How Many Shots Are Really in a Fifth of Liquor?…Pouring the Truth
So you’re wondering how many shots are in a fifth? Well, it’s a question that many people have asked when it comes to enjoying their favorite liquor. Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur or a vodka enthusiast, knowing how much you can pour from a fifth of liquor is essential for planning your next cocktail party or simply enjoying a drink at home.
The drinks won’t pour themselves, so we’ll dive into the details and give you the insights you need. So grab a glass and let’s explore the world of fifths, shots, and everything in between.
What Exactly is a ‘Fifth’?
A ‘fifth’, also known as a fifth of alcohol, is a term that originated in the United States, indicating one fifth of a gallon, roughly equating to a 750 ml bottle. This size bottle is standard in liquor stores for spirits such as whiskey, vodka, and other liquors.
What is the most expensive Crown Royal?
Short Answer: Crown Royal Red Waterloo Edition XR Extra Rare Whisky – $1,936
How to Convert Shots to a Fifth of Your Favorite Tipple?
Now that we understand the number of shots in a fifth of liquor, we can easily convert shots to a fifth of your favorite drink. Suppose you prefer 2-ounce shots over the standard 1.5-ounce shots. To calculate how many shots you would get from a fifth, divide the total ounces in a fifth (25.4 oz) by the shot size (2 oz). This results in roughly 12.7 shots, which can be rounded down to 12 shots per fifth.
Understanding the Shot Size
The shot size, usually around 1.5 ounces (or 44 milliliters), is essential when calculating how many shots are in a bottle. However, this can vary by country. For example, in the UK, a standard shot is 25ml, resulting in a whopping 30 shots in a 750ml bottle! This illustrates why understanding your shot size is crucial to keep track of how many shots you’re consuming.
What Does a Fifth of Whiskey, Vodka, or Your Favorite Liquor Look Like?
Whether it’s a fifth of whiskey or a fifth of vodka, each 750 ml bottle of liquor should give you around 17 standard 1.5-ounce shots. Of course, this will vary if you pour larger shots or if your cocktail recipe requires more alcohol per drink.

How Many Ounces are in a Fifth of Liquor?
A fifth of liquor contains about 25.4 ounces/750ml of liquor. By dividing the total ounces by the standard shot size (1.5 ounces), we determine the number of shots in a fifth.
How Many Cocktails Can You Make From a Fifth of Liquor?
This depends on the type of cocktail and how much liquor it requires per drink. For example, a standard cocktail might require 1.5 ounces of liquor, yielding about 17 cocktails per fifth. However, if your cocktail requires 2 ounces per drink, you’ll get roughly 12 cocktails per bottle.
What If I Want Larger Shots or Cocktails?
If you prefer larger shots or cocktails, the number of shots or cocktails you get from a fifth will decrease. For example, for a 2-ounce shot size, a fifth will yield approximately 12 shots.
How Much Alcohol is Too Much? Remember to Drink Responsibly
While it’s crucial to know the number of shots in a fifth, it’s even more critical to drink responsibly. It can be easy to overconsume when you have an entire bottle of your favorite liquor, especially when 750 ml equates to about 17 shots. Moderation is key to avoid excessive alcohol use.
Understanding How Many Shots are in Other Alcohol Bottle Sizes
Besides the standard fifth, there are other alcohol bottle sizes. A liter bottle contains roughly 22.5 1.5-ounce shots, while a 375 ml bottle (also known as a pint) will give you roughly 8.5 shots. Understanding the number of shots in different bottle sizes can help you gauge how much liquor to buy for your event.

Key Points to Remember:
- A ‘fifth’ is a term used in the US, equating to one-fifth of a gallon or about 750 ml.
- A fifth of liquor typically contains around 17 standard 1.5-ounce shots.
- If you prefer larger 2-ounce shots, a fifth will yield about 12 shots.
- The number of cocktails you can make from a fifth depends on the amount of liquor used per drink.
- Different bottle sizes yield different numbers of shots. For example, a 375 ml bottle will give you approximately 8.5 shots.
- Understanding how many shots are in a fifth can help you host events better and drink responsibly. Drink in moderation to avoid excessive alcohol use.
- Always keep in mind the size of your shots to keep track of your alcohol consumption.
- Regardless of the type of spirit, a fifth of your favorite tipple should yield around 17 shots if measured correctly.
FAQs
What exactly is a ‘fifth’ in terms of alcohol measurement?
A ‘fifth’, also known as a fifth of alcohol, is a term used primarily in the United States. It refers to one fifth of a gallon, which is roughly equivalent to a 750 ml bottle.
How many shots are typically in a fifth of liquor?
Typically, a fifth of liquor, which equates to a 750 ml bottle, contains around 17 shots. This measurement is based on the standard U.S shot size of 1.5 ounces.
How can I convert shots to a fifth of my favorite drink?
Converting shots to a fifth of your favorite drink is quite simple. If you know the size of the shot you prefer (for example, 2 ounces instead of the standard 1.5 ounces), divide the total ounces in a fifth (25.4 oz) by the size of your shot. The result is the number of your preferred shots in a fifth.
How does the shot size impact how many shots are in a fifth?
The size of the shot greatly impacts how many shots are in a fifth. A larger shot size will yield fewer shots in a fifth, while smaller shots will increase the number. For instance, if you prefer 2-ounce shots, a fifth will yield approximately 12 shots instead of the standard 17.
What does a fifth of whiskey or vodka look like in terms of shots?
Regardless of whether it’s a fifth of whiskey or vodka, each 750 ml bottle should give you around 17 standard 1.5-ounce shots. If you pour larger shots or your cocktail recipe requires more liquor, this number will vary.
How many ounces are there in a fifth of liquor?
A fifth of liquor, or a 750 ml bottle, contains approximately 25.4 ounces of liquor. By dividing this number by the size of your preferred shot, you can determine the number of shots in a fifth.
How many cocktails can I make from a fifth of liquor?
The number of cocktails you can make from a fifth of liquor depends on the cocktail recipe and how much liquor it requires. If a cocktail needs 1.5 ounces of liquor, you can make about 17 cocktails from a fifth. However, if your cocktail requires 2 ounces per drink, you’ll get roughly 12 cocktails from a fifth.
How does wanting larger shots or cocktails affect how many shots are in a fifth?
Preferring larger shots or cocktails decreases the number of shots or cocktails you get from a fifth. For instance, for 2-ounce shots, a fifth will yield approximately 12 shots, fewer than the 17 shots from 1.5-ounce shots.
How many shots are in other common alcohol bottle sizes apart from a fifth?
Aside from the standard fifth, there are other common alcohol bottle sizes. A liter bottle contains roughly 22.5 1.5-ounce shots, while a 375 ml bottle, also known as a pint, will give you about 8.5 shots.
Why is it important to know how many shots are in a fifth when trying to drink responsibly?
Knowing how many shots are in a fifth is key to drinking responsibly. Being aware of the number of shots you’re consuming helps prevent overconsumption and ensures a safe and enjoyable drinking experience. Always remember, moderation is key.