How Many Shots in a Fifth?

When it comes to buying alcohol, a “fifth” is a term that often pops up, especially when purchasing liquor like whiskey, vodka, or rum. But if you’ve ever asked yourself, “How many shots in a fifth?” you’re not alone. Understanding the quantity in a fifth can be helpful for planning gatherings, calculating servings, or simply understanding more about common alcohol measurements. In this article, we’ll explore how many shots are in a fifth, delve into the history behind this measurement, and share some interesting facts about how alcohol quantities are measured.

What is a Fifth?

A “fifth” is a term historically used in the United States to refer to a bottle of liquor that holds 750 milliliters, which is approximately one-fifth of a gallon. Although we now measure bottles in milliliters and liters, the term “fifth” has remained popular in common usage.

Today, most standard liquor bottles are 750 ml, which is the size considered to be a “fifth.” It’s a common size for many types of spirits, including whiskey, vodka, rum, gin, and tequila, and it is often the bottle size you’ll find on store shelves.

How Many Shots in a Fifth?

To answer the question, “How many shots in a fifth?” we need to understand the standard shot size. In the United States, a standard shot is generally considered to be 1.5 ounces (44 milliliters). Based on this measurement, we can calculate how many shots are in a 750 ml bottle:

• 750 ml (in a fifth) / 44 ml per shot = Approximately 17 shots

This means that a fifth contains around 17 standard shots of 1.5 ounces each. Keep in mind that this can vary slightly depending on the actual size of the shot used. In some places, a shot may be smaller or larger, which would change the total number of shots per fifth.

Why is it Called a Fifth?

The term “fifth” dates back to a time when liquor was commonly sold in bottles that held one-fifth of a gallon. In the United States, this measurement was particularly popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when people often purchased alcohol in smaller quantities rather than by the gallon. A fifth of a gallon was seen as a convenient size for both personal use and legal regulation, and it became the standard size for liquor bottles.

After the metric system was adopted, the measurement was converted to 750 ml, which is slightly more than one-fifth of a gallon but close enough that the term “fifth” remained in use.

Other Interesting Facts About Measuring Alcohol

Understanding how many shots are in a fifth is just one part of understanding alcohol measurements. Here are some interesting facts about the world of liquor measurements:

1. Different Shot Sizes Around the World: While a shot in the United States is generally considered to be 1.5 ounces, this measurement can vary in other countries. For example, in the United Kingdom, a single shot is usually 25 ml (0.85 ounces), while in Germany, it can be 20 ml (0.68 ounces). This means that a fifth could yield more or fewer shots depending on the country.
2. Common Bottle Sizes: Besides the fifth (750 ml), other common liquor bottle sizes include a pint (375 ml), a liter (1,000 ml), and a handle (1,750 ml). Knowing the size of each bottle can help when figuring out how many shots are available. A liter, for example, would yield approximately 22 shots, while a handle would provide around 39 shots.
3. The “Handle” Term: A 1.75-liter bottle of liquor is often referred to as a “handle.” This is because the bottle’s size is large enough that it often comes with a handle to make it easier to carry. A handle contains around 39 standard 1.5-ounce shots, making it ideal for larger gatherings or events.
4. Pour Sizes for Cocktails: In cocktails, the amount of liquor per drink can vary. While a straight shot may be 1.5 ounces, some cocktails call for smaller portions of different spirits to create a balanced flavor. Knowing the number of shots in a fifth can help bartenders estimate how many cocktails they can make with one bottle.
5. Measuring Alcohol Content: The alcohol content of a bottle, known as ABV (alcohol by volume), can impact how potent each shot is. A fifth of vodka with an ABV of 40% will contain a different level of alcohol than a fifth of liqueur with a lower ABV. Understanding ABV is important for gauging how strong a shot or drink will be.

Tips for Serving and Measuring Alcohol

When serving drinks, knowing how many shots in a fifth can help with planning. Here are some tips for measuring and serving alcohol efficiently:

1. Use a Jigger for Accuracy: A jigger is a bartending tool used to measure alcohol precisely. Typically, one side of the jigger measures 1 ounce, and the other side measures 1.5 ounces. Using a jigger helps ensure consistency, especially when making cocktails.
2. Calculate Based on Your Guests: If you’re hosting a party and know the number of guests, you can calculate how much alcohol you need. For example, if each guest is likely to have three drinks, and each drink contains one shot, you can estimate the total number of shots needed and, in turn, the number of bottles to purchase.
3. Mixing Cocktails: When mixing cocktails, knowing the shots per bottle can help you plan for multiple rounds of drinks. For example, if you want to make 20 margaritas that each require one shot of tequila, a fifth will provide enough for all 20 drinks with a couple of shots to spare.
4. Drinking Responsibly: Understanding how much alcohol is in each shot can help people drink responsibly. Since a fifth contains approximately 17 shots, it’s important to know your limits and pace yourself to avoid overconsumption.

Fun Facts About Different Types of Alcohol

Each type of alcohol offers its own unique history, flavor profile, and way of being served. Here are some interesting facts about popular types of liquor typically sold in fifths:

• Vodka: Known for its versatility, vodka is popular in cocktails because of its neutral taste. Vodka’s ABV can range from 40% to over 50% depending on the brand.
• Whiskey: Whiskey is often enjoyed straight or on the rocks and is known for its complex flavors. Whiskey is aged in barrels, which can add unique flavors like caramel or oak to the spirit.
• Tequila: Made from the blue agave plant, tequila is central to Mexican culture and popular in cocktails like margaritas. Tequila is typically served in 1.5-ounce shots, especially when consumed as part of a celebration.
• Rum: Rum is made from sugarcane and is known for its sweetness. It’s popular in tropical cocktails like piña coladas and mojitos.

How Many Drinks Can You Get from a Fifth?

Aside from shots, a fifth is also used in mixed drinks and cocktails, so knowing how many drinks you can make from a fifth can be useful. Since most cocktails contain about one shot of liquor, a fifth should yield around 17 cocktails, depending on the recipe. For example, if you’re making a cocktail that uses only 1 ounce of liquor, you can make closer to 25 drinks from a fifth.

Conclusion: How Many Shots in a Fifth?

So, how many shots are in a fifth? In a standard 750 ml bottle, or fifth, you’ll find approximately 17 shots of 1.5 ounces each. This measurement is helpful for anyone planning a gathering or aiming to understand how much liquor they’re buying. Beyond knowing the number of shots in a fifth, it’s also interesting to learn about the origins of the term, the different bottle sizes, and how alcohol quantities are used around the world.

Whether you’re stocking up for a party or just interested in understanding liquor measurements, knowing how many shots are in a fifth can enhance your knowledge and improve your experience with alcohol. From whiskey to vodka, each bottle holds its own potential for different drinks, memories, and celebrations. Just remember to enjoy responsibly, and raise your glass to understanding the fascinating world of spirits!