Dash

Measure

A dash is one quick shake from a bottle of bitters, about 1/32 oz (0.9 ml) or 10 drops, a tiny measure for flavor.

Also called: dash of bitters

1 dash: 1/32 oz (about 0.9 ml), about 1/5 tsp or 10 drops
2 dashes: 1/16 oz (about 1.8 ml), about 3/8 tsp or 20 drops
3 dashes: 3/32 oz (about 2.8 ml), just over 1/2 tsp or 30 drops
Range by bottle and dasher: 0.007 to 0.03 oz (0.2 to 1 ml) per dash
4 oz (118 ml) bottle: About 130 dashes at 0.9 ml each

What dash means

One quick, hard shake from a bottle of bitters makes a dash. It measures about 1/32 oz (0.9 ml), which is small enough that one to three dashes add flavor without changing the drink's volume. You will see the word in recipes that call for bitters, usually as a count such as two dashes.

One popular idea is that every dash is the same size. It is not. The dasher top, how full the bottle is, the angle and the force of the shake all change the amount, and tests found 0.2 to 1 ml per dash. Death & Co found one dash from a standard dasher top equals three from a Japanese dasher bottle.

For a precise measure, use a dropper, about 10 drops per dash. A bar spoon holds about 1 tsp (5 ml), roughly five dashes. A 4 oz (118 ml) bottle holds about 130 dashes at 0.9 ml each, though the dasher changes that count.

How much is a dash of bitters, and how to measure it

A dash is about 1/32 oz (0.9 ml), and you can measure it by shaking the bottle or by counting drops.

1.Turn the bottle fully upside down over the glass.
2.Give one quick, hard shake. That is one dash, about 1/32 oz (0.9 ml) or 10 drops.
3.Repeat for more dashes. Two dashes is 1/16 oz (about 1.8 ml), and three is 3/32 oz (about 2.8 ml).
4.Without a dasher, use a dropper and count about 10 drops per dash.

Dash compared

SplashA splash is bigger and looser, about 1/12 to 1/5 oz (2.5 to 6 ml). A dash is a single shake of a bitters bottle.
DropA drop is far smaller. About 10 drops make one dash.
Bar spoonA barspoon holds about 1 tsp (5 ml), roughly five dashes.
RinseA rinse coats the glass and the excess is poured out. A dash goes into the drink.

Related terms

Ingredients

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