Walking into a party or hosting one yourself, the question always comes up: how much liquor do you need? Understanding how many shots are in a fifth of liquor can save you from overestimating or running out too soon. This is not about impressing anyone with math skills or trying to sound fancy. It is just about making things simple.
Also, check out how many shots are in 375 ml.
The Straight Answer – A Fifth Equals About 16 Shots
A fifth of liquor contains 25.4 ounces, which is a bit more than a pint. If you are pouring standard 1.5-ounce shots, you will get around 16 full shots. This number makes it easy to plan for parties, recipes, or even a quiet night where you just want to know how far that bottle will go. If your shots are smaller or larger, the total will change, but 16 is the most common count for regular pours.
Why Is a Fifth Popular?
A fifth, also known as a standard bottle of liquor, holds 750 milliliters. It has become the go-to size for liquor packaging due to its convenience and versatility. It offers enough quantity for a variety of uses without being overwhelming, whether you are hosting a small gathering or enjoying a few cocktails at home.
The size fits perfectly into most standard recipes and makes it easy to measure out consistent drinks. For reference, a fifth contains about 16 standard 1.5-ounce shots, making it an ideal choice for social events or personal use. Its manageable size also allows for easier storage and portability, unlike larger bottles, which can be cumbersome.
Examples of popular brands that come in 750-milliliter bottles include:
- Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
- Grey Goose Vodka
- Patron Silver Tequila
- Bombay Sapphire Gin
- Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch
Shot Sizes In Different Countries
Shot sizes are not the same everywhere. In the United States, a standard shot is 1.5 ounces, but many countries use smaller or larger measurements. Understanding these differences can help when traveling or trying international drink recipes.
- United Kingdom: A standard shot is 25 milliliters, much smaller than the US pour.
- Australia: The typical shot size is 30 milliliters.
- Germany: A shot is commonly measured at 20 milliliters.
- Japan: The standard pour is 30 milliliters.
How Many Cocktails Can You Make from a Fifth?
The number of drinks you can prepare depends on the recipe, as different cocktails use varying amounts of liquor per serving.
Here is a breakdown of how a fifth stacks up against some popular drinks:
Margarita (2 Ounces Per Drink)
A classic margarita typically uses 2 ounces of tequila, along with lime juice, triple sec, and optional simple syrup. With 25.4 ounces in a fifth, you can prepare about 12 margaritas. This makes it a solid choice for a small gathering or dinner party.
Martini (2.5 Ounces Per Drink)
Martinis, known for their elegance, often require 2.5 ounces of vodka or gin. With a fifth, you can serve around 10 martinis. Whether dry or dirty, this bottle size works well for smaller, more intimate gatherings.
Old Fashioned (2 Ounces Per Drink)
An Old Fashioned, with its rich combination of whiskey, bitters, sugar, and an orange twist, uses 2 ounces of liquor. A fifth will yield about 12 Old Fashioneds, making it an ideal choice for whiskey lovers.
Whiskey Sour (1.5 Ounces Per Drink)
A whiskey sour calls for 1.5 ounces of bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup. A fifth can provide approximately 16 whiskey sours, maximizing servings while keeping things flavorful.
Cosmopolitan (1.5 Ounces Per Drink)
Cosmopolitans, a favorite for their tart and refreshing taste, use 1.5 ounces of vodka as the base. With a fifth, you can mix up about 16 cosmopolitans, perfect for larger gatherings.
Long Island Iced Tea (1.5 Ounces Total Per Drink)
Though these use multiple liquors in smaller quantities, the total liquor per drink is about 1.5 ounces. A fifth could contribute to around 16 Long Island Iced Teas, depending on the combination and proportions used.
A Quick Party Guide – Matching Bottles to Guest Numbers
Planning the right amount of liquor for a party can save you from overspending or running out mid-celebration. The guide below helps estimate the number of fifths you will need, depending on the size of your gathering and the type of drinks you plan to serve.
| Number of Guests | Total Servings Needed (Avg. 3 Drinks/Guest) | Shots (1.5 oz Each) | Cocktails (Avg. 2 oz Liquor/Drink) | Fifths Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Guests | 15 Servings | 15 Shots | 12-15 Cocktails | 1-2 Fifths |
| 10 Guests | 30 Servings | 30 Shots | 24-30 Cocktails | 2-3 Fifths |
| 15 Guests | 45 Servings | 45 Shots | 36-45 Cocktails | 3-4 Fifths |
| 20 Guests | 60 Servings | 60 Shots | 48-60 Cocktails | 4-5 Fifths |
| 30 Guests | 90 Servings | 90 Shots | 72-90 Cocktails | 6-7 Fifths |
| 50 Guests | 150 Servings | 150 Shots | 120-150 Cocktails | 10-12 Fifths |
FAQs
How can you measure liquor without a jigger?
You can use a tablespoon to measure liquor. One shot equals three tablespoons, or just pour it by feel if precision is not a concern—sometimes eyeballing works just fine!
How many beers equal the alcohol in a fifth of liquor?
A fifth has about 17 standard shots, roughly equal to 17 beers. The exact number depends on beer and liquor strength.
How many shots can you pour from a handle of liquor?
A handle contains 59.2 ounces, which gives about 39 standard shots. It is more than double the size of a fifth.
Can you store liquor in the freezer?
Yes, most liquors with 40% alcohol or higher will not freeze. This is common for vodka and tequila.
How long does an opened liquor last?
Liquor lasts indefinitely if stored properly. Keep the cap sealed tightly to avoid loss of flavor over time.
Last Words
A fifth of liquor is the standard for a reason. It provides just enough for small gatherings or a relaxing evening without leaving too much behind. Knowing how far a fifth can go makes planning drinks simple and keeps everything running smoothly.
