounces or 14 grams of pure alcohol. This equates to around 40-45 ml (1.5 ounces) of 40% ABV spirit.
Factors Affecting Tot Size
Several factors can affect the actual volume of a tot pour:
Type of Liquor
The traditional tot size can vary based on the type of spirit:
- Vodka – 40-50ml
- Rum – 35-45ml
- Whiskey – 25-35ml
- Tequila – 45-50ml
This accounts for differences in traditional serving sizes between spirits, based on their typical alcohol percentage and flavor profiles.
Alcohol Percentage
The ABV (alcohol by volume) percentage of the liquor impacts the tot size. A 40% vodka may be poured more generously than an 80% rum in a standard tot.
Size of Glassware
The size and shape of glassware used can also affect the visual pour. A larger shot glass may be filled with more liquid even when the actual volume is the same.
Country/Region
Standard pour sizes for a tot or shot vary around the world. For example, a shot in Japan is typically 30ml while Australia uses a 30ml nip and a 45ml tot.
Establishment Policies
Individual bars and restaurants may have specific pouring guidelines for tots. A generous bar may overpour while others aim for precise amounts.
How Much Alcohol is in a Tot?
Given that a typical tot contains 30-45ml of liquor, the amount of pure alcohol varies based on the ABV:
| Liquor Type | Typical ABV | Alcohol per 45ml Tot |
|---|---|---|
| Vodka | 40% | 18ml |
| Rum | 40% | 18ml |
| Gin | 40% | 18ml |
| Whiskey | 40% | 18ml |
| Tequila | 40% | 18ml |
So a 45ml tot of 40% spirit contains around 18ml of pure alcohol. This represents nearly one standard drink.
Other Common Liquor Serving Sizes
| Drink Name | Typical Volume |
|---|---|
| Shot | 30-50ml |
| Pony | 30ml |
| Jigger | 45-60ml |
| Double | 60ml |
A shot, nip, tot, and jigger are close equivalents in the 30-45ml range. A pony is a 30ml (1oz) shot, while a double is 60ml (2oz).
Cocktail Recipes Specifying “Tot” Measures
Many cocktail recipes, especially older ones, use the term “tot” when specifying liquor quantities:
Classic Gin Martini
– 60ml (2oz) gin
– 10ml (1/3oz) dry vermouth
– 1 olive or lemon twist to garnish
Whiskey Sour
– 45ml (1.5oz) bourbon
– 30ml (1oz) fresh lemon juice
– 15ml (0.5oz) simple syrup
– Slice of orange and maraschino cherry to garnish
Rum Old Fashioned
– 60ml (2oz) aged rum
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– 1 sugar cube
– Orange peel to garnish
When following such recipes, use the typical tot equivalent of your choice, such as 30ml or 45ml, for each “tot” specified.
How Many Tots in a Bottle of Liquor?
The number of tots that can be poured from a standard sized liquor bottle depends on the size of each tot and the volume of the bottle.
For example, a 750ml (25oz) bottle of whiskey can pour approximately:
- 25 tots of 30ml
- 16 tots of 45ml
- 12 tots of 60ml
So a typical 750ml bottle holds between 12-25 tots depending on the pour size. Smaller 375ml bottles would yield half as many.
For reference, common liquor bottle sizes include:
| Bottle Size | Total Volume |
|---|---|
| Half Pint | 200ml |
| Pint | 375ml |
| Fifth | 750ml |
| Liter | 1000ml |
| 1.75 Liters | 1750ml |
So a fifth (750ml) has about 16-25 single tot pours.
Should You Measure Tots Precisely?
For casual home drinking, precisely measuring tot volumes is unnecessary. Eyeballing a standard jigger (1.5oz) pour is fine.
However, for professional bartenders, precisely measuring with jiggers helps ensure consistency across many drinks and patrons. It also allows accurate tracking of liquor inventory and costs.
Many bars use programmed electronic pourers to dispense exact shot volumes. This prevents overpouring expensive liquor while standardizing the drinking experience.
Precise tot pours are also important for cocktail competitions and classic mixed drinks that rely on specific proportions. Otherwise minor measurement errors can throw off the flavor balance.
Responsible Serving Sizes
While a single 45ml tot is a standard drink size, health organizations suggest limits for responsible alcohol consumption:
- Men: No more than 2 drinks per day
- Women: No more than 1 drink per day
And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further recommends:
- No more than 4 drinks on any day for men
- No more than 3 drinks on any day for women
Sticking within these limits helps reduce the health risks associated with excessive alcohol intake. Measuring tot sizes precisely makes it easier to track and moderate your consumption.
The History of the Tot Measure
References to the tot liquor serving size date back centuries:
- 1700s – The term “tot” was in use as a small measure of liquor.
- 1800s – “Tot” appears in written recipes and tavern keeping records.
- 1920s – “Tot” was in common use after Prohibition to describe a single shot.
- Mid-1900s – Many cocktail books standardized on a 1.5oz tot size.
- Today – “Tot” remains in use alongside shot, jigger, and nip.
So while not the formal name, a “tot” has been a commonly understood single serve of spirits for hundreds of years. The exact quantity has evolved over time but stayed within the 1-2oz range.
Regional Variations in Tot Sizes
There are some regional differences in how the word “tot” is interpreted and used around the world:
United Kingdom
– Tot = 35-45ml
– Single = 25-35ml
Australia
– Tot = 45ml
– Nip = 30ml
Canada
– Tot = 50-60ml
– Pony = 30ml
New Zealand
– Tot = 30ml
So while international definitions vary, a tot always represents a single liquor serve between 30-60ml. The US standard aligns most closely with the 45ml Australian tot.
Conclusion
In summary, a standard single tot contains 30-45ml (1-1.5oz) of liquor, with 45ml (1.5oz) being the most common bar pour. The actual amount can vary based on factors like alcohol type, glass size, regional definitions, and serving customs. Precise tot measurements are useful for cocktail consistency but not mandatory for casual drinking. Sticking to 1-2 measured tots daily aligns with recommended alcohol intake limits. So for both enjoying and responsibly tracking spirits, understanding the tot size can be valuable.
