What Does Two Fingers of Whiskey Meaning? (2024 Updated) (2024)

  • Written By Lydia Martin

What Does Two Fingers of Whiskey Meaning? (2024 Updated) (1)

There are several ways to drink whiskey, and we’re sure you’ve heard people order “fingers” of alcohol at some point. But what do two fingers of whiskey meaning?

Don’t pour yourself a full glass just yet. We’ve got the real deal here.

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What Does Two Fingers Of Whiskey Meaning?

What Does Two Fingers of Whiskey Meaning? (2024 Updated) (2)

The term “Two Fingers of Whiskey” means that the width of two fingers when you hold it next to the glass is the volume of the whiskey. The terminology two fingers of whiskey is a rough way of measuring how much whiskey goes in your glass.

Two fingers of whiskey is not an official unit of measurement for whiskey pour, but it would be helpful since whiskey is not meant for chugging.

Is It A Unit of Measurement?

Two fingers of whiskey can be a unit of measurement for whiskey pour. You can use it at home or when ordering a neat whiskey at the bar.

It would be an easy way to give each glass the same amount of whiskey, even if you don’t have a measuring tool.

However, the two fingers of whiskey measurement may vary because of three reasons: (1) size of your finger, (2) diameter of the glass, and (3) shape of the glass.

How Much Are Two Fingers Of Whiskey?

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If you have an old-fashioned glass (6-8 ounce) and an average-sized finger, two fingers are roughly 2 ounces of whiskey (without ice).

However, it would be best to remember that the one-ounce-per-finger measurement works on single old-fashioned glasses (since there are large double old-fashioned glasses). A bigger and wider base of the glass brings a big difference.

But why do people dip their fingers in whiskey?

How To Order Two Fingers Of Whiskey

If you want to order two fingers of whiskey in a bar, tell the bartender that you want two fingers of whatever whiskey you prefer.

You can say “two fingers of Bulleit bourbon please” to the bartender, and he will give you a straight, room temperature whiskey in an old-fashioned glass to the height of their two fingers.

Also Read:

  • How To Order Whiskey At A Bar
  • Top Whiskeys To Avoid Hangover
  • How To Make Whiskey Taste Better

Do People Still Use It?

What Does Two Fingers of Whiskey Meaning? (2024 Updated) (4)

Yes, people still use the two fingers of whiskey as a measurement of their spirit at home.

However, the antiquated method is no longer used in bars because different bartenders have different finger sizes, making the whiskey pour inconsistent.

Moreso, the standard pour in most bars is 1.25 to 1.50 ounces, so it would be hard to figure out how much to charge per finger.

Compared to Other Units Of Measurement

One Finger

When measuring a distilled spirit, one finger refers to the volume of whiskey that will fill a glass when one finger is wrapped around the bottom.

It is nearly an inch (3/4) and roughly an ounce of the spirit.

Three Fingers

What Does Two Fingers of Whiskey Meaning? (2024 Updated) (5)

Three fingers of whiskey are pretty much the same concept as one finger.

You will fill the glass to the height equal to the width of your three fingers. It measures roughly three ounces or two shots of distilled spirit.

FAQs of Two Fingers of Whiskey Meaning

How many fingers is a shot of whiskey?

A shot of whiskey is one and a half fingers. Since a finger is roughly an ounce of spirit and a shot means 1.5 ounces, you will need to fill a standard old-fashioned glass with one and a half fingers.

Can two fingers of whiskey get you drunk?

No, two fingers of whiskey will not get you drunk. Two fingers of whiskey are roughly 2 ounces, which is just above a shot if you will use an old-fashioned glass. No one gets drunk with a shot or two of a distilled spirit.

How much whiskey does “Two Fingers” typically represent?

The amount of whiskey in a “two fingers” pour can vary depending on the size of the glass and the individual’s finger width. Generally, it’s approximately 1.5 to 2 ounces of whiskey.

Is “Two Fingers” a standard measurement in bartending?

While “two fingers” is not a standardized measurement in bartending like ounces or milliliters, it’s a widely recognized term used by both bartenders and patrons to communicate the desired amount of whiskey.

Can I request “Two Fingers of Whiskey” at any bar?

Yes, most bartenders will understand and accommodate a request for “two fingers of whiskey.” However, it’s always helpful to specify the type of whiskey you prefer and whether you want it neat, on the rocks, or as part of a co*cktail.

Does “Two Fingers” refer to the height or width of the pour?

The term “two fingers” typically refers to the width of the pour when the glass is held horizontally. It’s a visual reference point for the desired amount of whiskey in the glass.

Can I adjust the amount of whiskey by requesting more or fewer “fingers”?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of whiskey you receive by specifying the number of “fingers” you’d like. For example, you can request “three fingers” for a larger pour or “one finger” for a smaller one.

Final Thoughts

Two fingers of whiskey is an old bar term [1] or measurement of whiskey pour. While some people use it to indicate how much whiskey they should pour in a glass, it can be an inconsistent measuring tool.

The size of the finger and the diameter and shape of the glass may make a big difference to the volume of the whiskey.

However, feel free to use it at home as a measuring tool for your drinking session.

