How Many ML is A Shot? Full 2023 Guide

Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Lydia Martin

While party nights are hardly synonymous with math, we think knowing the measurement of shot glasses is vital, especially if you plan to serve cocktail drinks for you and your friends. 

Just how many ml is there in a shot? We’ll let you know in a second. 

Measuring A Shot in ML

According to the National Institute of Health, the common shot size in the US is 1.5 fluid ounces, or 44 ml in a shot, which is the standard size drink [1].

The term “jigger” is also used for this measurement. 

This, however, is not absolute as shot glasses vary depending on the size of glass used.

In some countries, a full shot glass has only one fluid ounce or 30 ml in a shot. Russia is the king of large shot glasses with 1.7 fl oz, or 50 ml, in a shot. 

See how many ml is in a single glass in different countries: 

Country	Ml in a shot	Fl Oz in a shot	U.S. Tbsp in a shot
Australia	30	1	2
Canada	44	1.5	3
Germany	20	0.7	1 ½
India	30	1	2
Ireland	35.5	1.2	2 ½
Italy	40	1.4	2 ½
Japan	30	1	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

What Is A Shot Glass? 

A shot glass is used to hold alcohol that is drunk quickly in one gulp, like vodka or tequila.

The small glass is made with a thick glass bottom, so it doesn’t break when slammed against the table. 

Shot glasses are excellent marketing tools and merchandise for distilleries and hotels. Likewise, they are generally considered popular collectibles, souvenirs, and even gifts and can even be custom designed with humorous pictures. 

Name Origin

No one knows where the name “shot glass” came from, but the term had been in circulation since the 1940s.

Some say it came from the Old West when cowboys back in the day would pay for their whiskey shots by trading bullets with the barkeep.

Another theory was that the name came from Friedrich Otto “Schott,” the founder of a glassworks factory that made shot glasses. 

Nowadays, the word “shot” is used as a form of measurement not only in cocktails but also in cooking and coffee making.

It connotes the addition of a single measure ingredient in cooking; therefore, a “shot.” 

Earliest Type of Shot Glasses

The shot glasses you know today have been around since after the Prohibition Period.

Before that, the earliest type of shot glasses from the 1700s was called whiskey tasters. 

These small glasses had a pontil scar at the base, which shows that each whiskey taster was manually hand-blown by glass blowers. 

Sizes

Cheater 

A cheater shot glass has an extremely thick bottom that “cheats” you of how much alcohol you’re actually drinking. 

Fluted 

A fluted glass has a fluted accent at the bottom of the shot glass. 

Pony 

A pony glass is visibly smaller than a regular shot glass and holds only one fluid ounce or 30 ml. 

Jigger

A jigger is an alcohol measuring tool commonly used by most bartenders in bars. It is usually made from stainless steel and has a unique hourglass shape, with the opposite cones having different sizes.

One end of the jigger measures exactly one shot, while the other end has either double or some other fraction.

Many jiggers have line measurements on the inside of the stainless steel to assist with measuring. But how do you take a shot without tasting it?

Rounded

The rounded glass is highly popular in Europe and features slightly rounded sides. 

Tall Shot

A tall shot glass, also called a “shooter,” is visibly taller than its counterparts and a lot narrower. 

Two Types of Shots

Single Shot

A single shot in the United States measures 1.5 fl oz. Some countries have a standard measurement of one fluid ounce per shot. 

Double Shot

You wouldn’t be completely wrong to assume this is three ounces of liquor; however, anything over two ounces is considered a double shot. 

Also Read:

• How Many Vodka Shots Will Get You Drunk?
• How Many Tequila Shots Will Get You Drunk?
• How Many Jello Shots Will Get You Drunk?
• How Many Pink Whitney Shots Will Get You Drunk?

3 Methods in Measuring A Shot Glass 

The 4-Count Method

The four-count method is a great way to learn how to pour liquor. This process is simple and used by many bartenders in bars where they’re allowed to free pour.

Just count to four as you pour, or half shot for each count. 

Practice by pouring some water using a pour spout first and counting to four, and then pouring whatever you’ve poured back into a glass to see if your estimate is correct.

It does take some practice, but it shouldn’t take you more than 30 minutes to master this skill. 

Measuring Spoons

Using measuring spoons is a lot easier, but we have to admit it doesn’t look that impressive.

Just whip out your standard measuring spoons and measure three tablespoons for one shot.  

Medicine Cups

The old medicine cup from your last headache will work just fine to measure spirits. Just line up the liquid according to the measuring cup, and you’re good to go! 

Things To Consider When Measuring A Shot

Shot Glass Size

The measurement varies depending on the size of the glass used. Some shot glasses measure one fluid ounce, while others measure 1.5.

So, how many shots are in a liter of spirit?

The Country

If you’re in the US, the standard shot glass holds 1.5 ounces. In Australia, Japan, and India, they favor the small pony, which measures exactly one fluid ounce.  

In Russia, they use a larger glass that holds 1.7 ounces, and in the United Kingdom, each shot measures only ¾ of an ounce, or 25 ml.

Here’s how to make tequila jello shots. 

FAQs

So, How Many ML is in A Shot? 

Knowing how many ml is in a shot will amp up your skills as an aspiring mixologist or bartender, or even if you’re simply considering cocktail mixing as a hobby. Each shot varies depending on the shot glasses you’re using and in which country. 

If you get the measurements right, we’re sure you’d serve delicious cocktail drinks and get the taste on point every single time. 

Reference:

1. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/what-standard-drink