What exactly does "one" mean when we say "I'll have a chance"? Is it a teaspoon? Table spoon? Ounce? What exactly is "one shot"? You might be surprised to learn that one drink is not equal to one ounce of alcohol. The drink is almost always more than an ounce and less than two, but the exact amount varies by country, state, and even bar.
Knowing how much alcohol is actually in your 'a' glass will help you gauge how much alcohol you're actually drinking on a night out. Let's take a look at how alcohol doses are typically measured and how to determine what your limit should be.
How many ounces are in the drink?
In the US, the standard dose is 1.5 ounces. There are no federal regulations specifying what the shot must be, although Utah has established that this is the maximum allowed. Still, it's up to the bars to decide how many ounces are in a shot, and this can range from 1.25 ounces to 2 ounces depending on the condition.
For example, 1.25 is common in Utah and Colorado. Larger corporate establishments also tend to serve 1.25 oz shots to maximize profit. Smaller establishments will stick to the 1.5-ounce pour, as that's what customers usually expect, and serving small pours can leave a bad taste in their customers' mouths.
Casinos and bars in Las Vegas often serve 1oz shots, while upscale bars across the country serve 2oz shots to cater to customers who are more craft conscious than price conscious.
Shot size also varies from country to country. While the American standard is 1.5 ounces, the German shot is about ¾ ounce. France and the UK serve 1 ounce shots while Japan serves 2 ounce shots. But even in many of these countries, the amount of pouring varies from bar to bar.
How is a shot measured?
In theory, shot glasses are sized to the standard 1.5 ounce, but sizes may vary. Some are tailored for smaller shots and some are huge. If you want to be precise when timing your shot, you need a rod tool called a jigger. A jigger is an hourglass-shaped tool that measures 1.5 ounces on one side and can be flipped over to measure ¾ ounces on the other. You can also buy a jigger that measures 2 ounces on one side and 1 ounce on the other.
Don't have bar tools? All right. 1 tablespoon is equal to ½ ounce. So 3 tablespoons will give you a standard 1.5 oz. That's nine teaspoons, for the record.
Shot is different from pure pouring.
A clean pour is a choice of liqueur poured directly into the glass without stirring, stirring or ice. While ordering a simple drink is basically the same as ordering a shot, each bar will contain 2 ounces if you only order one. That's because a good pour should be sipped like a cocktail, and a glass should be, well, a shot.
The same standard applies to rock leakage. The rock pour, which is your choice of poured over ice liquor, is also always measured as a 2-ounce pour. Keep this in mind when ordering at the bar.
How to know your limit and control your rhythm at the bar.
Knowing that there are differences in individual bars will give you the awareness you need when deciding what to order. If you want to control your pace, you can choose less alcoholic beverages and know your limits.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends a moderate amount of alcohol of four drinks for men and three for women. Women generally have less water and tissue in their bodies to process alcohol. For this reason, their bodies process alcohol more slowly than men. It is recommended to keep your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) below 0.06 to stay drunk but in control, so keep your gender and weight in mind when deciding your limits.
There are a few things you can do besides making sure you don't hit your limit and end up with a nasty hangover. Eat a good meal first and drink plenty of water before heading into town. Food and water help your body process alcohol, and without preparation, you'll wake up with a headache or worse.
So drink and don't drink your drinks. Shots are fun, but blackouts are not. Slow down, order drinks you can sip on, and alternate with water or non-alcoholic cocktails between drinks to help dilute the alcohol in your system.
You can also order some "high" drinks to keep up. If you drink vodka soda or even a gin and tonic, ask the bartender to top it up. It all means you want it in a bigger glass. The bartender will add the same amount of alcohol, but fill the glass with ice and a blender. This means a weaker drink and less alcohol in the body.
Check out classic cocktail recipes.
There is a big difference between Long Island Iced Tea and soda. Find out which cocktails are alcoholic and which are lighter so you don't get caught off guard.
