Updated April 2026.
There is no official “best alcohol for shots.” A US 1.5-ounce pour of 40% ABV spirits is one NIAAA drink — vodka, tequila, gin, rum, or whiskey if the neck matches. Fireball Cinnamon Whisky is commonly 33% (0.83 drinks). Jack Fire and Honey print 35% on the Brown-Forman US sheet. We will not invent a 2026 ranking.
Related: shots to order, how many mL is a shot, shots for beginners.
Count drinks, not slogans
| Pour | ABV | 1.5 oz drinks |
|---|---|---|
| 40% vodka / tequila / whiskey | 40% | 1.00 |
| Jack Fire / Honey (US sheet) | 35% | 0.88 |
| Fireball Cinnamon Whisky | Typically 33% | 0.83 |
| Fireball Cinnamon (no “Whisky”) | Malt ~16.5% or wine ~21% | Do the math |
A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 drinks. Four 40% shots are four drinks. NIAAA binge pattern is a health line, not a target. Pour math: how many shots.
Sources
- NIAAA standard drink (December 2025): 0.6 fl oz ethanol ≈ 1.5 oz at 40%.
- Brown-Forman US product-info: Tennessee Fire / Honey 35% Alc. by Vol. Fireball 33% is retailer/label consensus. Brand FAQ: no “Whisky” means malt or wine in some channels.