What Is A 375ml Liquor Bottle Called? A Guide To Half Bottles

In the global spirits industry, bottle size is more than a volume measurement—it affects branding, compliance, logistics, and consumer behavior. One of the most frequently discussed mid-size formats is the 375ml liquor bottle. But what is a 375ml bottle actually called, and why is it so widely used across spirits categories?

This in-depth guide explains official naming conventions, regional terminology, industry applications, regulatory standards, and packaging considerations, offering a professional reference for distilleries, importers, wholesalers, and glass bottle manufacturers.

1. What Is a 375ml Liquor Bottle Called?

Industry-Standard Name: Half Bottle

In the spirits and wine industry, a 375ml bottle is most commonly referred to as a “Half Bottle”, because it contains exactly half the volume of the standard 750ml liquor bottle.

• Standard bottle: 750ml

• Half bottle: 375ml

This terminology is widely accepted by:

• Distilleries

• Alcohol distributors

• Packaging manufacturers

• Regulatory agencies

It is the most accurate and professional term used in international trade and labeling.

Common Alternative Names (Informal / Regional)

While Half Bottle is the correct industry term, other names are sometimes used:

Important: A true U.S. pint equals 473ml, so calling a 375ml bottle a “pint” is technically incorrect but still common in casual retail conversations.

2. Why 375ml Became an Industry Standard

The 375ml bottle size emerged as a practical compromise between full-size bottles and miniatures.

Key historical drivers:

• Standardization of the metric system in global alcohol trade

• Growth of on-premise consumption (hotels, airlines, bars)

• Rising demand for sampling, gifting, and premiumization

Today, 375ml is a recognized global standard across spirits, wine, and fortified beverages.

3. Typical Uses of 375ml Liquor Bottles

1. Premium Sampling & Trial Sizes

• Ideal for consumers trying a new brand or expression

• Popular with craft distilleries and limited editions

2. Gift & Travel Retail

• Frequently used in duty-free, gift sets, and holiday packaging

• Easier to bundle with glasses or accessories

3. On-Premise & Hospitality

• Hotels, airlines, and cruise lines

• Controlled portion sizes and reduced waste

4. Compliance & Market Entry

• Lower-cost entry into new markets

• Useful for regulatory testing and pilot launches

4. Spirits Commonly Packaged in 375ml Bottles

The 375ml format is widely used across multiple spirits categories:

• Whiskey / Bourbon / Scotch

• Vodka

• Gin

• Rum

• Tequila

• Brandy & Cognac

• Liqueurs & Cream Spirits

Premium and super-premium brands often use 375ml bottles to maintain luxury positioning while offering accessibility.

5. Regulatory & Labeling Considerations

United States (TTB)

• 375ml is an approved standard bottle size

• Must clearly display:

• Net contents (375ml)

• Alcohol by volume (ABV)

• Country of origin

European Union

• 375ml is accepted for spirits and wine

• Labeling must comply with EU spirit regulations and language rules

Global Export Markets

• 375ml is widely accepted in:

• North America

• Europe

• Australia

• Middle East (where permitted)

From a compliance standpoint, 375ml is one of the safest non-standard sizes for international export.

6. Packaging & Design Considerations for 375ml Bottles

Glass Bottle Design

• Common shapes: round, Nordic, square, flask-style

• Compatible with:

• Cork closures

• Screw caps

• Bar-top stoppers

Cost Implications

• Higher unit cost per ml compared to 750ml

• Ideal for premium margins rather than volume sales

Branding Advantages

• Smaller bottles allow:

• More experimental designs

• Special embossing or heavy glass

• Limited-run branding

7. 375ml vs Other Common Liquor Bottle Sizes

8. Advantages & Limitations of 375ml Liquor Bottles

Advantages

• Lower entry cost for consumers

• Reduced waste

• Strong premium perception

• Ideal for brand storytelling

Limitations

• Higher packaging cost per unit

• Less shelf efficiency for retailers

• Not ideal for high-volume consumption

9. Is a 375ml Bottle Right for Your Brand?

A 375ml liquor bottle is an excellent choice if your brand focuses on:

• Premium or craft positioning

• Limited editions or seasonal releases

• Sampling, gifting, or travel retail

• International market testing

For mass-market or price-driven brands, larger formats may be more suitable.

Conclusion

A 375ml liquor bottle is professionally known as a “Half Bottle”, representing half the volume of a standard 750ml bottle. Beyond its name, this format plays a strategic role in modern spirits packaging—bridging accessibility, premium branding, and global compliance.

For distilleries, brand owners, and distributors, understanding the terminology, applications, and packaging strategy behind 375ml bottles is essential for making informed product decisions.