How many shots are in a bottle of whiskey? The answer depends on several factors, including your preferred shot size, the bottle’s volume, and even your location. Whether you’re pouring for yourself or planning a party, understanding these nuances is essential for any whiskey enthusiast.
This article delves into the complexities of whiskey measurements, exploring different shot and bottle sizes, regional variations, and cocktail considerations. By the end, you’ll be equipped to navigate any whiskey-pouring scenario with confidence, ensuring your next dram is perfectly measured.
The Standard Shot: Defining the Baseline
The standard bottle size for whiskey in the US is 750ml. So, how many shots are there in 750ml?
If you define a ‘shot’ as 1.5 ounces, there are 16.9 shots in a standard 750ml bottle of whiskey.
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On the other hand, if you are working with 1-ounce glasses, there are 25 shots in a bottle of whiskey, plus 1/3 of a shot left over.
However, most cocktails contain more than 1.5 ounces of spirit—typically two or even 2.5 ounces of whiskey find their way into Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, and the like. As such, if you’re mixing up a batch of fancy whiskey cocktails for your most high-falutin’ friends, you’ll need a full bottle of whiskey for every 12 cocktails.
| Bottle Size | US Shots (1.5 oz) |
UK Shots (25 ml)
|
| 375 ml (Half Bottle) | 8.45 | 15 |
| 500 ml | 11.2 | 20 |
| 700 ml | 15.7 | 28 |
| 750 ml (Standard US) | 16.9 | 30 |
| 1 L (Liter) | 22.5 | 40 |
| 1.75 L (Magnum) | 39.4 | 70 |
Different Bottle Sizes
So, we have covered the standard US measurements – one 750ml bottle of whiskey contains 16.9 1.5-ounce shots. But, what about other bottle sizes?
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Well, in several other countries around the globe, including the UK, the standard bottle size is 700ml (or 70cl). As such, there are about 15.7 shots in a 700ml bottle of whiskey.
In a 500ml bottle, you can expect around 11.2 shots, and a 1-liter bottle contains around 22.5 shots.
US vs UK Shot Sizes
Yes, a shot of whiskey is measured differently in the UK. By law, gin, vodka, rum, and whiskey must be sold in 25ml or multiples thereof. They can also be sold in 35ml. However, most places in the UK stick to the 25ml measure.
So, in the UK a 700ml bottle of whiskey contains exactly 28 shots.
Do Shot Glasses Come In Different Sizes?
Shot glasses do come in different sizes, meaning that the above math is by no means foolproof. If you use a tall shot glass or one with a wide rim, it may well have a different volume to those I have just described.
The moral of the story? If you are hosting a cocktail party for friends, make sure your liquor bar is well-stocked, and perhaps stick to one measuring tool to create your whiskey cocktails.
If you are following a recipe, be sure to check which measurements are being used. After all, two US shots is a very different quantity to two UK shots.
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