A standard whiskey shot is precisely 44 ml.
Understanding standard pour sizes for whiskey can be helpful, whether you're ordering at a bar, mixing drinks, or pouring at home. While regional variations might exist, a commonly accepted standard for a whiskey shot is 44 milliliters.
Standard Whiskey Pour Sizes
Based on common bar practices and as indicated by our reference, different pour sizes are used depending on how the whiskey is served. The size of the pour changes for a straight shot, a drink served "neat" or "on the rocks," or a double pour.
Here's a breakdown of typical whiskey pour sizes:
| Pour Type | Volume (ml) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shot/Cocktail | 44 ml | Standard single shot |
| Neat/Rocks | 59 ml | Served straight or over ice |
| Double | 88 ml | Twice the neat/rocks pour |
Reference: In millimeters, the standard whiskey pour is 44 ml for a shot or cocktail, 59 ml for a neat or rocks pour, and 88 ml for a double.
What Does This Mean in Practice?
- When you order a "shot" of whiskey at a bar, you can generally expect it to be around 44 ml. This is also the typical amount used for the whiskey base in many cocktails.
- A "neat" pour means the whiskey is served straight, with no ice or mixers. An "on the rocks" pour is served over ice. Both of these often come in a slightly larger size, typically 59 ml.
- A "double" is usually twice the size of a neat/rocks pour, coming in at 88 ml.
Knowing these standard sizes helps manage expectations and ensures consistency when enjoying whiskey in different ways.
