When looking to be a bartender, or even for someone who throws a lot of parties, it’s a good idea to understand the correct bar measurements to ensure that you’re pouring the right sized drink and mixing the right cocktail. So, here are just a few bar measurements that would be worth remembering.

Probably the most well-known bar measurements, at least in the UK, are pints and shots. A pint or half pint is usually the normal serving size for beer, ale, lager and cider, and while most glasses used in bars will have the measurements marked on for you it’s worth knowing what they equate to as well, particularly if you’ve got a home bar. Quite simply, one pint equals 500 millilitres (500ml) and half a pint is 250 millilitres (250ml).

Then we come to shots, particularly useful if you’re making a cocktail or serving single shots of spirits or liqueurs. One shot usually equates to 44 millilitres (44ml), and if you’re looking to get a double shot then simply multiply the amount. Of course, you can always use specific shot glasses to ensure you’re getting the perfect shot, and in bars or pubs you’ll often get optics which will help you to pour the perfect measure.

Bartender Serving Drinks

Cocktail recipes are often written in measures, otherwise known as shots, so simply use the bar measurements above. You’ll also find recipes written in parts, with a part simply meaning any equal part. Whichever measurement you use, if you need to convert anything always make sure that you stick to the same one for the entire recipe to ensure that you get the best result.

Different Places, Different Definitions

Please note, however, that the bar measurements discussed so far are the measurements usually used in the UK with a metric system. But in the US, for example, the bar measurements are usually in ounces so will differ accordingly. Bear this in mind if you’re getting your drinks recipes from US-based sites or books, and if you need to convert ounces into millilitres then remember that 1oz = 29.5ml.

These are just a few of the basic bar measurements that are worth remembering if you work in a bar, or simply if you make a lot of drinks recipes at home for you and your guests. Always make sure that you use the right bar measurements to ensure that you get the perfect drink, and if in doubt just use a glass with the measurements already marked out for you.