How many drinks is a pint?

Answered by James Porterfield

As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with some insights into the number of drinks you can expect from a pint. When it comes to alcoholic beverages, specifically liquor and , it's important to understand the standard pouring sizes and measurements.

Let's start with liquor. A pint typically contains 16 fluid ounces or 473 milliliters. In terms of shots, a standard shot is considered to be 1.5 ounces or 44 milliliters. So, if we do the math, a pint would have approximately 10 and a half shots (16 divided by 1.5). This calculation assumes that each shot is poured individually and not as part of a larger cocktail.

It's worth noting that this calculation applies to made with liquor as well, even if they are served as doubles. For instance, if you order a cocktail and it's made with a double shot (3 ounces), a pint would still contain roughly 5 and a half of these doubles (16 divided by 3).

Moving on to wine, the standard pouring size for wine is typically 5 ounces or 148 milliliters. However, a pint is equivalent to 16 fluid ounces, meaning it can hold more than three standard wine pours. Therefore, you can expect to get around three to four of wine from a pint, depending on the size of each pour.

Now, it's important to remember that these calculations are based on standard measurements and pouring sizes. In real-life situations, the number of drinks you can get from a pint may vary depending on various factors such as the bartender's pouring technique, glassware size, or personal preferences.

In my experience as a sommelier and brewer, I've encountered situations where bartenders may pour slightly larger shots or use different glassware sizes, which can affect the number of drinks you get from a pint. Additionally, some individuals may prefer smaller or larger pours, so it's always good to communicate your preferences to the bartender.

To summarize, a pint generally contains around 10 and a half 1.5-ounce shots of liquor or approximately three to four standard wine pours. However, keep in mind that these numbers are based on standard measurements and various factors can influence the actual number of drinks you receive. So, whether you're enjoying a cocktail or a glass of wine, it's always best to communicate your preferences and be mindful of responsible drinking practices.