Understanding how much liquor is in a shot is simple when you know three key things: Standard Measurement, Type of Alcohol, and the Type and Size of the Shot Glass.
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- The Standard Measurement changes from one country to another. For example, in the US, a shot is typically 1.5 ounces, but other places might pour differently: for instance, a standard shot is 1 oz in Australia, and 50 ml (1.7 oz) in Russia and Poland.
- The type of Alcohol also influences shot size. Liquors such as vodka, tequila, and whiskey are served in standard servings, while high-proof spirits such as absinthe lead to smaller servings (this way you can have roughly the same amount of pure alcohol in both, making it easier for both bartenders and customers to think in terms of standard drinks).
- Finally, the Shot Glass itself makes a difference. There are many types and sizes, especially considering there are no manufacturing standards or consensus on the market. A bigger glass might mean a bigger serving, and a smaller glass, a smaller one.
In addition to these main factors, a few other elements can affect how much alcohol is in a shot: each bar or restaurant might have its rules, and how a bartender pours can also change the size slightly. Customers often ask for bigger or smaller shots, and bartenders usually pour to please – never feel shy to ask for a specific dose, especially if you feel like a shot is too big for you and you’d like a smaller one!
In this article, we will concentrate on the 3 primary factors – standard measurements, the alcohol type, and shot glass dimensions – to clarify how much is in a shot, looking at both fluid ounces and milliliters. We also list our favorite liquor shots & shooters and some espresso ones for those looking for a quick and effective caffeine kick!
How Many oz in a Shot Glass?
In the United States, a standard shot is considered 1.5 ounces. While the U.S. doesn’t have a unified standard for shot glass sizes, Utah has set a unique precedent by officially defining the shot size at 1.5 ounces.
In Canada, the standard is also 1.5 ounces. However, these measurements can differ in other countries. For example, a standard measurement in the UK is about 0.85 ounces. In Ireland, the standard size is 1.2 oz, while in Japan 2 oz.
How Many Ounces in a Double Shot?
A double shot usually has 3 ounces of liquid in the United States. This is twice as much as a standard of 1.5 ounces. But remember, this amount can change in different places or bars: for example, in the UK, a double Gin & Tonic would contain 50 ml (1.7 oz) of gin… Which is equal to a simple serving in a country such as Spain! So, it’s a good idea to just ask at each place to know how much they serve in a double shot.
How many tablespoons in a shot?
We did the calculations for you! For bars following the guideline where a shot is 1.5 ounces, this translates to 3 tablespoons or 9 teaspoons. But remember that glasses may come in varying sizes, so double-check their measurements before serving drinks to patrons.
How Many mL in a Shot?
A standard shot of 1.5 oz translates to 44 mL. But glasses come in various sizes, leading to different volumes – as small as 28 mL for a single one and as large as around 90 mL for larger portions or shooters.
Conversion Chart
No need to do the math anymore: we’ve made a conversion chart for measurements from 1 to 5 shots in ounces (oz), milliliters (ml), tablespoons (tbsp), and teaspoons (tsp):
|
Number of Shots |
Ounces (oz) | Milliliters (ml) | Tablespoons (tbsp) |
Teaspoons (tsp) |
|
1 |
1.5 oz | 44.4 ml | 3 tbsp |
9 tsp |
|
2 |
3 oz | 88.7 ml | 6 tbsp |
18 tsp |
|
3 |
4.5 oz | 133 ml | 9 tbsp |
27 tsp |
|
4 |
6 oz | 177.4 ml |
12 tbsp |
36 tsp |
| 5 | 7.5 oz | 221.8 ml | 15 tbsp |
45 tsp |
This chart assumes a standard U.S. size of 1.5 ounces. The conversions to milliliters, tablespoons, and teaspoons are based on standard measurement equivalents: 1 ounce equals approximately 29.57 milliliters, 1 tablespoon equals 0.5 ounces, and 1 teaspoon equals about 0.167 ounces.
How to measure 1.5 oz? (Jigger + alternatives)
If you don’t have a shot glass and need to measure a shot of liquor, there are a few alternatives you can use:
- Jigger: This bar tool is designed to measure liquor, typically ranging from 1 to 2 ounces. It’s a good option for precise measurements. Jiggers come in every shape and size, so you are sure to find one that suits your needs.
- Teaspoons: A standard teaspoon holds about 0.17 ounces, so use nine teaspoons. However, keep in mind that the exact value can vary depending on the spoon design, so this method may not be the most accurate one.
- Tablespoons: A standard tablespoon holds about 0.5 ounces, so use three tablespoons. As for teaspoons, the exact capacity of the spoon can change with its design, so this method is rather an estimate than a precise measurement.
- Measure Spoons: If you have a set of measuring spoons, they can be very accurate.
Serving Sizes per Liquor
Serving sizes generally match the Alcohol By Volume (ABV) – the drink’s alcohol content- and flavor intensity.
For liquors like vodka, whiskey, tequila, rum, and mezcal, bars typically pour 1.5 oz. This amount works well for drinking or mixing these spirits into cocktails.
For stronger-tasting or higher-alcohol drinks like mezcal, Chartreuse, absinthe, and grappa, bartenders usually serve smaller amounts, 1 ounce. This smaller size helps people enjoy their strong flavors and higher alcohol levels.
Rich and sweet drinks like port wine, sherry, Bailey’s, or amaretto usually come in 2 to 3-ounce servings. This size helps you appreciate their complex tastes, and their lower alcohol content allows for larger servings.
And for aperitifs like Campari and Aperol, which people drink before eating to get their appetite going, you often get 1 to 2 ounces.
What about espresso shots?