For example, an old-fashioned is a cocktail with a lot of alcohol. It usually contains 2 ounces of bourbon with bitters, sugar and rock. A martini, however tempting, is usually a double gin or vodka with vermouth. A French 75 is a glass of gin with champagne and lemon juice.
True, the classics tend to have a higher alcohol content, which doesn't mean you have to give them up entirely. Just choose wisely. Enjoy an alcoholic cocktail at the start of the evening, then take a break, then switch to lighter drinks for the rest of the evening.
Highballs tend to be lighter, so look for those on the menu. For example, vodka soda is a shot of vodka with ice and sparkling mineral water. Sparkling water is moisturizing, so it's a great option. Paloma is usually 2 ounces of tequila, topped with grapefruit juice, lime juice, sugar syrup and sparkling water. Y Tinto de Verano is a classic red wine cocktail that combines equal parts red wine and lemon soda. It is refreshing, sparkling and cuts the ABV of a glass of wine in half.
If you're not sure, ask the bartender.
Your bartender knows exactly what's in your drink and how much is comfortable for you. If you order more than one alcoholic drink, the bartender will probably keep a close eye on you. No offense, part of their job is to keep guests safe, and in some states they can even be held liable if you go off and commit a crime, such as driving while intoxicated.
So if you're not sure if what you want to order will be high alcohol or not, just ask. Your bartender will be happy to make suggestions based on the type of experience you're looking for.
Want a low alcohol cocktail at home or by the pool? try oursSpritz Variety Bundle, two slightly sparkling cocktails with wine that will help you keep up on hot summer days.
FAQs
How many Oz in one shot? Understand your limit? ›
How many ounces are in a shot? In the U.S., a standard shot is 1.5 ounces. There are no federal laws mandating what a shot should be, although Utah has made it the legal maximum. Still, it's up to the bars to decide how many ounces are in a shot, and this can range from 1.25 ounces to 2 ounces depending on the state.
Is a shot 2 oz or 1 oz? ›The number of ounces in a shot glass depends on the size of the glass. Most shot glasses hold around 1.25 oz. to 1.5 oz., but there is no official standard size for a shot. Some shot glasses can be less than an ounce and others can be over 3 ounces, with the most common size being 1.5 oz.
Is 2 oz of vodka a shot? ›The base liquor (e.g., gin, rum, vodka, etc.) is often a standard shot of 1 1/2 ounces. Liqueurs are typically poured between 1/2 ounce and 3/4 ounce. Accent juices, such as lemon and lime, usually use 1/4 ounce to 1/2 ounce. Filling a highball or tall drink with juice or soda often requires four to six ounces.
Is 4 oz 1 shot? ›So how big is a shot glass? Shot glass sizes, or volumes, typically range from 0.67 ounces (in places like Denmark and Germany) to just over two ounces (in places like Japan and Israel). In the United States, a shot is 1.48 ounces (which, we know, seems kind of random).
How much is 1 shot? ›While there is no federally-mandated shot-glass size, many U.S. bartenders consider a standard volume to be 1.5 ounces, or 44 milliliters. (For what it's worth, Utah is the only state that has officially defined a shot measurement—and it's 1.5 ounces.)
What is a 2 oz shot called? ›In the United States a double shot is exactly 2 ounces and not the double standard amount. If you want to order 3 oz of a spirit in a cocktail to double its strength then simply ask for two shots to be used (of tequila in your margarita for example).
Is 2oz a double shot? ›A double shot uses 14g of coffee and produces around 60ml of espresso (about 2 liquid ounces). Double shots are now the standard in America and many places around the world.
Is 4 ounces of alcohol a day too much? ›A note on drinking level terms used in this Core article: The 2020-2025 U.S. Dietary Guidelines states that for adults who choose to drink alcohol, women should have 1 drink or less in a day and men should have 2 drinks or less in a day. These amounts are not intended as an average but rather a daily limit.
What is 2 shots of vodka equal to? ›Most vodka is 80 proof, so 40% ABV. Say the shots are 2 oz. So 2 is 4 oz. 4 oz of 40%ABV is 1.6 oz of pure ethanol in your bloodstream.
