What is the Standard Pour in a Single Mixer Cocktail?

Cocktail-making can sometimes get a little confusing, especially when it comes to measuring out the right amount of alcohol to create the perfect drink. And if perfection isn’t what you’re aiming for, what are you even doing? There’s a lot of joy in creating the perfect cocktail, time after time. So, go on, mesmerise your guests with your cocktail pouring excellence. You know you want to. 

When a recipe calls for a ‘standard liquor pour’, it simply means measuring one and a half ounces of liquid into your glass. The amount you’re pouring will depend on the cocktail you’re making, as there are various measurements for different drinks. So how can you be sure that the drink you’re making will measure up? With a bit of luck and our handy guidelines, you’ll get that winning shot every time you pour a drink. 

What is a measure of alcohol?

It’s simply the act of pouring a measured amount of alcohol into a glass to create a drink. A standard pour of liquor can be done for a shot, a cocktail or an elegant after-dinner drink on the rocks. For most drinks, the average pour comes in at between 45ml and can be up to 60ml if you’re feeling generous (and you like whoever you’re pouring the drink for).  

Every recipe and drink will be different. If you’re making a cocktail, the accepted measurement for a standard pour in a cocktail is 45ml, unless the recipe specifies more. If you’re serving something on the rocks or neat, a 60ml pour is the way to go. 

What is considered as a single pour?

So, if a standard liquor pour is 60 ml, what’s a single then? A single pour is 30ml of alcohol. Simple! There are some fantastic cocktail recipes that use the single pour, and one of our favourites is the classic Negroni. Equal parts (or 30 ml each) of Campari, vermouth and gin come together in an impressive-looking drink that’s easy for a novice to master. 

Understanding a standard pour for mixed drinks is important for two reasons. Firstly, you’ll be able to better control and balance the flavour of your drink. One ounce too many can easily ruin the best cocktail recipe. Secondly, you want to be consistent in your drink delivery and make sure they taste the same round after round. What a pro! 

If you happen to have some speed pourers in your bar at home, you can count your way to the perfect single pour. The rule of thumb is to count to two while pouring. When counting, go slowly: One-one thousand, two-one-thousand and then stop. 

How much is a double?

A double pour of alcohol is 90ml – or two jiggers full, so it’s easy to measure.   

Once you’re ready and want to try your hand at more casual (but super impressive) drink-pouring, it’s time to learn the speed pour. To speed-pour a standard pour for mixed drinks (45ml), count to three: One-one thousand, two-one thousand, three-one thousand, and stop. And finally, to pour a double shot (90ml), count, to four at the same pace as above. Just remember, this method of measuring liquor for cocktails only works if you’re using a speed pourer! If you don’t, then the jigger is your next best option. 

Different cocktail pour size guide

So many options, so little time! We’re going to keep it short and sweet. The measurement of liquor will change depending on the cocktail you’re creating. For example, a Classic Margarita will have around 70ml alcohol, while a Long Island Iced Tea uses nearly 180ml. A Vesper Martini uses 130ml liquor, while a Dirty Martini uses 70ml. Every cocktail will be different, and that’s exactly why recipes exist. Cocktails are a bit like baking in that it’s almost a science. So, stick to those recipe measurements to avoid any flops!  

Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular cocktails.  

• Shots: 45ml 
• On the rocks / neat: 60ml 
• Doubles: 90ml 
• Martinis: 60 – 90ml 
• Champagne: 120ml