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Last Updated on March 12, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Have you ever ordered a cocktail at a bar and wondered why some drinks seemed stronger than others? It could all come down to the standard pour.
The standard pour is the amount of liquor that bartenders use to make a single mixer cocktail.
While it may seem minor, it can significantly impact taste and potency.
Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail connoisseur or a curious beginner, this post will give you the inside scoop on what is the standard pour in a single mixer cocktail.
Determining The Standard Pours In Single Mixer Cocktails
A single mixer cocktail is made with only one type of mixer or non-alcoholic such as juices or sodas, in addition to a base spirit such as brandy, rum, tequila, vodka, or whiskey.
The standard pour of a single mixer cocktail is usually around 1.5 ounces of base spirit [1] and 4 to 6 ounces of a mixer.
However, the standard pour can vary depending on the specific cocktail recipe, the required glass size, personal preferences, and the bartender’s techniques.
The Standard Pours In Single Mixer Cocktails
1 oz Standard Pour
The 1-ounce standard pour refers to the amount of liquor typically used in a single serving of a cocktail in a larger cocktail glass and is often used in drinks that contain multiple ingredients.
Some cocktails that can be made with a 1-ounce pour include Negroni, Cosmopolitan, Margarita, Sidecar, and Old Fashioned.
2 oz Standard Pour
The 2-ounce standard pour refers to the amount of liquor typically used in a single cocktail serving in a smaller glass. It is also used when ordering for a double or double-double.
Some cocktails that can be made with a 2-ounce pour include Manhattan, Martini, Daiquiri, Margarita, and Mai Tai.
0.3 oz Standard Pour
The 0.3 standard pour is typically used when serving whiskeys in a shot glass, such as Jack Daniel’s, Johnnie Walker, and more, for straight-up drinking.
0.5 oz Standard Pour
The 0.5-ounce standard pour is typically used for serving cocktails in shot glasses, Jägermeister, and tequila shots.
0.7 oz Standard Pour
The 0.7-ounce standard pour is typically used in a single cocktail serving in a more oversized cocktail glass.
“No amount of physical contact could match the healing powers of a well made cocktail.”
— David Sedaris, American Humorist, Comedian, Author & Radio Contributor
Some cocktails that can be made with a 0.7-ounce pour include Piña Colada, B-52, Lemon Drop, Kamikaze, and Jägerbomb.
3 oz Standard Pour
The 3-ounce standard pour is typically used when serving a standard cocktail glass made of 1.5 ounces of base spirit, 1.5 ounces of mixers, and garnishes.
Some cocktails that can be made with a 3-ounce pour include Mojito, Daiquiri, Tequila Sunrise, Highballs, and Lowballs.
6 oz Standard Pour
The 6-ounce standard pour typically refers to the total volume of liquid poured into a glass and used 3 to 4 ounces of liquid and 1 to 2 ounces each for the ice and garnish.
Some cocktails that can be made with a 6-ounce pour include Long Island Iced Tea, Gin and Tonic, Highball, Piña Colada, and Whiskey Sour.
How Long Is A Standard Pour In A Single Mixer Cocktail?
The duration of a standard pour of alcohol in a single mixer cocktail typically takes 2 to 3 seconds until the jigger is filled with 1.5 ounces, provided the bartender is using a standard pour spout.
However, if the bartender is free-pouring without a pour spout, the duration may vary depending on their technique and the type of cocktail.
How Do You Get An Accurate Pour?
You can use a jigger with clearly marked measurements to ensure that you pour the exact amount of liquor needed for the recipe, resulting in a consistent taste, quality, and potency.
A jigger generally has two cups of different sizes, one is 1.5 ounces, and the other is 0.75 ounces [2]. Ensure you use the 1.5 ounces since it is the standard pour.
In line with this, you must practice your pouring technique by holding the bottle by the next when pouring in the jigger or glass, allowing better control, accuracy, and precision.
FAQs
Is it important to know the standard pours in single mixer cocktails?
Yes, knowing the standard pours ensures consistency in taste and strength of the cocktail, which is essential for bartenders to provide their customers with a high-quality drink.
Likewise, knowing the standard pours when mixing your own cocktail will not let you create a great drink but also gives you an idea of how much liquor you’ll be consuming in your cocktail.
Can you measure the standard pour in single mixers without a jigger?
Yes, you can use a measuring spoon for smaller volumes, as one tablespoon is half an ounce of liquid. In case of higher volumes, you can use a measuring cup instead.
Final Say
The standard pour in the U.S. is typically 1.5 ounces of liquor, which may vary depending on the cocktail recipe, glass size, personal preferences, and the bartender’s techniques.
It’s essential to communicate clearly with your bartender and follow recipe instructions carefully when making cocktails at home so you’ll be enjoying your cocktail.
References:
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/what-standard-drink
- https://www.seriouseats.com/cocktail-101-measuring-utensils-jiggers-cups
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