What Is a Double Drink? A Guide for Relaxed Nights In
Understand what a double drink really means, how it differs from a single, and how to choose spirits and mixers for cozy evenings with friends.
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A double drink is a mixed drink or straight pour made with twice the standard measure of a base spirit. In most bars and homes, a single measure of spirits is 25 ml or 35 ml depending on local custom, so a double uses 50 ml or 70 ml of the same spirit. The rest of the drink—mixers, ice, garnish—stays the same, which means the alcohol content and flavour intensity increase without changing the glass size.
Single vs. Double Measure: What Changes in Your Glass
A single measure is the standard amount of spirit used in one drink, commonly 25 ml in the UK and Europe or 1.5 US fluid ounces (44 ml) in the United States. A double measure is exactly two of those standard measures: 50 ml or 3 US fluid ounces. The volume of mixer usually stays the same, so a double gin and tonic has the same total liquid as a single, but twice the gin. That makes the drink noticeably stronger and more spirit-forward.
For spirits like whisky, rum, vodka, gin, or tequila, doubling the measure changes the balance of the drink. A single whisky and ginger ale tastes lightly spiced and refreshing; a double tastes more like whisky with a hint of ginger. If you prefer the taste of the spirit itself, a double can be more satisfying, but it also delivers more alcohol per drink.
How to Order or Pour a Double at Home
When you ask for a double at a bar, you are asking for two standard measures of the chosen spirit in one glass. Bartenders will usually charge roughly twice the price of a single, though sometimes slightly less. At home, precise pouring is easy with a jigger or measuring cup.
To make a double mixed drink:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Measure 50 ml (or 3 fl oz) of your chosen spirit with a jigger.
- Pour the spirit over the ice.
- Add your mixer to taste—typically 150–200 ml for a single, but for a double you may want the same amount to keep the drink balanced, or slightly less if you like it stronger.
- Stir gently and garnish as usual.
Remember that a double contains twice the alcohol content of a single: a 50 ml pour of 40% ABV spirit has 20 ml of pure alcohol, while a 25 ml single has 10 ml. Drinking a double is roughly equivalent to drinking two singles, so pace yourself accordingly.
Choosing Spirits for a Double at Relaxed Gatherings
Some spirits work better than others in doubles, depending on the strength of flavour and how you plan to serve them.
| Spirit | Single serve | Double serve | Best mixers for doubles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gin | 25 ml + 200 ml tonic | 50 ml + 150–200 ml tonic | Indian tonic, elderflower tonic, lime |
| Vodka | 25 ml + orange juice | 50 ml + orange juice or soda | Cranberry, soda water, lemonade |
| Whisky | 25 ml + 150 ml ginger ale | 50 ml + 100–150 ml ginger ale | Ginger ale, soda, sweet vermouth |
| Rum (white) | 25 ml + cola | 50 ml + cola or coconut water | Cola, pineapple juice, lime |
| Tequila | 25 ml + grapefruit soda | 50 ml + grapefruit soda or lime | Grapefruit soda, lime, agave syrup |
Doubles are best suited to spirits you genuinely enjoy the taste of, because the spirit will come through more clearly. If you are serving guests who are less experienced with strong drinks, a single is usually a safer choice.
Alcohol-Free Alternatives for Double-Style Drinks
You can create the same generous, spirit-forward feel without alcohol by using non-alcoholic spirits or by doubling the flavoured component in a mocktail. Many alcohol-free gins, rums, and whiskies are designed to be used measure-for-measure like their alcoholic counterparts. To make an alcohol-free “double,” simply use double the usual amount of the non-alcoholic spirit (for example, 100 ml of Seedlip instead of 50 ml) with the same mixer. The drink will have a more intense botanical or spice character without any alcohol.
Alternatively, you can deepen flavour by adding extra bitters (a few dashes are non-alcoholic), fresh herbs, or concentrated fruit syrups. A double-strength alcohol-free gin and tonic with plenty of ice and a twist of grapefruit makes a sophisticated option for guests who are driving or taking a night off from alcohol.
Glassware, Serving Suggestions, and Pairings
A double is served in the same glassware as a single. Standard choices include:
- Highball or Collins glass: for long mixed drinks like double gin and tonic or rum and cola.
- Rocks or old fashioned glass: for short, strong serves like a double whisky with a splash of water or a double vodka on the rocks.
- Copa or balloon glass: for aromatic drinks like a double gin and tonic with plenty of garnish.
Food pairings depend on the spirit. A double gin and tonic with lots of lime pairs well with light snacks like salted nuts, olives, or cucumber sandwiches. A double whisky and ginger ale goes nicely with smoked almonds, dark chocolate, or sharp cheddar. For a relaxed night in, set out a small spread of easy finger foods so guests can graze while they sip.
Planning a Relaxed Night In with Doubles in Mind
If you are hosting and want to offer doubles, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Have a jigger or measuring tool on hand so everyone knows how much they are pouring.
- Provide plenty of non-alcoholic options, including alcohol-free spirits and mixers, so guests can choose their pace.
- Offer a range of mixers so guests can adjust the strength to their preference—a double can always be topped up with more mixer to make it milder.
- Encourage water between drinks and make sure no one feels pressured to finish a double quickly.
A double drink is simply a larger pour of the spirit, and at a relaxed gathering it can be a nice way to enjoy a favourite flavour more fully. With a little attention to measure and balance, you can serve doubles that feel indulgent but stay within everyone’s comfort zone.