Whiskey Standard Drinks: What Exactly Is a Standard Shot?

When you order a whiskey, the bartender doesn't always pour the same amount. A "standard drink" is the term used to keep track of how much alcohol you actually consume. Knowing the size helps you stay in control, compare drinks, and follow any legal limits.

What Counts as a Standard Drink?

In the US, a standard drink contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol. For whiskey that’s usually around 40% ABV (alcohol by volume). That works out to roughly 1.5 ounces, or 44 ml, of straight whiskey. If the bottle is stronger – say 45% ABV – the same 1.5 ounces will have a little more alcohol, but it’s still the usual guideline.

Other countries use different numbers. In the UK a unit is 8 ml of pure alcohol, so a standard whiskey drink is about 25 ml of 40% spirit. Canada counts one standard drink as 13.6 g of alcohol, which is again close to 1.5 oz of 40% whiskey. The key is the same: about one and a half ounces of 80‑proof whiskey.

How to Measure Your Whiskey at Home or the Bar

At home you can use a jigger – the little double‑sided glass with a 1‑oz and a 1.5‑oz side. Fill the 1.5‑oz side for a true standard drink. No jigger? No problem. A shot glass that comes with the bar usually holds 1.5 oz, so just fill it to the top.

If you’re at a bar, ask for a "single" or "standard" pour. Many places automatically pour a little more than 1.5 oz for a neat whiskey, especially in the US. Don’t be afraid to ask the bartender to pull a measured shot. Most are happy to oblige, and it shows you care about your drinking.

When you mix whiskey in a cocktail, the standard drink rule still applies to the spirit you add. A classic Old Fashioned, for example, usually calls for 2 oz of whiskey – that’s about 1.33 standard drinks. Knowing this helps you count how many drinks you’re actually having.

Keeping track of standard drinks matters if you’re driving, watching your calorie intake, or just trying to stay moderate. Most health agencies say up to two standard drinks per day for men and one for women is a safe limit. That doesn’t mean you have to count every sip, but having a rough idea of the size helps.

If you prefer a lighter feel, try a lower‑proof whiskey. Some craft bottles are 35% ABV, meaning a 1.5‑oz pour has less alcohol – about 0.9 of a standard drink. It’s a simple way to cut back without changing your favorite spirit.

Bottom line: a whiskey standard drink is about 1.5 ounces of 40% spirit. Use a jigger, ask the bartender, or measure with a shot glass to stay on track. Knowing the numbers makes you a smarter drinker and keeps the night enjoyable.