A fifth of alcohol, also known as a standard bottle, typically contains 750 milliliters of liquid. This measurement is commonly used for spirits such as vodka, whiskey, rum, and tequila. When you purchase a fifth, you can expect to have around 16 shots or cocktails worth of alcohol.
To give you a clearer picture, one shot is usually considered to be around 1.5 ounces or 44 milliliters. Therefore, a fifth of alcohol will provide you with approximately 16 shots, as each shot requires roughly 44 milliliters of liquid.
Now, if you prefer smaller quantities or are looking for a single serving, you might consider a mini or nip bottle. These tiny bottles typically contain 50 milliliters, which is equivalent to one shot. They are perfect for when you only want a small amount of alcohol or if you want to try different spirits without committing to a larger bottle.
If you want a bit more than a single shot, you may opt for a quarter pint bottle, which usually contains 100 milliliters of alcohol. This amount will give you approximately two shots or cocktails.
It's important to note that the number of shots or cocktails you can make from a fifth of alcohol may vary depending on the recipe and the amount of alcohol you prefer in each drink. Some cocktails require more than one shot, while others may require less. Additionally, personal preferences for drink strength and size can also impact the number of servings you can get from a bottle.
In my personal experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have found that a fifth of alcohol is generally enough for a small gathering or a few drinks for yourself over a period of time. However, if you are hosting a larger event or planning to serve cocktails throughout the night, you may need to consider purchasing multiple bottles or larger quantities.
To summarize, a fifth of alcohol, which contains 750 milliliters, will provide you with approximately 16 shots or cocktails. One shot is typically considered to be around 1.5 ounces or 44 milliliters. If you prefer smaller quantities, you can opt for mini or nip bottles (50 milliliters) or quarter pint bottles (100 milliliters) for one or two shots respectively. Remember that the number of servings may vary based on personal preferences and the specific drink recipes you are using.