A 750 ml bottle of liquor is commonly referred to as a “standard” or “regular” bottle. This size has become the industry standard for most spirits, including whiskey, vodka, rum, tequila, and gin. It is also often used for wine bottles, although wine bottles can come in various sizes.
The term “750 ml” refers to the volume of liquid the bottle can hold. It is equivalent to three-quarters of a liter or 25.4 fluid ounces. This size is popular because it is convenient for both consumers and producers. For consumers, it is a manageable size that can be easily consumed over a few occasions without going to waste. For producers, it offers a good balance between production costs and consumer demand.
The 750 ml bottle has a long history and has evolved over time. In the late 19th century, liquor in the United States was often sold in bottles that appeared to hold one U.S. quart (32 U.S. fluid ounces or 946 ml). However, these bottles actually contained less than a quart and were referred to as “fifths” or “commercial quarts.” The reason for this discrepancy was to allow for the inclusion of the bottle's neck and closure, which took up space within the bottle.
This practice of using slightly smaller bottles than their apparent volume continued into the 20th century. It was not until the 1970s that the U.S. government enforced regulations requiring liquor bottles to accurately reflect their contents. As a result, the 750 ml bottle became the standard size for liquor in the United States.
In the world of wine, the 750 ml bottle is also widely used. It is the most common size for still wines and is often referred to as a “standard” or “regular” wine bottle. However, it is worth noting that wine bottles can come in various sizes, ranging from small single-serving sizes to larger formats such as magnums (1.5 liters) or even larger bottles used for special occasions or aging.
The 750 ml bottle size has practical advantages for wine as well. It allows for a good serving size, typically accommodating around five to six glasses of wine. It is also a size that is easy to hold and pour from, making it convenient for both consumers and wine professionals.
In my experience as a sommelier and brewer, the 750 ml bottle is a versatile and widely accepted size. It is commonly used in restaurants and bars, as well as for home consumption. The size is suitable for sharing among a small group of people or enjoying over multiple occasions.
To summarize, a 750 ml bottle of liquor is commonly called a “standard” or “regular” bottle. It is the industry standard size for most spirits and is also widely used for wine. The 750 ml size has evolved over time and has become popular due to its convenience for both consumers and producers.