Dram vs. Shot: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Janet White || Updated on May 22, 2024
A dram is a small unit of measurement for whiskey, often used in Scotland, whereas a shot is a standardized measure of alcohol, typically around 1.5 ounces, served in a shot glass.
Key Differences
A dram is a traditional Scottish term used to describe a small serving of whiskey, though its exact measurement can vary. This term is often used more informally and culturally, reflecting the Scottish heritage and social practices surrounding whiskey consumption. On the other hand, a shot is a more standardized measure of alcohol, commonly used in bars and restaurants worldwide. A shot is typically 1.5 ounces in the United States, served in a specific shot glass.
The dram's variability in size often depends on personal or local preference, which can range from half an ounce to two ounces. It is more about the experience and enjoyment of the whiskey rather than a strict measurement. In contrast, a shot is precise and used for a quick, standardized serving of spirits, which makes it a common measurement for cocktails and drinking games.
In terms of context, a dram is usually associated with savoring and appreciating the flavor of whiskey, often in social or relaxed settings. Meanwhile, a shot is associated with a quick consumption of alcohol, often in social gatherings, parties, or as part of a mixed drink.
The cultural significance of a dram is deeply rooted in Scottish traditions and whiskey culture, symbolizing a moment of relaxation and enjoyment. Conversely, a shot represents a more modern, global approach to drinking spirits, emphasizing convenience and uniformity in measurement.
Comparison Chart
Measurement
Varies (typically 0.5 to 2 ounces)
Standardized (typically 1.5 ounces)
ADVERTISEMENT
Usage Context
Traditional, cultural, relaxed settings
Modern, bars, parties, cocktails
Common Beverage
Whiskey
Various spirits
Cultural Significance
Scottish whiskey culture
Global, contemporary drinking culture
Serving Vessel
Whiskey glass
Shot glass
Dram and Shot Definitions
Dram
A variable amount, typically between 0.5 to 2 ounces.
She offered a dram of her finest whiskey to her guests.
ADVERTISEMENT
Shot
A standardized measure of alcohol, usually 1.5 ounces.
He ordered a shot of tequila at the bar.
Dram
Used informally to describe a small drink of whiskey.
Would you like to join me for a dram?
Shot
Common in drinking games and cocktails.
She added a shot of vodka to the cocktail mix.
Dram
A small measure of whiskey, traditionally in Scotland.
He poured a dram of Scotch to enjoy by the fire.
Shot
Represents a quick, exact serving of spirits.
They each took a shot before heading out.
Dram
A unit of weight in the US Customary System equal to 1/16 of an ounce or 27.34 grains (1.77 grams).
Shot
The firing or discharge of a weapon, such as a gun.
Dram
A unit of apothecary weight equal to 1/8 of an ounce or 60 grains (3.89 grams).
Shot
The distance over which something is shot; the range.
Dram
A small draft
Took a dram of brandy.
Shot
An attempt to hit a target with a projectile
His shot at the bear missed by inches.
Dram
A small amount; a bit
Not a dram of compassion.
Shot
An attempt to reach a target with a rocket
A moon shot.
Dram
See Table at currency.
Shot
An attempt to score into a goal, as in soccer or hockey.
Dram
Dynamic RAM.
Shot
The flight or path of a projectile in a game.
Dram
(units of measurement) A small unit of weight, variously:
Shot
A sharply hit or driven ball or puck.
Dram
Alternative form of drachm.
Shot
A stroke in a game, as in golf or billiards
Took three shots to get out of the sand trap.
Dram
(pharmacy) drachm.
Shot
A pointed or critical remark.
Dram
(now uncommon) dirhem: a former Turkish unit of weight (variously 1.5–3.5 g).
Shot
An attempt; a try
Took a shot at losing weight.
Dram
(obsolete) drachma: a former Greek unit of weight (about 4.3 g).
Shot
An opportunity
Gave him a fair shot at the part in the play.
Dram
(by extension) Any similarly minute quantity, a small amount of strong alcohol or poison.
A dram of brandy
Shot
A chance at odds; something to bet on
The horse was a four-to-one shot.
Dram
A cart formerly used to haul coal in coal mines.
Shot
A solid projectile designed to be discharged from a firearm or cannon.
Dram
(obsolete) drachma: a Greek silver coin weighing one drachma; other similar coins.
Shot
Pl. shot Such projectiles, especially when fired in clusters, considered as a group.
Dram
The currency of Armenia, divided into 100 luma.
Shot
Pl. shot Tiny lead or steel pellets, especially ones used in a shotgun cartridge.
Dram
To drink drams.
Shot
One of these pellets.
Dram
To ply with drams of drink.
Shot
(Sports) The heavy metal ball that is put for distance in the shot put.
Dram
A weight; in Apothecaries' weight, one eighth part of an ounce, or sixty grains; in Avoirdupois weight, one sixteenth part of an ounce, or 27.34375 grains.
