The term “double shot” is common when discussing alcoholic beverages. Understanding the amount of alcohol it contains is important for personal awareness.
Defining a Double Shot
A standard single shot of liquor in the United States is typically 1.5 fluid ounces (oz), which equates to approximately 44 milliliters. A double shot, as the name suggests, generally refers to twice this amount, totaling 3 oz of spirit. This volume is a common measure in many bars and restaurants.
A “standard drink” in the U.S. contains 0.6 ounces, or 14 grams, of pure alcohol. A 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof liquor, which is 40% alcohol by volume (ABV), provides exactly this amount of pure alcohol. Therefore, a 3 oz double shot of 80-proof liquor contains 1.2 ounces of pure alcohol, making it equivalent to two standard drinks.
Factors Influencing Alcohol Content
The amount of alcohol in a double shot can vary based on the alcohol by volume (ABV) of the spirit. Spirits like vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey commonly have ABVs ranging from 36% to 50%, while tequila is often around 40% to 51%.
Pouring practices can also introduce variability. While a 1.5 oz single shot and a 3 oz double shot are common standards, bartenders’ actual pour sizes can differ. Some establishments or individual bartenders might pour slightly less, such as 1.25 oz for a single, or more, up to 2 oz, which would then make a “double” around 4 oz.
Comparing Doubles to Other Alcoholic Drinks
A double shot, typically containing 1.2 ounces of pure alcohol, provides a significant amount of alcohol compared to other common beverages. A standard 12 oz serving of beer with 5% ABV contains 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, equivalent to one standard drink. Similarly, a 5 oz glass of wine with 12% ABV also contains about 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol.
This means that a single double shot of a typical 40% ABV spirit contains the same amount of pure alcohol as two 12 oz beers or two 5 oz glasses of wine.
Practical Implications of a Double’s Alcohol Content
Upon consumption, alcohol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, with peak blood alcohol concentration (BAC) often reached within 30 to 45 minutes, especially when consumed on an empty stomach. The amount of alcohol in a double shot can lead to noticeable effects on the body and mind.
Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant, which can lead to impaired coordination, slowed reaction time, and reduced judgment. Individual factors influence these effects, including body weight, metabolic rate, and whether food was consumed alongside the alcohol. Eating, particularly foods rich in carbohydrates, can slow down alcohol absorption, leading to a more gradual increase in BAC.