Is a jigger a double shot? ›An official jigger measures 1.5 ounces on one side and 1 ounce on the other. The 1.5-ounce side is referred to as a “jigger shot.” The 1-ounce side is often called a “pony shot.” Of course, just like the shot glass, these double-barrelled measuring vessels are available today in different sizes and shapes.
Is a shot 6 oz? ›
There is no official size for a single shot, except in Utah, where a shot is defined as 1.5 US fl oz (44.4 ml). Elsewhere in the U.S., the standard size is generally considered to be 1.25–1.5 US fl oz (37–44 ml).
What is a jigger shot? ›The word jigger can also be used as a unit of measurement in cocktail recipes. If you happen to come across a recipe that calls for a jigger (or jigger shot) of any spirit, that refers to the standard jigger size of 1.5 oz. Shot glasses come in various sizes, but a standard shot glass is also 1.5 oz.
Is one jigger a shot? ›How Many Ounces Are in a Shot? A shot is typically 1.5 ounces, which equates to one standard jigger. Shot glasses can be used for drinking or measuring. They come in an array of different sizes and shapes that can be used for multiple purposes.
Can one shot get you drunk? ›For some people, even one shot of vodka may cause noticeable effects such as slurred speech or impaired judgment. However, for others who are more tolerant to alcohol or have a higher body weight, one shot of vodka may not be enough to feel any significant effects.
Is one shot equal to one drink? ›One standard drink equals:
43 ml (1.5 oz) shot of 40% hard liquor (vodka, rum, whisky, gin etc.)
Jiggers are the basic hourglass-shaped stainless-steel measuring device you've seen in many a bar. These are cheap and easy to find in most housewares stores, or online. Typically, the larger cup measures out exactly one jigger, or 1 1/2 ounces. The smaller cup is normally one half jigger, or 3/4 ounces.
How many shots are in 1 oz? ›In the U.S., a standard shot is 1.5 ounces. There are no federal laws mandating what a shot should be, although Utah has made it the legal maximum. Still, it's up to the bars to decide how many ounces are in a shot, and this can range from 1.25 ounces to 2 ounces depending on the state.
Why is it called a jigger? ›Like many great pieces of cocktail history, the term jigger was gifted to us by the Royal British Navy. Derived from the name of the smallest mast on a ship, the jiggermast, a jigger was used to refer to a sailor's daily ration of rum and the metal cup it was served in.
What is a standard drink pour? ›In the United States, one "standard" drink (or one alcoholic drink equivalent) contains roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is found in: 12 ounces of regular beer, which is usually about 5% alcohol. 5 ounces of wine, which is typically about 12% alcohol. 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits, which is about 40% alcohol.
Is two shots equal to two beers? ›One beer is equal to one shot. Therefore, you will be within the legal BAC limits if you have one drink an hour. According to the American Addiction Center, binge drinking is defined as having five or more drinks in a “short time”.
How many beers is 2 shots? ›
A drinking shot of the world's strongest vodka contains 1.42 ounces of ethanol. That's equal to 2.4 standard (alcoholic drink equivalent) beers! The common guideline is that one 40% ABV liquor shot equals one 12-ounce (354-ml) beer with 5% ABV.
Which alcohol is least harmful to your liver? ›- Red Wine. ...
- Light Beer. ...
- Tequila. ...
- Gin & Rum & Vodka & Whiskey.
- Drink Coffee. Drinking a strong black coffee is sometimes suggested by helpful friends as a means of 'sobering up'. ...
- Take a cold shower. Standing under some cold water will shock your body into sobering up. ...
- Eat. ...
- Sleep. ...
- Exercise.
Drinking vodka every day can be harmful to your health.
If you drink alcohol every day, health experts recommend you do not drink more than 0.6 ounces (for women) or 1.2 ounces (for men) of pure alcohol. Due to vodka's high alcohol content, this comes out to 1 or 2 shots of vodka per day.
If you drink up to 5 to 6 shots of vodka glasses, you will start feeling drunk. This is your maximum limit. However, if you drank another, you will be completely drunk, and you will surely have a hangover.
