A shot is not the same size everywhere. In the UK, a standard single measure is 25ml. In the US, it is 44ml (1.5oz). In parts of Europe, it can be anything from 20ml to 50ml. This guide covers exactly how many millilitres are in a shot across different countries, the legal requirements for spirit measures in UK pubs, and the difference between a free pour and a jigger-measured pour.
In the United Kingdom, spirit measures are governed by the Weights and Measures (Intoxicating Liquor) Order 1988. Spirits — gin, rum, vodka, and whisky — must be served in quantities of 25ml or 35ml, or multiples thereof. A pub or bar must choose one size (25ml or 35ml) and use it for all spirits. Most bars in England use 25ml as the standard single.
0.85 fl oz
The standard spirit measure in most English pubs and bars
1.18 fl oz
Common in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and some London cocktail bars
1.69 fl oz
Two standard singles (2 x 25ml). The maximum single serve in most pubs.
The 25ml measure became standard in England and Wales after metrication. Scotland traditionally used 35ml (one-fifth of a gill) and many Scottish bars still do. When you order a "single" in London, you get 25ml. In Edinburgh, you might get 35ml — always check.
The United States has no federal legal standard for a shot size. The widely accepted convention is 1.5 US fluid ounces (44ml), but this varies by state, bar, and context. Some US states have laws specifying pour sizes for licensed premises, but many do not. In practice, US bartenders pour between 1oz and 2oz depending on the drink and the establishment.
1.0 fl oz
Used in some cocktail recipes and budget bars
1.5 fl oz
The accepted US standard — nearly double a UK 25ml single
2.0-3.0 fl oz
Varies widely. Some bars pour 2oz, others pour 3oz for a double.
This is why drinks taste significantly stronger in the US. A standard American gin and tonic uses 44ml of gin — nearly a UK double (50ml). If you are following a US cocktail recipe at home, be aware that "one shot" means 44ml, not 25ml. Scale accordingly or your drinks will taste weak.
| Country | Measure | ml | fl oz (US) | cl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Single (standard) | 25 | 0.85 | 2.5 |
| UK | Single (large) | 35 | 1.18 | 3.5 |
| UK | Double | 50 | 1.69 | 5.0 |
| US | Standard shot | 44 | 1.50 | 4.4 |
| US | Double | 59-89 | 2.0-3.0 | 5.9-8.9 |
| Germany | Standard | 20 | 0.68 | 2.0 |
| Italy | Standard | 40 | 1.35 | 4.0 |
| Australia | Standard | 30 | 1.01 | 3.0 |
| Japan | Single | 30 | 1.01 | 3.0 |
| Ireland | Standard | 35.5 | 1.20 | 3.55 |
| South Africa | Standard | 25 | 0.85 | 2.5 |
1 UK fluid ounce = 28.41ml. 1 US fluid ounce = 29.57ml. The difference is small but matters for precise cocktail recipes.
Free pouring means pouring spirits directly from the bottle without using a measuring tool — the bartender counts in their head or judges by eye. Jigger pouring means measuring every pour with a jigger (a small, double-sided measuring cup). Each method has its place, but the legal and practical implications differ significantly between countries.
| Aspect | Free Pour | Jigger |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Faster — no pausing to measure | Slightly slower per drink |
| Accuracy | Variable — depends on bartender skill | Precise — same pour every time |
| Consistency | Drinks vary between bartenders | Every drink identical |
| Legal (UK pubs) | Not permitted for single spirits | Required for single spirit serves |
| Legal (UK cocktails) | Permitted — cocktails are exempt | Best practice but not required |
| Cost control | Higher wastage and over-pouring risk | Tight cost control per serve |
| Show factor | Looks impressive (flair bartending) | Looks professional and precise |
At events served by The Sesh Bars, our bartenders use jiggers for all cocktails and measured pours for simple serves. This ensures every guest gets the same quality drink and prevents over-pouring that would run through your drinks budget faster than planned. For dry hire events where you supply the drinks, accurate measuring is even more important — it is your stock on the bar.
Under the Weights and Measures Act 1985 and the Weights and Measures (Intoxicating Liquor) Order 1988, the following drinks must be sold in specified quantities in licensed premises in England and Wales.
25ml or 35ml (or multiples)
Government-stamped optic or thimble measure
1/3 pint, 1/2 pint, or multiples of 1/2 pint
Stamped glass or metered dispense
125ml or 175ml
Stamped glass or measured pour
No specified measure
Mixed drinks are exempt — bartender's discretion
Sold by the bottle (stated volume)
Pre-packaged — no measuring required
Trading Standards officers enforce these rules and can issue fines or prosecute premises that serve short measures or fail to use government-stamped equipment. If you notice a pub pouring spirits without an optic or measure, they are likely breaking the law.
Whether you are planning a wedding, birthday party, or corporate event, precise measuring matters. Over-pouring by just 5ml per drink across 200 guests means losing roughly 1 litre of spirits — that is an extra bottle consumed and an extra £25-40 off your budget.
The Sesh Bars use Japanese-style jiggers for cocktails and standard thimble measures for simple serves. Every pour is measured. This protects your budget on dry hire events where you supply the drinks, and ensures consistent quality on all-inclusive packages where we supply them. Check the cost guide for more on budgeting drinks for your event.
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