Shot
MeasureA shot is one measured pour of spirit, usually 1.5 oz (44 ml) in the US, though the size changes by country and bar.
Also called: double · double pour
- US single (most common)
- 1.5 oz (44 ml)
- US range
- 1 to 1.5 oz (30 to 44 ml); no federal standard
- US double
- 2 to 3 oz (59 to 89 ml)
- UK single
- 0.85 oz (25 ml) or 1.2 oz (35 ml)
- Australia single
- 1 oz (30 ml)
- Germany single
- 0.7 oz (20 ml)
What shot means
Most US bars pour a full shot at 1.5 oz (44 ml), and the house sets that size. You will meet the word on a menu, in a recipe that calls for two shots of tequila, and when a bartender asks how much spirit you want. Shots are usually one straight spirit, not a mixed drink.
Sizes differ by country, so a shot ordered abroad may be smaller than you expect. UK singles are 0.85 oz (25 ml) or 1.2 oz (35 ml), Australia uses 1 oz (30 ml), and Germany uses 0.7 oz (20 ml). The US sets no federal shot size, though Utah defines one by law at 1.5 oz (44 ml). A whisky drinker may say dram instead, but that word has no set size.
It is easy to assume every shot glass holds one shot. A shot glass can hold anywhere from about 1 oz (30 ml) to 2 oz (60 ml) or more, so the glass cannot tell you the pour. Two ounces of vodka is more than one US shot of 1.5 oz (44 ml), so it is a large pour. Measure with a jigger to get the amount right.
How much is a shot, and how to measure it
Measure one shot with a jigger, or with three tablespoons if you have no jigger.
- 1.Fill the 1.5 oz (44 ml) cup of a jigger to the brim for one US shot.
- 2.Pour the spirit into the glass or shaker in one steady pour, so the whole measure goes in.
- 3.Without a jigger, count out 3 tablespoons, which holds 1.5 oz (44 ml).
- 4.For a double, pour two full shots, which usually comes to 3 oz (89 ml) in the US.
Shot compared
- PonyThe usual US shot is 1.5 oz (44 ml), half again as much as a pony.
- JiggerThe jigger is the tool you measure with, and its large cup usually fits one 1.5 oz (44 ml) shot.
- DoubleA double is two shots, usually 3 oz (89 ml) in the US. Some bars pour 2 oz (59 ml) instead.
- ShooterA shooter is a mixed drink poured into a shot glass, and a shot is usually a single straight spirit.
Related terms
Put it to use in your next drink
Garçon explains every step as you make the drink.