How many beers equal a shot? ›As you can see, both shots and beers have 0.6 oz of alcohol. While the two's features are undeniably different, ultimately, they have the same alcohol content. Usually, a single serving of beer equals a single serving of a shot.
Why is it called a 5th of liquor? ›What Is a Fifth of Liquor? A fifth of alcohol, be it a fifth of vodka or any other type of liquor, is another name for a 750 ml alcohol bottle. In the late 19th century, one-fifth of a gallon was the legal threshold for individual commercial alcohol sales. Anything larger and you had to go wholesale.
What does double tapping a shot glass mean? ›In the double-tap technique, after the first round is fired, the shooter quickly reacquires the sights for a fast second shot. This skill can be practiced by firing two shots at a time, taking time between the shots to reacquire the sights.
What does bruising mean in bartending? ›Bruised: When a cocktail or martini has be over shaken and pieces of ice and oxygen bubble forms. This results in a cloudy or murky looking cocktail.
How many counts is 1 oz? ›How Many Counts Is a 1 Oz Pour? A 1-ounce pour is 2 counts using a pour spout. A good way to get there is using “one one-thousand” as a counting device.
How many shots are in a fifth? ›
A standard bottle of alcohol, or a fifth, has 750 milliliters, which will give you about 16 shots or 16 cocktails. One shot is typically an ounce and a half. A mini or nip has 50 milliliters, and will give you one shot. A quarter pint is 100 milliliters and will give you two shots.
Why is a shot of whiskey called a shot? ›The theory goes that the word 'shot' originated in saloons where a bullet would be traded for a shot of alcohol by the locals when they were short on cash.
How do you measure 1 oz of a shot? ›The problem: the first line on that red cup measures a one-ounce shot, not the standard 1.5 ounces. The solution: measure one ounce, pour it into your intended vessel for imbibing, then estimate a half ounce on your second pour.
How many shots does it take to get drunk? ›Most people become drunk after drinking two shots of vodka (1.5 ounces). To reach a BAC of 0.08%, which is the legal limit, it usually takes around five shots for an average-sized man and three-to-four shots for an average-sized woman.
How many ounces is a double pour? ›A drink ordered as a “Double” means that it has double the amount of alcohol in the drink, but the same amount of other ingredients. Generally a single drink contains about 1.5 ounces of alcohol, so a double will equal 3 ounces.
How do you measure 2 oz of liquor? ›As you pour, count to four (yes, with “Mississippi”), and stop. Each “count” should equal about ½ ounce of alcohol. With a bit of practice, what ends up in your glass should fill the 2-ounce side of a jigger. A perfect standard pour.
How many ounces is a fifth? ›Your standard double jiggers come in two sizes, one ounce and ½ ounce, or 1 ½ ounce and ¾ ounce. These are durable, useful, and can be easily rested between your fingers for steady pours.
Is a shot glass one shot? ›(n.) A small glass designed to hold a single measure of liquor, usually 1.5 oz. It can be used either as a drinking vessel or as a measuring tool.
Which end of a jigger is 1 oz? ›Common Sizes Of Jiggers
A standard jigger is 1.5 ounces (~45mL) on one side and 1 ounce (~30 mL) on the other side. What is this? The 1.5-ounce side is called the jigger and the 1-ounce side is referred to as a pony shot.
What is a 1 oz shot called? ›
The 1.5-ounce side is referred to as a “jigger shot.” The 1-ounce side is often called a “pony shot.” Of course, just like the shot glass, these double-barrelled measuring vessels are available today in different sizes and shapes. They are usually made of metal, glass or plastic.
How much is 1 oz in shot glass? ›With the standard shot glass being 1.5oz, a 1/3 pour will get you to 1/2oz and a 2/3 pour will get you to 1oz.
How big is a 1 oz shot glass? ›Classic 1 oz shot glasses with wide mouth & heavy base are perfect for home, bar or restaurant use. Height 2 3/8"; Top Diameter 2"; Bottom Diameter:1 3/8"; Capacity: 1 oz; color: Clear.