A “pour” of bourbon refers to a single, measured serving of the liquor, but there is no single, universally mandated size. The volume is highly dependent on the setting, such as a bar or a home environment, and the specific way the drink is ordered. This variability means the answer is not a fixed number, but rather a range established by industry standards and the context of consumption.
The Standard Pour
The most common measurement for a single serving of liquor in the United States bar industry is 1.5 ounces. This volume is the standard for a “shot” and is the typical amount of bourbon used when mixing a cocktail, such as a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned. Bartenders rely on tools like a jigger, which often features a 1.5-ounce side, to ensure this precise and consistent measurement for inventory control and drink balance.
When bourbon is ordered to be sipped slowly, the standard pour often increases to 2 ounces. This larger volume is frequently used for premium or higher-proof spirits served without mixers. The 2-ounce pour provides a more substantial drink, which helps justify the price point for a higher-end spirit. This distinction means that a bourbon ordered in a mixed drink will likely contain 1.5 ounces, while the same bourbon ordered straight will often contain 2 ounces.
Pour Variations and Terminology
The specific terminology used when ordering bourbon directly dictates the volume of the pour. Ordering a bourbon “neat” means the spirit is served at room temperature with no ice or mixers, and this serving is typically the larger 2-ounce standard pour. When a bourbon is ordered “on the rocks,” the volume of the liquor remains the same 2 ounces, but the addition of ice, often a single large cube, makes the glass appear fuller and introduces gradual dilution.
A “double” pour typically doubles the establishment’s standard pour, resulting in a 3-ounce or 4-ounce serving. This is a significant increase in alcohol content and is priced accordingly. Conversely, a “tasting” or “flight” pour is significantly smaller, usually ranging from 0.5 ounces to 1 ounce per sample. These smaller volumes are designed for sampling multiple bourbons side-by-side, allowing for a focused evaluation of aroma and flavor profiles.
Practical Home Pouring
For those pouring bourbon at home, using a measuring tool is the most reliable way to ensure an accurate and consistent serving size. The most effective tool is a bar jigger, which is a small, double-sided measuring cup. Common jigger sizes include a 1-ounce measure on one side and a 2-ounce measure on the other, or a 1.5-ounce side paired with a 0.75-ounce side.
Using a jigger allows for precise control over consumption, which is important for both taste and moderation. If a jigger is unavailable, a small kitchen measuring cup with clear ounce markings can serve the same purpose. While some people rely on visual cues, such as filling a rocks glass to a certain height, this method is highly inaccurate due to variations in glass shape and size. Measuring the bourbon ensures that the intended 1.5-ounce cocktail measure or the 2-ounce neat pour is achieved every time.