Shot
One who shoots in a particular way
A good shot with the rifle and the bow.
Dram
A minute quantity; a mite.
Were I the chooser, a dram of well-doing should be preferred before many times as mush the forcible hindrance of evildoing.
Shot
A charge of explosives used in blasting mine shafts.
Dram
As much spirituous liquor as is usually drunk at once; as, a dram of brandy; hence, a potation or potion; as, a dram of poison.
Shot
A detonation of an explosive charge.
Dram
A Persian daric.
Shot
A photograph taken of a particular subject
Got a good shot of that last model.
Dram
Same as dynamic RAM.
Shot
A single continuous recording made with a movie camera.
Dram
To drink drams; to ply with drams.
Shot
A hypodermic injection.
Dram
A unit of apothecary weight equal to an eighth of an ounce or to 60 grains
Shot
A small amount given or applied at one time
A shot of oxygen.
Dram
1/16 ounce or 1.771 grams
Shot
A small amount of liquor, usually between 1 and 1 ½ ounces
Got out the vodka and measured two shots into the glass.
Dram
The basic unit of money in Armenia
Shot
A small drink
Sipped a shot of bourbon.
Drank a shot of espresso.
Dram
A term reflecting cultural and social aspects of whiskey drinking.
Sharing a dram is a cherished tradition in Scotland.
Shot
A small amount of a liquid used as an ingredient in a beverage
Prepared a smoothie with a shot of wheatgrass.
Dram
Sometimes used to describe a small amount of liquid.
Just a dram of this potion will do.
Shot
An amount to be paid, as for drinks; a bill.
Shot
(Nautical) A length of chain equal to 15 fathoms (90 feet).
Shot
To load or weight with shot.
Shot
Past tense and past participle of shoot.
Shot
Of changeable or variegated color; iridescent.
Shot
Streaked or flecked with or as if with yarn of a different color
A blue suit shot with purple.
A forest glade that was shot with sunlight.
Shot
Interspersed or permeated with a distinctive quality
Her apology was shot with irony.
Shot
Worn-out; ruined.
Shot
Exhausted; thoroughly tired.
Shot
(colloquial) Worn out or broken.
The rear axle will have to be replaced. It’s shot.
Shot
(of material, especially silk) Woven from warp and weft strands of different colours, resulting in an iridescent appearance.
The cloak was shot through with silver threads.
Shot
Tired, weary.
I have to go to bed now; I’m shot.
Shot
Discharged, cleared, or rid of something.
Shot
Scarred silly or crazy of something or someone usually due to a traumatic experience with said fear.
This man is wolf shot from seeing too many horror movies with wolves in them, so much so that even the mention of the word “wolf” makes him run in terror and that need committed to the insane asylum.
Shot
The result of launching a projectile or bullet.
The shot was wide off the mark.
Shot
(sports) The act of launching a ball or similar object toward a goal.
They took the lead on a last-minute shot.
Shot
(athletics) The heavy iron ball used for the shot put.
The shot flew twenty metres, and nearly landed on the judge's foot.
Shot
(uncountable) Small metal balls used as ammunition.
Shot
Metal balls (or similar) used as ammunition; not necessarily small.
Shot
Someone who shoots (a gun, longbow, etc.); a person reckoned as to their aim.
He'd make a bad soldier, since he's a lousy shot.
Shot
An opportunity or attempt.
I'd like just one more shot at winning this game.
Shot
A remark or comment, especially one which is critical or insulting.
Shot
A punch or other physical blow.
Shot
A measure of alcohol, usually spirits, as taken either from a shot-glass or directly from the bottle, equivalent to about 44 milliliters; 1.5 ounces. ("pony shot"= 30 milliliters; 1 fluid ounce)
I'd like a shot of whisky in my coffee.
Shot
A single serving of espresso.
Shot
(archaic) A reckoning, a share of a tavern bill, etc.
Shot
A single snapshot or an unbroken sequence of photographic film exposures, or the digital equivalent; an unedited sequence of frames.
We got a good shot of the hummingbirds mating.
Shot
(medicine) A vaccination or injection.
I went to the doctor to get a shot for malaria.
Shot
A home run that scores one, two, or three runs (a four run home run is usually referred to as a grand slam).
His solo shot in the seventh inning ended up winning the game.
Shot
(US federal prison system) Written documentation of a behavior infraction.
Shot
(fisheries) A cast of one or more nets.
Shot
(fisheries) A place or spot for setting nets.
Shot
(fisheries) A single draft or catch of fish made.
Shot
A charge to be paid, a scot or shout.
Drink up. It's his shot.
Shot
Simple past tense and past participle of shoot
Shot
(transitive) To load (a gun) with shot.
Shot
An expression of gratitude, similar to thank you.
