How Many Shots in a Fifth of Whiskey (And More)

So, you’re wondering how many shots are in a fifth?

That’s a great question because the term “fifth” gets tossed around like it’s at the cornhole championship.

And what’s more, you want to know how many drinks you can make if you purchase a fifth of whiskey or some other form of liquid courage.

This article is here to help you go from a Padawan to a Jedi master when it comes to your liquor vocabulary.

And let’s be honest…

This will certainly be more important than anything you learned in school.

What Is a “Fifth”?

A “fifth” is a term for a 750ml bottle of liquor. It’s the standard size of pretty much any bottle you’ll see at the liquor store. 

So, when someone says, “I drank a ‘fifth’ of vodka today”, you need to escort them back home and have a come to Jesus meeting with them.

A 750ml bottle is called a fifth because it’s a fifth of a gallon. 

How Many Shots Are in a Fifth?

There are ~16 shots in a fifth. 

Standard shots are 1.5oz of liquor.

If you measure in 1.0z shots, then there are 25 shots in a fifth.

How Many Shots Are in a Fifth of Whiskey, Tequila, Vodka, and Other Liquors?

~16 shots. 

A fifth is 750ml regardless of what’s in it. 

How Many Shots Are in Standard Cocktails?

Most cocktails you order at a bar will have between 1.33 and 2 shots in them.

So, you can expect to be able to make 8-12 drinks from a fifth.

If you like being a wild child and doubling the shots in your drinks then you can expect to only be able to make 4-8 drinks.

How Many Shots in a Bottle? The Rest of the Sizes

• Mini – 1 Shot
• Quarter Pint – 2 Shots
• Half Pint – 4 Shots
• Pint – 8 Shots
• Fifth – 16 Shots
• Liter (1L) – 22 Shots
• Magnum (1.5L) – 33 Shots
• Handle (1.75L) – 39 Shots
• Jeroboam (3L) – 67 Shots
• Rehoboam (4.5L) – 101 Shots

How to Stock Your Bar for a Party

If you’re trying to figure out how many shots are in a fifth of whiskey because you’re preparing for a party and need to know how much liquor to buy, we can help.

First, decide on your drink menu.

Are your guests expected to make their own drinks? 

Or are you offering a select number of specific cocktails?

The answer has a huge impact on the supply you need.

Offering 2-3 select mixed drinks is often the best choice because it makes everything much easier.

That way, the answer can turn into a simple math equation.

Let’s say you want to offer:

• Old Fashioneds with 3.0oz of whiskey
• Margaritas with 1.5oz of tequila
• Daquiris with 1.5oz of rum

And your guest list is 30 people.

If you want everyone to be able to have 1 of each drink (if they want to have the poops later on), then you’ll need:

1. A Magnum or 2 Fifths of rum (32-33 shots)
2. A Jeroboam or 2 Magnums of whiskey (66-67 shots)
3. A Magnum or 2 Fifths of tequila (32-33 shots)

Dang, son.

Invite me to that party.

Need Help Selecting a Bottle of Bourbon?

If the scenario above is somewhat true for you, you’re gonna need some bourbon.

Luckily, we have a ton of great “best bourbon” lists broken down by price.

You can click here to see them.