Figuring out how many standard shots are in a typical 375 ml bottle of alcohol is a relatively straightforward calculation, but the exact number can vary slightly depending on the type of liquor and the precise pour size used for a “shot.” In this article, we’ll walk through the basic math needed to find out approximately how many 1.5 oz shots are in a 375 ml bottle, as well as discuss some of the factors that can result in a slightly different total shot count.
Basic Math to Calculate Shots in 375 ml Bottle
The most basic way to calculate the number of shots in a 375 ml bottle is to divide the total milliliters of liquid (375 ml) by the typical shot size. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a standard drink is defined as 0.6 oz of pure alcohol. For a spirit that is 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof), this means a standard drink is 1.5 oz.
So to find out how many 1.5 oz shots are in 375 ml, we simply divide:
- Total volume: 375 ml
- Typical shot: 1.5 oz (44.36 ml)
- 375 ml / 44.36 ml per shot = 8.45 shots
Rounding to the nearest whole number, a 375 ml bottle contains approximately 8 shots if each shot is poured at 1.5 ounces.
Accounting for Alcohol Percentage by Volume
The above calculation assumes the spirit in the 375 ml bottle is a standard 80 proof liquor, which equates to 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). However, some types of liquor or spirits may have a higher or lower ABV percentage. This can affect the total shot yield from a 375 ml bottle.
For example, let’s say the 375 ml bottle contains high-proof rum that is 50% ABV. In this case, to calculate the number of 1.5 oz shots, we adjust the volume of alcohol:
- Total volume: 375 ml
- ABV: 50% = 0.50
- Alcohol volume: 375 ml x 0.50 = 187.5 ml
- Typical shot: 1.5 oz (44.36 ml)
- 187.5 ml / 44.36 ml per shot = 4.23 shots
For 50% ABV rum at 375 ml, we get about 4 shots if pouring 1.5 ounces each time. The higher alcohol percentage results in fewer total shots from the bottle compared to a lower ABV liquor like standard 80 proof vodka.
Accounting for Different Shot Sizes
Another factor that can change the total number of shots in a 375 ml bottle is the actual poured size of each shot. While 1.5 oz is a typical shot, bars and restaurants sometimes pour heavier or lighter shots. Let’s look at how this affects the calculation.
If we use a larger 2 oz pour size, then 375 ml bottle will yield fewer shots:
- Total volume: 375 ml
- Typical shot: 2 oz (59.15 ml)
- 375 ml / 59.15 ml per shot = 6.34 shots
Pouring 2 oz shots, a 375 ml bottle contains just 6 shots instead of 8.
On the other hand, a smaller 1 oz pour size nets more shots per bottle:
- Total volume: 375 ml
- Typical shot: 1 oz (29.57 ml)
- 375 ml / 29.57 ml per shot = 12.68 shots
With 1 oz pours, we get approximately 13 shots from a 375 ml bottle – quite a difference from the 8 shots we calculated originally!
Doing Precise Volume Conversions
For the most precise calculation, it’s best to convert all volumes to the same units instead of mixing measurement systems. Let’s re-do the original math, this time converting milliliters and ounces to fluid ounces:
- 375 ml x (1 fl oz / 29.57 ml) = 12.68 fl oz (total volume of 375 ml bottle)
- 1.5 oz shot x (1 fl oz / 1 oz) = 1.5 fl oz (shot volume)
- 12.68 fl oz (total) / 1.5 fl oz (shot) = 8.45 shots
When the volumes are converted to consistent units, we end up with the same 8.45 shot calculation from our original quick math.
Accounting for Spills and Imperfect Pours
The above calculations all assume perfect pours without any spilling or waste. In the real world, pouring shots inevitably leads to some slight spillage and imprecise shot sizes. This means the actual number of shots obtained from a 375 ml bottle may be a bit less than the mathematical ideals.
To account for inevitable imperfect pours, it’s reasonable to subtract 1 shot from the totals above. So for practical purposes:
- A 375 ml bottle of standard 40% ABV liquor will yield about 7 to 8 shots of around 1.5 oz each.
- Higher proof liquor will result in fewer shots – about 3 to 4 shots from a 375 ml bottle of 50% ABV spirits.
- Smaller shot sizes of 1 oz can net around 12 shots per 375 ml.
But the exact amount will depend on how carefully each shot is poured.
Alternative Ways to Calculate Shots Per Bottle
In addition to doing the division-based math above, there are some alternative ways to calculate the number of shots in a 375 ml bottle:
Refer to a Measurement Conversion Chart
Look up the milliliter to fluid ounce conversion:
- 375 ml = 12.68 fluid ounces
Then divide by your standard shot size:
- 12.68 fl oz / 1.5 fl oz per shot = 8 shots
Calculate Using Percentages
A straight percentage-based approach:
- 375 ml bottle is 100% volume
- 1.5 oz shot is 44.36 ml
- (44.36 ml / 375 ml) x 100 = 11.83%
- 100% / 11.83% per shot = 8.45 shots
Converting to percentages allows you to find the number of shots without dividing volumes directly.
Use an Online Calculator Tool
To avoid math altogether, use an online calculator or conversion tool. For example:
- Input 375 ml bottle volume and 1.5 oz shot
- The calculator will provide the number of shots
This allows you to skip the formulas and conversions yourself.
