Measurements Matter
Since the metric system measures the world, except in the United States, here are some equivalents and charts to help avoid confusion. When measuring ingredients for a drink, remember that the balance is important, so for weaker or stronger drinks, adjust all of the components accordingly.
| Bar Measurements | Standard | Metric |
| 1 dash | .03 ounce | 0.9 milliliter |
| 1 splash | .25 ounce | 7.5 milliliters |
| 1 teaspoon | .125 ounce | 3.7 milliliters |
| 1 tablespoon | .375 ounce | 1.1 milliliters |
| 1 float | .5 ounce | 22.5 milliliters |
| 1 pony | 1 ounce | 29.5 milliliters |
| 1 jigger | 1.5 ounces | 44.5 milliliters |
| 1 cup | 8 ounces | 257.0 milliliters |
| 1 pint | 16 ounces | 460.0 milliliters |
| 1 quart | 32 ounces | 920.0 milliliters |
| 1 gallon | 128 ounces | 3.78 liters |
| Name of Container | Standard | Metric |
| split | 6.3 ounces | 187.0 milliliters |
| half | 12.6 ounces | 375.0 milliliters |
| fifth | 25.3 ounces | 750.0 milliliters |
| quart | 33.8 ounces | 1 liter |
| magnum | 50.7 ounces | 1.5 liters |
| jeroboam | 101.4 ounces | 3 liters |
| nebuchadnezzar | 3.96 gallons | 15 liters |
| keg | 7.75 gallons | 29.3353 liters |
These measures are great to look up when having a cocktail party. Experienced bartenders—through repetition—learn to eyeball everything, but if you are in doubt, then there's nothing wrong with measuring. The main things to keep in mind are that you can get 3 or 4 servings from a bottle of wine, 20 to 25 shots of alcohol from a fifth, and 30 to 35 shots of alcohol from a liter.