Shot
A share or proportion; a reckoning; a scot.
Here no shots are where all shares be.
A man is never . . . welcome to a place till some certain shot be paid and the hostess say "Welcome."
Shot
The act of shooting; discharge of a firearm or other weapon which throws a missile.
He caused twenty shot of his greatest cannon to be made at the king's army.
Shot
A missile weapon, particularly a ball or bullet; specifically, whatever is discharged as a projectile from firearms or cannon by the force of an explosive.
Shot
Small globular masses of lead, of various sizes, - used chiefly as the projectiles in shotguns for killing game; as, bird shot; buckshot.
Shot
The flight of a missile, or the distance which it is, or can be, thrown; as, the vessel was distant more than a cannon shot.
Shot
A marksman; one who practices shooting; as, an exellent shot.
Shot
A cast of a net.
Shot
A spherical weight, to be put, or thrown, in competition for distance.
Shot
A stroke, throw, or other action to propel a ball or other game piece in certain games, as in billiards, hockey, basketball, curling, etc.; also, a move, as in chess.
Shot
A guess; conjecture; also, an attempt.
Shot
To load with shot, as a gun.
Shot
An attempt to score in a game
Shot
(sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand;
It took two strokes to get out of the bunker
A good shot require good balance and tempo
He left me an almost impossible shot
Shot
The act of firing a projectile;
His shooting was slow but accurate
Shot
A chance to do something;
He wanted a shot at the champion
Shot
The act of putting a liquid into the body by means of a syringe;
The nurse gave him a flu shot
Shot
A solid missile discharged from a firearm;
The shot buzzed past his ear
Shot
An informal photograph; usually made with a small hand-held camera;
My snapshots haven't been developed yet
He tried to get unposed shots of his friends
Shot
A consecutive series of pictures that constitutes a unit of action in a film
Shot
Informal words for any attempt or effort;
He gave it his best shot
He took a stab at forecasting
Shot
An aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect;
His parting shot was `drop dead'
She threw shafts of sarcasm
She takes a dig at me every chance she gets
Shot
A blow hard enough to cause injury;
He is still recovering from a shot to his leg
I caught him with a solid shot to the chin
Shot
A small drink of liquor;
He poured a shot of whiskey
Shot
Sports equipment consisting of a heavy metal ball used in the shot put;
He trained at putting the shot
Shot
A person who shoots (usually with respect to their ability to shoot);
He is a crack shot
A poor shooter
Shot
The launching of a missile or spacecraft to a specified destination
Shot
An explosive charge used in blasting
Shot
An estimate based on little or no information
Shot
Varying in color when seen in different lights or from different angles;
Changeable taffeta
Chatoyant (or shot) silk
A dragonfly hovered, vibrating and iridescent
Shot
Served in a shot glass for quick consumption.
The bartender lined up the shots for the party.
Shot
Popular in modern drinking culture globally.
Shots of whiskey were passed around the table.
FAQs
Is a dram only used for whiskey?
Primarily, yes, a dram is most commonly associated with whiskey.
What is a shot?
A shot is a standardized measure of alcohol, typically 1.5 ounces, served in a shot glass.
What glass is used for a dram?
A whiskey glass is typically used for a dram.
Is a dram a precise measurement?
No, a dram is not a precise measurement and can vary in size.
Where is the term 'dram' commonly used?
The term 'dram' is commonly used in Scotland.
What is the cultural significance of a dram?
A dram reflects Scottish whiskey culture and traditions.
How much liquid is in a dram?
The amount in a dram varies, usually between 0.5 to 2 ounces, depending on local custom.
Where is the term 'shot' commonly used?
The term 'shot' is used worldwide, especially in bars and social settings.
What is a dram?
A dram is a small measure of whiskey, traditionally used in Scotland, with variable size.
How much liquid is in a shot?
A shot typically contains 1.5 ounces of alcohol.
Can a shot be used for any type of alcohol?
Yes, a shot can be used for any type of spirit.
What glass is used for a shot?
A shot glass is used for serving a shot.
Is a dram used in modern bars?
Drams are less common in modern bars, where standard measurements like shots are preferred.
What is the cultural significance of a shot?
A shot is part of modern drinking culture, emphasizing quick consumption.
Are shots used in cocktails?
Yes, shots are commonly used in cocktails for precise measurement.
Can a dram be used in cocktails?
Drams are not typically used in cocktails; more precise measurements are preferred.
Do drams have a social or ceremonial aspect?
Yes, drams often have a social or ceremonial aspect in Scottish culture.
Can the term 'dram' be used for other liquids?
Occasionally, 'dram' can refer to small amounts of other liquids, but it is mainly used for whiskey.
Do shots have a social aspect?
Yes, shots are often consumed socially, especially in group settings.
Is a shot a precise measurement?
Yes, a shot is a precise measurement, usually 1.5 ounces.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