Common Bottle Sizes and Shot Yields
To summarize, here is the approximate number of shots for some other common bottle sizes, assuming a typical 40% ABV spirit and 1.5 ounce shot pours:
| Bottle Size | Approx. Shots |
|---|---|
| 200 ml | 4 shots |
| 375 ml | 8 shots |
| 750 ml (fifth) | 16 shots |
| 1 liter | 22 shots |
| 1.75 liters (handle) | 39 shots |
Remember, the actual number of shots may be a little less in real life depending on pour accuracy and spillage.
Factors That Can Change Total Shot Count
Based on the information above, here are some key factors that can result in getting more or fewer shots out of a 375 ml liquor bottle:
- Alcohol Percentage – Higher ABV liquors will yield fewer shots from the same volume. So a 50% ABV spirit provides less shots compared to a 40% or 35% ABV liquor.
- Shot Size – The actual pour amount used for a “shot” makes a big difference. Larger 2 oz shots result in fewer pours than smaller 1 oz shots from the same bottle.
- Spills and Mistakes – Imperfect pours mean a reduction in the actual number of shots achieved compared to mathematical perfection.
- Bottling Variance – There is some slight variation among manufacturers in bottling precisely 375 ml. A bottle on the low side may result in 1 less shot.
Best Practices for Maximizing Shots
To get the highest possible shot yield from a 375 ml bottle of spirits:
- Choose a lower alcohol percentage liquor like standard 80 proof (40% ABV) vodka or gin
- Use a smaller 1 to 1.25 oz shot size
- Practice precise pouring technique to minimize spills and waste
- Measure left-over liquor volume after pouring to inform future shot amounts
Following these tips will help you get the most shots from each bottle!
Cocktail Recipe Adjustments for Smaller Bottles
When making cocktails at home from 375 ml bottles, you may need to adjust recipe proportions to account for the smaller volumes. Here are some tips:
- Size up or down the quantities for all ingredients proportionally
- Aim for batches of 4-6 cocktails from a 375ml bottle
- Consider using more inexpensive mixers and juices
- Infuse extra flavor with homemade syrups, purees, etc.
- Use more garnishes and ice to make drinks feel more abundant
With some simple scaling and clever adjustments, you can still mix up delicious craft cocktails starting with 375ml liquor bottles.
Should You Buy Larger or Smaller Bottles?
Deciding between larger or smaller liquor bottle sizes comes down to preferences around variety, cost efficiency, storage space, and intended use:
- Larger bottles (750ml to 1.75L) offer lower cost per volume and fewer shopping trips. But too much open liquor may risk spoilage. Best for high consumption use.
- Mid-size bottles (375 to 500ml) provide greater variety. Allows you to stock more spirits types. Good compromise for most home bars.
- Small bottles (200ml miniatures) give flexibility to try new liquors. Convenient for gifting and travel. But most expensive per volume.
Consider how quickly you’ll use up each bottle and buy accordingly. Faster consumption warrants larger sizes for efficiency. Slower sipping justifies smaller bottles for freshness.
Should You Make Your Own DIY Mini Bottles?
Some thrifty liquor aficionados will “fractionalize” larger bottles into smaller DIY mini bottles. While this does allow you to purchase larger more cost-effective sizes and break them into portable mini servings, it has some downsides to consider:
- Time consuming to fill and re-label many mini bottles
- Bottles may not re-seal perfectly, higher risk of leaks and spills
- No tamper-evident safety seal
- Legal restrictions on repackaging alcohol in some locales
- Need to consume quickly once opened and fractioned
For occasional use, DIY mini bottles can be a fun project. But for ongoing consumption, purchasing legitimate mini bottle brands may be preferable for quality and convenience.
FAQs
Does the alcohol percentage matter when calculating shots?
Yes, the alcohol by volume (ABV) affects the calculation. Higher ABV spirits will contain fewer total 1.5 oz shot yields from a 375ml bottle. Typically 40% ABV liquors yield about 8 shots, while 50% ABV yields around 4 shots.
Can I adjust cocktail recipes for 375ml bottles?
Absolutely! You can size up or down cocktail recipes to work with 375ml bottles. Typically aim for batches of 4-6 drinks from a 375ml spirit. Adjust other ingredients like juices and syrups accordingly.
What’s the best bottle size for infrequently used liqueurs?
For liqueurs and spirits you only use occasionally in small amounts, smaller 200-375ml bottles are ideal. The quality won’t degrade as quickly as with larger sizes. Buy just enough for your needs.
Should I make my own mini bottles to save money?
Home fractioning into mini bottles takes effort and may increase spill risks. It can work occasionally, but purchasing true mini bottle brands is likely a better option for ongoing small-volume consumption.
How many shots in a liter of alcohol?
There are approximately 22 shots in a 1 liter bottle of spirit assuming 40% ABV liquor and 1.5 oz shot pours. So a liter contains about 2.5 times as many shots as a 375ml bottle.
Conclusion
Figuring out the number of shots in a 375ml bottle involves some simple division and math using the total volume and desired shot size. For standard 80 proof spirits and 1.5 oz pours, a 375ml bottle will yield around 8 shots. But factors like alcohol percentage, shot size variances, spillage and bottling variance can all affect the final result. To maximize your shot yield, choose a lower ABV liquor and use precise pouring technique. With some easy calculations and measurement conversions, you can dial in the perfect shot count for any liquor bottle.
