You know the party is starting to warm up when the shot glasses get pulled out of the cupboard. A common question that gets asked is, “How many ml in a shot?” That’s because a cocktail recipe often calls for a shot of alcohol; if you don’t have a shot glass, then it’s hard to know how much to use. If this is your problem, then keep reading to get all the answers.
Table of Contents
How many ml in one shot?
In the US, a common shot size is around 1.5 ounces, or 44 milliliters. At bars, the volume of a shot will vary depending on the country, as there is no official international measure. You will see some variation in shot sizes within countries. We’ve compiled the common measurements for a selection of countries below.
Single Shot
| Country | Ml | Fl Oz | U.S. Tbsp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 30 | 1.0 | 2 |
| Canada | 44 | 1.5 | 3 |
| Germany | 20 | 0.7 | 1 ½ |
| India | 30 | 1.0 | 2 |
| Ireland | 35.5 | 1.2 | 2 ½ |
| Italy | 40 | 1.4 | 2 ½ |
| Japan | 30 | 1.0 | 2 |
| Russia | 50 | 1.7 | 3 ½ |
| Sweden | 40 | 1.4 | 1 ½ |
| South Africa | 25 | 0.8 | 1 ½ |
| United Kingdom | 25 | 0.8 | 1 ½ |
| United States | 44 | 1.5 | 3 |
Double Shot
| Country | Ml | Fl Oz | U.S. Tbsp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 60 | 2.0 | 4 |
| Canada | 71 | 2.5 | 5 |
| Germany | 40 | 1.4 | 3 |
| India | 60 | 2.0 | 4 |
| Ireland | 71 | 2.4 | 5 |
| Italy | 80 | 2.8 | 5 |
| Japan | 60 | 2.0 | 4 |
| Russia | 100 | 3.4 | 7 |
| Sweden | 60 | 2.0 | 4 |
| South Africa | 50 | 1.6 | 3 |
| United Kingdom | 50 | 1.6 | 3 |
| United States | 59-89 | 2-3 | 4-6 |
Notes:
- These volumes have been rounded for easier measuring.
- Although shots can vary within a country, many will have a minimum volume that bars are required to serve by law. This is mostly to stop unscrupulous bars from short-selling their customers.
What Is A Shot Glass?
A shot glass is a small glass that is useful for making cocktails. It is made to hold one shot which can then be consumed in one gulp or added to a larger glass to make a cocktail with.
How to measure a shot without a shot glass
1. The 4 count method
Learning to free pour isn’t hugely difficult. It is a good party trick to learn before the party starts (and while sober).
The idea is simple. In your head, count as you pour. Each count represents half a shot. To practice, slowly pour water into a glass counting to four. Then use a shot or measuring cup to determine whether you poured the right amount. Continue practice pouring using the four count until you are accurately pouring a half shot on each count.
With 10-30 minutes you should have some accurate pouring skills and no shot glass will be needed.
2. Measuring spoons
This is an easier option than free pouring, although you won’t look like a seasoned bartender. Simply refer to the shot measurement table above and measure a single or double shot using measuring spoons. For example, if you’re in the U.S. measure 3 Tablespoons for a single shot. Double that to increase the fun level.
3. Medicine cup
Most medicine cups are around 1-2oz and their measuring lines make them an excellent choice for easy cocktail creation. That head cold last month turned out to be useful after all.
How many shots in a bottle?
While we’re on the topic of measuring spirits, it’s also worth looking at how many shots are in a bottle of alcohol. This will come in handy when you’re trying to work out how much alcohol you need for your next cocktail party.
Number of people at party x Average number of shots consumed = Total shots required.
| Size of bottle | Ml | Fl oz | No. of shots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fifth | 750 | 25.4 | 16 |
| Magnum | 1500 | 50.7 | 33 |
| Half gallon | 1750 | 59.2 | 39 |
| Rehoboam | 4500 | 152.2 | 101 |
Popular shooter cocktails
Melon Ball
¼ part melon liqueur
¼ part pineapple juice
½ part vodka
Pour ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. Stir well. Strain into a shot glass.
Black Russian
1 ½ part vodka
1 part coffee liqueur
Pour the ingredients into a shot glass filled with ice cubes. Stir gently.
Kamikaze
2 parts vodka
½ part orange liqueur
Dash of lime
Combine ingredients in a shaker glass. Add ice, shake and strain into a shot glass.
Blue Kamikaze
1 part vodka
1 part blue curacao liqueur
1 part lime juice
Shake all ingredients with ice and fine strain into a chilled glass.
Alabama Slammer
1 part almond liqueur
1 part sloe gin
1 part whiskey liqueur
1 part lemon juice
Combine ingredients in a shaker glass. Add ice, shake and strain into a shot glass.
Orgasm
1 part Irish cream liqueur
1 part almond liqueur
1 part coffee liqueur
Pour all ingredients over ice in a shot glass. Garnish with a cherry.
Getting measurements accurately when you’re cooking is important for a delicious dish. The same applies to cocktail making. You need to get the ratios correct; otherwise, the cocktail won’t taste right.
Understanding how many ml are in a shot glass will make your mixology efforts a lot easier. Get started by checking the tables above. If you want to make life easy, then invest in a Cocktail Mixer. They make measuring precise and easy.
We also recommend learning to “free pour” shots if you enjoy the occasional big night or you’d like to pursue bartending. This skill is simple but useful to have and will save you from having to measure out the alcohol before pouring it into a shaker.
Reference: Wikipedia
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