When it comes to pouring a drink at home or ordering one at a bar, the terms “single” and “double” are commonly used to indicate the amount of alcohol in the drink. But there is often confusion around what counts as a single or double shot. So is 50ml considered a single or double shot?
What is a Standard Drink?
Before determining what counts as a single or double shot, it’s helpful to understand what constitutes a standard drink. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a standard drink in the United States contains roughly 14 grams or 0.6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol.
This amount of pure alcohol is found in:
- 12 ounces of regular beer (about 5% alcohol)
- 8-9 ounces of malt liquor (about 7% alcohol)
- 5 ounces of wine (about 12% alcohol)
- 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (about 40% alcohol)
So in the United States, a single or standard drink is considered 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor, which contains about 14 grams or 0.6 ounces of alcohol. This means a double would be twice that amount, or 3 ounces of 80-proof liquor with around 28 grams or 1.2 ounces of pure alcohol.
What are Single and Double Shots?
Using the standard drink definition, we can determine what amounts count as single and double shots:
- Single shot: 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor (40% alcohol)
- Double shot: 3 ounces of 80-proof liquor (40% alcohol)
In metric measurements, this equates to:
- Single shot: 44ml of 40% alcohol liquor
- Double shot: 88ml of 40% alcohol liquor
So in the United States, 1.5 ounces or 44ml is considered a standard single shot pour, while 3 ounces or 88ml is considered a double shot. Anything in between, like 50ml, would be more than a single shot but less than a double.
Typical Single Shot Sizes Around the World
While 1.5 ounces or 44ml is the standard single shot in the US, typical single shot sizes can vary in other countries based on their standard drink definitions. Here are some common single shot sizes globally:
| Country | Single Shot Size |
|---|---|
| United States | 1.5 ounces / 44ml |
| United Kingdom | 25ml |
| Australia | 30ml |
| Japan | 45ml |
| France | 4cl / 40ml |
As you can see, the standard single shot ranges from 25ml to 45ml (or 1 to 1.5 ounces) depending on the country and how they define a drink. So while some places may consider 50ml a double pour, in other places like Japan it falls into the single shot range.
When is 50ml Considered a Single or Double Shot?
Now we can directly address the original question – is 50ml considered a single or double shot? Based on typical single shot sizes around the world, 50ml falls right in the middle:
- It’s less than the standard 44ml single shot in the US.
- It’s more than the standard 25-30ml single shot in the UK and Australia.
- It’s close to the 45ml single shot in Japan.
- It’s bigger than the standard 40ml pour in France.
So whether 50ml is thought of as a single or double depends largely on location and local drinking culture. Here is an overview:
| Country | 50ml Considered |
|---|---|
| United States | More than a single, less than a double |
| United Kingdom | Double shot |
| Australia | Almost double shot |
| Japan | Just over single shot |
| France | More than a single shot |
In summary:
- In the United States, 50ml is considered more than a single shot but less than a double.
- In the United Kingdom and Australia, 50ml is generally seen as a double shot pour.
- In Japan and France, 50ml falls into a grey area between a single and double.
Other Factors That Determine Single vs. Double
While we’ve looked at typical single shot sizes, there are a few other factors that can determine if 50ml is viewed as a single or double pour:
- Drink type – Shot sizes may vary based on the type of liquor. For example, a single shot of whiskey is often 50ml while a single vodka shot may be 40ml.
- Alcohol percentage – Higher proof liquors like overproof rum may have smaller single shot pours.
- Personal preference – An individual’s pouring style and liquor tolerance can influence what they consider a single or double shot.
- Establishment – Some bars or restaurants may have standardized larger or smaller pours.
So in addition to location, all of these circumstances can determine if someone views 50ml as either a single or double amount.
Does Shot Size Matter?
When determining whether 50ml is a single or double shot, the actual amount may not matter as much as the effect.
According to health organizations, the recommended alcohol limits for moderate drinking are:
- Men: No more than 2 drinks per day
- Women: No more than 1 drink per day
The concern with consuming multiple “double” shots is going over these daily limits and increasing negative health impacts and intoxication risks.
So regardless of whether a 50ml pour is labeled a single or double shot, it’s best to pace yourself and monitor your alcohol intake. Counting drinks can help keep you aware of how much you’ve consumed.
It’s also important to note that pouring shots at home often leads to larger pours and underestimating intake. Using measuring tools helps ensure you stay within low-risk amounts.
50ml Shot Guidelines
To recap key points around 50ml shots:
- In most places, 50ml falls between a single (44ml) and double (88ml) shot.
- Only in the UK/Australia is 50ml generally considered a double shot pour.
- Drink type, alcohol proof, personal habits, and establishment norms all impact perceptions of shot size.
- Regardless of single/double labels, limiting yourself to 1-2 standard drinks per day is recommended.
- Measuring your pours helps monitor intake for low-risk alcohol consumption.
The Bottom Line
While there are no universal standards, most countries would consider 50ml more than a single shot but less than a double shot. The key is paying attention to your personal limits and pacing yourself, no matter the terminology used where you are drinking. Focusing on moderation and measuring pours helps ensure cualquier 50ml stays within safe amounts.
