When discussing liquor bottles in the U.S., the term “fifth” comes up more than any other. The phrase refers to a standard 750 ml bottle—but the history, conversions, and real-world usage of this size are deeper than many realize. Historically, a “fifth” was literally one-fifth of a gallon, and even after the U.S. transitioned to the metric system, the name stuck due to cultural familiarity.
Today, it remains the dominant retail size for spirits, from whiskey to tequila to vodka, and it’s the standard most cocktail recipes and bar inventory systems are based on. In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what a fifth is, how it compares to other bottle sizes, how many drinks it contains, and how to choose the right size depending on your needs.
What Does a “Fifth” Actually Mean?
A fifth is the most common spirit bottle size in the United States, and it holds:
- 750 ml of liquid
- 25.4 fluid ounces
- About 16–17 standard 1.5-oz shots
The name “fifth” comes from the days before metric measurement—when liquor was sold in quantities equal to one-fifth of a U.S. gallon.
One-fifth of a gallon is roughly 757 ml, so when the U.S. standardized bottle sizes in the late 1970s, the closest practical size became 750 ml, which remains the standard today. Even decades later, the phrase stuck—so while the measurement is now metric, the name remains traditional.
Why the Fifth Became the Standard Liquor Bottle Size
There are a few practical reasons why the 750 ml bottle dominates:
- It offers enough quantity for multiple servings.
- It’s the ideal size for mixing cocktails and hosting.
- It’s cost-efficient for both producers and buyers.
- It’s comfortable to pour and handle.
From vodka to bourbon, rum to tequila, walk down any U.S. liquor aisle and you’ll notice that most mid-range and premium bottles come in the 750 ml fifth size.
Liquor Bottle Sizes Fifth vs. Other Common Bottle Sizes
To understand a fifth in context, it’s helpful to compare it to other standard sizes. Here’s a quick reference chart:
Liquor Bottle Size Comparison Table
| Bottle Name | Size (ml) | Ounces (approx.) | Standard Shots (1.5 oz) | Typical Usage |
| Mini / Nip | 50 ml | 1.7 oz | 1 shot | Sampling, travel |
| Half-Pint | 200 ml | 6.8 oz | 4–5 shots | Personal use, short events |
| Pint | 375 ml | 12.7 oz | 8–9 shots | Small gatherings |
| Fifth (Standard) | 750 ml | 25.4 oz | 16–17 shots | Most common household & bar size |
| Liter | 1,000 ml | 33.8 oz | 22 shots | Parties or frequent cocktail making |
| Handle (Half Gallon) | 1,750 ml | 59.2 oz | 39–40 shots | Larger groups, long-term storage |
This table gives quick clarity: a fifth sits comfortably in the middle—large enough for sharing, small enough for casual purchase.
How Many Drinks Are in a Fifth?
This depends on what you consider a “drink.” Let’s break it down using standard cocktail components:
Straight shots:
- A 1.5 oz shot = standard U.S. bar pour
- A fifth = 16–17 shots
Cocktails:
Most mixed drinks contain 1.5–2 oz of spirit, meaning a fifth yields:
- 8–12 cocktails, depending on the recipe
For example:
- Martinis → 2.5–3 oz liquor each
- Gin & Tonic → 1.5 oz
- Margarita → ~2 oz
- Old Fashioned → ~2 oz
So if you’re planning a hosted evening:
- For 4–5 people enjoying mixed drinks, a single fifth is enough.
- For larger gatherings, a liter or handle is better.
Regional Differences in Shot Size and Drinking Measurement
While a fifth is standard in the U.S., serving sizes vary by country:
- U.S.: 1.5 oz shot
- U.K.: 25 or 35 ml
- Japan: 30 ml
- Europe: 20–40 ml (varies widely)
This means the same 750 ml bottle yields:
- In the U.S.: 16–17 drinks
- In the U.K. (25 ml pours): 30 drinks
- In Japan (30 ml pours): ~25 drinks
So the fifth appears “bigger or smaller” depending on the pouring culture.
Liquor Bottle Sizes Fifth vs. Wine Bottle — Same Volume, Different Context
Interestingly, a standard bottle of wine is also 750 ml.
However:
- Wine typically contains 12–14% alcohol
- Spirits usually contain 40–50% alcohol
So while the volume is the same, the alcohol concentration is very different. A fifth of vodka, bourbon, or tequila delivers far more alcoholic potency than a bottle of wine.
When Should You Buy a Fifth vs. Other Sizes?
a) Buy a fifth when:
- You enjoy the liquor but don’t drink daily.
- You’re making cocktails occasionally.
- You want better quality without bulk pricing.
- You’re giving a bottle.
b) Buy a pint or half-pint when:
- You’re testing a new brand.
- You only need a few drinks.
- You’re traveling or need portability.
c) Buy a liter or handle when:
- Hosting a large event.
- Stocking a home bar.
- Preparing bulk cocktails (punches, batches).
- You want value per ounce.
Practical Tips for Choosing Liquor Bottle Sizes
- Price-per-ounce decreases as bottle size increases.
- Higher-end spirits are best in fifths for flavor preservation.
- Handles are economical but take longer to finish and can oxidize.
- If you’re aging or storing premium whiskies, 750 ml is ideal for balance between volume and preservation.
Responsible Consumption and Safety Context
Understanding bottle sizes also helps with healthy drinking habits.
A 750 ml fifth contains:
- About 16 standard drinks
According to U.S. health guidelines:
- Moderation is defined as 1 drink/day for women and 2 for men
- Consuming a fifth in one sitting is considered binge drinking
This isn’t just measurement trivia—it supports safer consumption.
FAQs About Liquor Bottle Sizes Fifth
1. Why is it called a “fifth” if the bottle is 750 ml and not exactly 757 ml?
Historically it was one-fifth of a gallon (~757 ml), but when the metric system was adopted in the 1970s, 750 ml became the standardized equivalent. The name “fifth” simply remained in informal usage.
2. How many shots are in a fifth?
A fifth contains about 16–17 standard 1.5-oz shots used in American bars.
3. Is a fifth of whiskey the same size as a fifth of vodka?
Yes. The term refers strictly to volume: 750 ml, regardless of the type of alcohol.
4. Is a 750 ml bottle enough for a small party?
For casual cocktails or mixed drinks among 4–5 people, yes. For larger gatherings, consider a liter or handle.
5. How long does a fifth last once opened?
- Clear spirits (vodka, gin, rum): years
- Whiskey: indefinitely, but flavor may slowly change
- Liqueurs: 6–12 months due to sugar content
Always seal tightly, keep upright, and store away from sunlight.
Final Thoughts
The “fifth” may seem like just a familiar liquor term, but it represents a long history of measurement, tradition, and practicality.
Whether you’re stocking a home bar, hosting guests, or just curious about what you’re buying, understanding the 750 ml standard helps you make smarter choices.
From cost efficiency to serving expectations, knowing what a fifth truly means ensures you choose the right bottle for every occasion—and use it responsibly.
