When you walk into a liquor store or read a cocktail recipe that mentions a “fifth,” it’s referring to one of the most common bottle sizes in the world of spirits. But the term often confuses people who aren’t familiar with the history behind it.
Many assume it’s a technical measurement or a slang term, when in reality it comes from a very practical piece of American liquor history. Even experienced drinkers are sometimes surprised by how much is actually inside a fifth and how far it can go in terms of servings and cocktails.
In this guide, I’ll break down the meaning of a fifth, how much alcohol it actually contains, how many shots you get from it, and how it compares to other bottle sizes—presented in a clear, structured, easy-to-read format.
What Size Is a Fifth of Liquor Exactly?
A fifth of liquor is 750 ml, which equals 25.4 fluid ounces. In terms of serving size, that typically equals about 17 standard shots, assuming a standard U.S. shot of 1.5 ounces.
Why Is It Called a “Fifth”?
The name goes back to the early days of alcohol distribution in the United States.
Originally, liquor was sold in one-fifth of a gallon, which equaled approximately 25.6 oz (757 ml). When the U.S. standardized into the metric system, the closest round number was 750 ml, which became the new standard size.
So, even though today’s fifth is slightly smaller than the historic one-fifth gallon measurement, the name stuck.
How Many Shots Are in a Fifth?
Here’s the breakdown:
- 750 ml bottle = ~17 shots (U.S. standard 1.5 oz shot)
- In countries where a shot is smaller (25–30 ml), you may get closer to 25–30 shots
This matters if you’re:
- stocking a home bar
- planning a party
- mixing cocktails
- budgeting for bartending or catering
- calculating drink costs
Quick Reference Conversion
| Measurement | Equivalent |
| 750 ml | 25.4 U.S. fl oz |
| 1.5 oz shot | ~44 ml |
| Shots per fifth (U.S.) | ~17 shots |
| Shots per fifth (25–30 ml) | ~25–30 shots |
| Fraction of gallon (historic) | 1/5 of a U.S. gallon |
How a Fifth Compares to Other Liquor Bottle Sizes
To put things into perspective, here’s a comparison chart you can refer to:
| Bottle Name | mL | oz | Approx. Shots |
| Mini / Nip | 50 ml | 1.7 oz | 1 shot |
| Half Pint | 200 ml | 6.8 oz | ~4–5 shots |
| Pint | 375 ml | 12.7 oz | ~8–9 shots |
| Fifth (standard) | 750 ml | 25.4 oz | ~17 shots |
| Liter | 1,000 ml | 33.8 oz | ~22 shots |
| Handle | 1.75 L | 59.2 oz | ~39 shots |
If you’re hosting a large group or stocking a professional bar, a handle (1.75 L) provides the best value per ounce.
Why the 750 ml Fifth Became the Standard
There are practical reasons this bottle size became popular:
- It’s easy for one person to carry
- It’s ideal for consumer-level usage
- It’s cost-efficient for manufacturers
- It pours into recipes evenly (most cocktail math is based on it)
- It visually looks “premium” and nicely balanced
Additionally, when the metric conversion happened in the 1970s, 750 ml was the most logical replacement for a fifth-gallon, making it the universal retail size.
How Long Does a Fifth of Liquor Last?
That depends on how you drink:
- Casual home use: Several evenings
- Two-person dinner night: About half the bottle
- Cocktail evening: Gone in one night
- Party situation: Easily consumed by 4–6 people
For cocktails using 2 oz pours, a fifth can yield about 12 drinks.
Is a Fifth Enough for a Party?
Here’s a quick estimate:
- A fifth = ~17 shots
- For a gathering of 5 people, that’s about 3–3.5 shots each
If you’re planning mixed drinks, one fifth can support 10–12 cocktails total.
For larger groups, it’s better to buy:
- a liter,
- or a handle,
depending on the type of liquor and expected consumption.
Popular Liquors Commonly Sold as Fifths
You’ll find the 750 ml bottle standard on:
- Whiskey
- Vodka
- Rum
- Gin
- Tequila
- Brandy
- Scotch
- Liqueurs (e.g., Baileys, Jägermeister, Amaretto)
Craft spirits, premium brands, and commercial bar inventory are heavily based on this sizing format.
FAQs
1. Is a fifth the same as a standard wine bottle?
Yes. A standard wine bottle is also 750 ml, so it holds roughly the same liquid volume as a fifth of liquor.
2. How many drinks can you make with a fifth of vodka?
For cocktails using 1.5–2 oz per drink, expect 10–17 drinks depending on the recipe.
3. Do other countries use the term “fifth”?
Generally, no. The term is most commonly used in the United States. Other countries simply say “750 ml bottle.”
4. Is a fifth bigger than a pint?
Yes — a pint is 375 ml, while a fifth is 750 ml, which is exactly double.
5. How many calories are in a fifth of liquor?
For 80-proof vodka, you’re looking at roughly 1,600 calories per bottle. This varies slightly by alcohol type.
Final Thoughts: Understanding the Fifth Makes Buying Liquor Easier
Now that you know a fifth equals 750 ml, approximately 25.4 ounces, and around 17 shots, you can confidently plan drink quantities, estimate servings for events, and make smarter purchasing decisions.
Whether you’re a casual home consumer, a party host, or someone interested in bar management, this knowledge helps you compare sizes, budget correctly, and serve responsibly.
If you’d like, I can also write additional variations of this article or tailor it for a specific audience—bartenders, hosts, casual drinkers, or educational/legal content.