A standard espresso shot (single or solo) usually contains about 1 ounce of liquid. A double typically includes 2 ounces, sometimes even a bit more. These are the fluid ounces that coffee chains such as Starbucks use for their typical espressos. However, the exact amount can vary based on the specific type of espresso and machine you’re using.
Various Shot Glasses
Shot glasses come in different shapes and sizes, each with a unique name and often a specific use. We’ve listed some common types of glasses that we often use at DrinksWorld:
- Standard Shot Glass: This is the most common type. It holds 1.5 ounces.
- Cheater Shot Glass: This holds about 1 to 1.25 ounces. It’s often used in bars to control portions.
- Tall Shot Glass: Also known as a shooter glass. It holds between 2 to 3 ounces. It’s taller than a standard shot glass and is often used for mixed shooter drinks.
- Fluted Shot Glass: This type has a thicker base and fluted sides. It holds 2 ounces and is visually appealing for layered drinks.
- Pony Shot Glass: This one holds 1 ounce. It’s often used for stronger spirits or for mixing drinks.
- Double Shot Glass: As the name suggests, it holds double the standard, 2 to 3 oz.
- Stemmed Shot Glasses: These shot glasses are usually a bit bigger than your usual shot glass and are often used to serve layered shots or warm shots like the Hot Shot drink.
- Themed shot glasses: These are not as much about the size as they are about the shape: skulls and cats for Halloween, little cactuses for tequila shots, or even miniature chemistry equipment for the scientists out there, they come in every shape & form!
Shot vs Shooter
A shot is a single, undiluted type of liquor, whereas a shooter is a mixed drink with various ingredients and flavors.
A shooter is like a tiny cocktail. It’s also served in a small glass but mixes strong liquor with sweet liqueurs, cream, fruit juices, or flavored syrups. Shooters can be mixed or layered, and you can sip or drink them quickly.
The volume of a shooter can vary, typically ranging from 2 to 5 ounces. A few famous examples of shooters would be the B52, the Lemon Drop, or the Irish Flag.
Shot Options
Now that you know how about measurements and how big glasses and shooters are, here are some ideas for shots you can pick from:
Tequila Shots
This is typically enjoyed by licking salt off one’s hand, then taking a shot of tequila, and finishing with a bite of a lime wedge. Some more variations we like:
- Mexican Candy: Tequila, sour watermelon liqueur, hot sauce, and chili lime seasoning.
- Cadillac Margarita: Tequila, Grand Marnier, orange juice and lime.
- Tequila and Sangrita: A shot of Tequila served with a shot of sangrita, spiced tomato juice, on the side. A Mexican classic you should try!
Whiskey Shots
Classic ways to experience the rich, robust flavors of whiskies:
- Four Horsemen: A combination of four different whiskeys – Jim Beam, Jack Daniel’s, Johnnie Walker, and Jameson.
- Three Wise Men: A mix of Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam, and Johnnie Walker
- Snakebite: Whiskey & lime cordial
- Red Snapper Shot: Whiskey (bourbon or rye), amaretto, cranberry juice.
Vodka Shots
Popular choices when you seek a smooth and clean-tasting spirit:
- Blue Kamikaze: Vodka, blue curacao, and lime juice.
- Mind Eraser: Vodka, coffee liqueur, and soda water.
- Russian Quaalude: Vodka, Irish cream, coffee liqueur, hazelnut liqueur & half-and-half or whipped cream.
- Woo Woo: Vodka, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice.
Gin Shots
Trendy choices for those who enjoy a crisp and botanical twist to their spirits:
- Gin with Lime: gin, sugar syrup, and lime juice.
- LA Water: Gin, Rum, Vodka, Triple Sec, Chambord, Blue curaçao and Sweet & sour mix.
- Alabama Slammer Shooter: Sloe Gin, amaretto, Southern Comfort, lemon juice, and orange juice.
- Silver Bullet: Gin, Scotch whisky & a lemon twist.
Coffee & Expresso shots
The essence of coffee in its purest form:
- Espresso Macchiato: Espresso and a touch of steamed milk foam (more coffee than milk).
- Cappuccino: In a large cup, pour an espresso and fill with steamed milk foam (more milk foam than coffee).
- Ristretto: Espresso drink made with half the amount of water.
- Café Latte: espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
How much does a shot cost?
When you drink at home, the cost of a shot depends on the type and brand of liquor you buy. On average, a regular 750ml bottle of liquor can cost anywhere from $10 to $50, depending on the quality and brand. Given a 1.5-ounce (44 milliliters) serving, you can get around 17 shots from a regular bottle. This means that the cost per shot at home can range from as low as $0.60 to $3.
The price when you drink at a bar is, on average, between 2$ and 15$. This widely depends on the type of alcohol, the brand, the location, and the calculation of the pour cost.
FAQs
What makes a neat pour different from a shot?
The difference between a neat pour and a shot is that a neat pour is a larger serving of 2 to 3 ounces, while a shot is typically 1.5 ounces. A neat pour is served straight to enjoy the full flavor of the liquor, whereas a shot, being smaller, is often used in mixed drinks or for quicker consumption.
What is a chaser?
A chaser is a drink you have right after a shot or a strong liquor. It helps clean your mouth, reduces the strong taste of the liquor, or soothes the burning feeling some drinks cause. Chasers can be different, like soda, juice, water, or even a milder alcoholic drink like beer.
Where can I find shooter recipes?
You can find many shooter recipes on our website, Drinksworld.com, in the shooters section. We have a page for each recipe with easy-to-follow visuals and videos. These will help you make exciting shooters, whether you’re just starting out or already know your way around a bar!
