How Many Ounces In A Shot

The shot glass varies from country to country

In reality, there is no official standardized size of the shot, rather the number of ounces depends on the size of the glass. Be it a Saturday friend’s hang-out evening or a late Sunday happy hour, shots are a staple for nearly every fun night weekend. 

However, we don’t want you to end up with a terrific hangover the next morning just due to a lack of appropriate information about the size of a shot glass. To help you drink safely as well as enjoy your own fun time, we have gathered some noteworthy information that you must consider before hitting the pub tonight. 

If you are worried that you are not really aware of how many ounces are in a shot glass, this article will guide you in the best possible way.

Shot Glass Sizes By Country

Yes, it might shock you, but the size of a shot glass varies from country to country. Hence, the number of ounces in your shot glass will consequently depend on the country in which you are drinking. Although there is no official standardized size of a shot glass, shot glasses typically hold around 1.25 oz. to 1.5 oz. The size can also soar to even 3 ounces, however, the most common one used holds around 1.5 oz.

So, before knocking down a shot, if you feel any slightest bit of doubt, don’t hesitate to ask the bartender. They will give you the correct information based on the standard set in the particular country. In normal cases, if you ask for a double shot, you are likely to get around 2-3 ounces of alcohol.

Shot Glass Sizes By Country

Here is the list displaying how many ounces are in shot glass depending on the country.

SizeLocation
0.67 ozDenmark, Germany
0.84 ozUnited Kingdom, South Africa
1.01 ozAustralia, India, Serbia
1.2 ozIreland
1.3 ozFinland, Sweden, Hungary
1.44 ozCanada
1.48 ozUnited States
1.52 ozGreece
1.69 ozBulgaria, Romania, Russia
2.02 ozItaly, Japan, Israel

In some cases, you might have to come across mL in terms of the measurement of alcohol. In that case, you can consider this:

Single shot: 1.5 oz = 3 tablespoons = 9 teaspoons = 44 ml

Double shot: 3 oz. = 6 tablespoons = 18 teaspoons = 88 ml

Why Shot-Glass Size Is Important

When consuming alcohol, you must always gain the right amount of information and make an informed decision based on that. As you already know that the shot glass differs from country to country, therefore if you are in Berlin, you might be comfortable with two shots.

Why Shot-Glass Size Is Important

However, if you are in Tokyo, you will have to remember that the shot size is twice Berlin’s, so if you ask for two shots there, you are practically drinking four shots and you might end up in an unwanted circumstance. 

Before you go for some shots this weekend, consider the following tips for your fun and safe experience.

  • Always drink slowly and savor the flavor. The faster you drink, the more the chances of feeling nauseous and vomiting. 
  • Do not drink with an empty stomach. Always eat something before drinking.
  • Make sure you know your limit. Do not drink more than you can tolerate. 
  • Do not forget to use a clean and fresh shot glass before pouring your drink.
  • Do not swish the shot in your mouth, instead drink it in a smooth motion with your head tilted back. 
  • Remember to drink plenty of water in between the shots to reduce the chances of dehydration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How many ounces is a normal shot?

In general, there are 1.5-2 ounces in a shot glass. However, the actual amount differs from country to country. So before you start drinking, always let yourself be aware of the size of the shot glass and the quantity of alcohol they might be serving.

Q2. How To Measure A Shot Without A Shot Glass?

You can use spoons to measure a shot. One tablespoon holds up to 0.5 ounces of shot, so 3 tablespoons will make a perfect shot. 

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