Reference:

  1. https://www.westword.com/restaurants/ask-the-bartender-giving-all-those-old-bar-terms-the-finger-5747968

What Does Two Fingers of Whiskey Meaning? (2024 Updated) (6)

What Does Two Fingers of Whiskey Meaning? (2024 Updated) (7)

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What Does Two Fingers of Whiskey Meaning? (2024 Updated) (2024)

FAQs

What does two fingers of whiskey mean? ›

Two fingers is an old way of measuring spirits, the equivalent of two finger widths, and useful only if you do not have any other way of measuring out equal pours. It's not a particularly good unit of measure as the volume poured will vary with the diameter of the glass you're using.

What does a finger mean in alcohol? ›

the fingerbreadth (literally the width of a finger) is an informal but widely used unit of measure. In the measurement of distilled spirits, a finger of whiskey refers to the amount of whiskey that would fill a glass to the level of one finger wrapped around the glass at the bottom.

How many shots are 2 fingers? ›

A finger is a casual measurement of volume in a tumbler. Assuming a round glass, wrap your index finder around the glass where one edge lines up with the bottom. A finger's width of whiskey in the glass is a shot or two (depending on the glass).

What is the finger rule for wine? ›

Employ the “Two Finger” Rule

Hold the wine bottle with one hand and place your index and middle fingers horizontally at the base of the wine glass. Pour the wine until it reaches the top of your middle finger. This method will give you a rough estimate of a 5-ounce serving.

What do two fingers mean? ›

In the US, if you hold up two fingers (with the back of your hand facing you) it means “peace”. In the UK and elsewhere, holding up two fingers (with the back of your hand facing away) is an insult (equivalent to the middle finger in the US).

What does the insult two finger salute mean? ›

Originally it came from archers. When the English and french were at war the french used to capture the English archers and cut their two bow string fingers off. So during the war the English archers used to raise their two fingers as an insult after a battle to say I still have my fingers.

How much is 2 fingers of whiskey? ›

Recently, with a nod to bar history, there has been an effort to standardize the "finger pour" to 3/4 of an inch per finger in an standard old fashioned glass, which equals about one ounce per finger. This would result in two fingers equaling two ounces and so on.

What does it mean when you hold your pinky up while drinking? ›

That's actually rude and connotes elitism. It comes from the fact that cultured people would eat their tea goodies with three fingers and commoners would hold the treats with all five fingers. Thus was born the misguided belief that one should raise their pinky finger to show they were cultured.

What does tapping the bottom of a liquor bottle mean? ›

The air trapped inside the bottle makes it difficult to open many times. Just inverting the bottle once or twice in a quick motion will do the job. Tapping and hitting with elbow to release pressure and to make that peculiar sound is the part of showmanship.

What does it actually mean to take whiskey neat? ›

A whiskey served “neat” just means it's served straight up, with nothing else in the glass. A neat pour lets you appreciate the true flavor of the whiskey—for better, or for worse. If you're sipping something lackluster, you'll find yourself quickly reaching for the ice and/or your favorite co*cktail book.

Will 2 shot get you drunk? ›

Alcohol and Weight

To this effect, people of small stature will have more alcohol in their bloodstream if they drink the same volume of alcohol of someone bigger. Most people get intoxicated after taking three to four shots; this influence can happen more rapidly if the person involved is small in stature.

What does "neat" mean in a drink? ›

When you order a liquor neat, it means that you want a shot of liquor poured straight from the bottle into the glass and served at room temperature. A neat drink won't be shaken or stirred with ice, poured over ice, or mixed with anything. Think of it as an uncluttered, tidy drink — hence the name “neat.”

How many fingers is one shot of whiskey? ›

Two fingers are considered a full serving (so named as it's the height of your finger against the glass). A glass, however much the house prefers to pour, generally consisting of 1.5 – 2.0 fluid ounces (45 to 60 ml).

Why do waiters put their hand behind their back when pouring wine? ›

The practical reason that servers often keep their hands behind their back is to find a place to put them when not in use. Like Jim Sterrett stated, it is impolite to cross your arms or put them in your pockets. If the server has a pen and pad or he or she 'talks with their hands', then they might not choose to do so.

Is it illegal to walk around with a glass of wine? ›

The majority of U.S. states and localities prohibit possessing or consuming an open container of alcohol in public places, such as on the street, while 24 states do not have statutes regarding the public consumption of alcohol.

What type of alcohol is two fingers? ›

Two Fingers Tequila White is a tequila with a rare taste and personality that is quickly making friends internationally.

What is the human finger in whiskey? ›

The Sourtoe co*cktail is practically a rite of passage for visitors to Dawson City, Yukon. It's a simple drink (a shot of whiskey, usually Yukon Jack) with an unusual accompaniment: a mummified human toe. How did the Sourtoe co*cktail come to be? It all started during prohibition, with a nasty case of frostbite.

What does two finger guns mean? ›

Between friends, a finger gun can be a sign of acknowledgement similar to a head nod and hello. Simultaneous finger guns with both hands can also be used to underscore the punchline of a joke, something of a visual equivalent to a "rimshot" sound effect.

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