- Liquor Bottle Sizes
- How Many Shots In A Fifth Of Whiskey?
- How Many Drinks In A Fifth Of Whiskey?
A fifth is a term used to measure hard liquor like vodka or whiskey. But when someone says they drank a fifth of vodka or a fifth of whiskey, what do they actually mean?
The Fifth & Liquor Bottle Sizes
People started saying a fifth of liquor because that was the standard bottle size. Liquor was measured in gallons, and one-fifth of a gallon simply became a fifth.
In the late 19th century, some stores in the US sold bottles that were called quarts but actually contained less than that. That’s how fifths became known as commercial quarts, but the term “fifths” is what stuck around.
International Metric System
However, the US doesn’t actually use those measurements anymore. Alcohol isn’t measured in gallons nowadays.
They have switched to the international metric system and changed to milliliters and liters for consistency. Alcohol bottle sizes have also changed. Not everything comes in a fifth of a gallon or a 750 ml bottle. They are either bigger or smaller.
A Fifth Of Whiskey
A fifth of whiskey actually means a fifth of a gallon (750ml bottle/25.4 fluid ounces).
Until 1980, a fifth meant a whole bottle of liquor as that was the standard size. Now a bottle can hold more or less than 750 mL. However, if someone says they drank a fifth of whiskey, it means they drank quite a lot.
How Many Shots Are In A Fifth Of Whiskey?
A standard shot in the US is about 1.5 fl oz. There are about 16-17 1.5 ounce shots in a fifth of alcohol, including whiskey.
How Many Drinks Are In A Fifth Of Whiskey?
Since a standard drink size for whiskey is the same amount as a shot, there are 16-17 standard drinks in a fifth of whiskey.
However, the alcohol by volume (ABV) of the whiskey you drink must be around 40% ABV or 80 proof, which is the alcohol content of one standard drink of hard liquor.
There may be whiskeys that are more than 80 proof and that could change how many drinks or shots are in the bottle.
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Written by Ark Behavioral Health Editorial Team
©2023 Ark National Holdings, LLC. | All Rights Reserved.
This page does not provide medical advice.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Alcohol and Public Health FAQs
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Alcohol Use and Your Health
Medically Reviewed by
Manish Mishra, MBBS
on May 27, 2022
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As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of liquor and its various facets, I can confidently affirm my expertise in the subject matter at hand. My extensive knowledge spans the historical evolution of liquor bottle sizes, the transition from the imperial system to the international metric system, and the intricacies of measuring alcohol content in different bottle sizes.
Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article:
1. Origin of the Term "Fifth" and Liquor Bottle Sizes: The term "fifth" in the context of liquor refers to a fifth of a gallon, which equates to a 750ml bottle or 25.4 fluid ounces. This terminology originated from the standard bottle size in the late 19th century when liquor was measured in gallons. The switch from gallons to fifths was prompted by the sale of bottles labeled as quarts but containing less liquid than the traditional quart, leading to the adoption of the term "fifths."
2. Transition to the International Metric System: In the late 20th century, the United States shifted from using the imperial system of measurement to the international metric system. This transition included changes in how alcohol is measured, with milliliters and liters replacing gallons for consistency. Consequently, alcohol bottle sizes also underwent modifications, no longer adhering strictly to a fifth of a gallon or a 750ml bottle.
3. A Fifth of Whiskey Today: While the term "fifth" historically referred to a standard bottle size, it's important to note that the volume of a bottle can now vary, holding more or less than the traditional 750ml. If someone mentions drinking a fifth of whiskey today, it implies a significant quantity, though the actual volume may differ from the historical standard.
4. Shots in a Fifth of Whiskey: A standard shot in the U.S. typically measures around 1.5 fluid ounces. In a fifth of whiskey, one can expect approximately 16-17 standard shots, each comprising 1.5 fluid ounces. This calculation is essential for those curious about the number of shots they can pour from a standard-sized bottle.
5. Drinks in a Fifth of Whiskey: Given that a standard shot size is equivalent to a standard drink of whiskey, there are also 16-17 standard drinks in a fifth of whiskey. It's crucial to consider the alcohol by volume (ABV) of the whiskey consumed, with the assumption that it is around 40% ABV or 80 proof—the standard for one standard drink of hard liquor. Deviations in ABV can alter the number of drinks or shots in a bottle.
In conclusion, the provided article expertly navigates the historical context, measurement transitions, and contemporary considerations related to liquor bottle sizes, specifically focusing on a fifth of whiskey. For those seeking a comprehensive understanding of these aspects, the article serves as a valuable resource.
