Alcoholic spirits measure

Alcoholic spirits measure is a unit of measurement used in the United Kingdom and Ireland for measuring spirits and other liquors. It is also commonly referred to as a shot in many countries.

Overview

An alcoholic spirits measure is used to ensure that the amount of alcohol served to a customer is the same across different establishments. This is particularly important in the hospitality industry, where consistency is key to customer satisfaction and legal compliance. The standard measure for spirits in the UK and Ireland is 25 millilitres, although a 35 millilitre measure is also commonly used.

Legal Requirements

In the UK, the Weights and Measures Act stipulates that spirits must be sold in 25ml or 35ml measures, or multiples thereof. This is enforced by Trading Standards, who can prosecute establishments that do not comply with these regulations. In Ireland, the legal measure for spirits is 35.5ml.

Types of Measures

There are several types of alcoholic spirits measures, including the thimble measure, the optic measure, and the free pour. The thimble measure is a small cup that is filled to the brim with the spirit. The optic measure is a device that dispenses a fixed amount of spirit when inverted. The free pour is a method of pouring spirits by eye, which is less accurate and therefore less commonly used in commercial settings.

See Also

• Alcohol by volume
• Standard drink
• Unit of alcohol