
Small bottles of alcohol, typically containing 50ml of liquid, go by many names. In Scotland and the Northeastern United States, they are often known as nips, shooters, or singles. In other places, they are referred to as airplane bottles, mini-bar bottles, or travel-sized bottles. Some people also call them miniatures, minis, or mini-bottles. These small bottles are commonly used for individual servings, gifts, samples, or promotional purposes. They are often available in hotel mini-bars, on trains, planes, or in other settings where serving from a full-size bottle is impractical or uneconomical.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Shooters, Nips, Mini-Bottles, Miniature, Spark Plugs, Airplane Bottles, Minis, Minis |
| Sizes | 50ml, 187-200ml, 330ml (Europe), 355ml (North America) |
| Contents | Spirits, Liqueurs, Wine |
| Use Cases | Gifts, Samples, Promotional Purposes, Individual Servings, Collectibles |
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What You'll Learn

Nips
The term "nip" is also used in a more general sense to refer to a small amount of alcohol, such as in the phrase "Can I have a nip of that?". However, using the term "nip" to refer to the small bottles of alcohol may not be universally understood, as some regions have different names for these containers.
These miniature bottles come in various shapes and designs, with some replicating the look of their larger versions. This makes them quite collectible, and there are clubs and societies dedicated to collecting these small bottles, such as the Midwest Miniature Bottle Collectors based in Washington state.
In summary, "nips" refer to small bottles of alcohol that typically contain a single serving of liquor. They are commonly used for gifts, samples, or promotional purposes and can be found in various settings where full-size bottles are impractical. The term "nip" may have different connotations in different regions, but it generally refers to a small amount of alcohol.
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Shooters
Small bottles of alcohol, typically containing 50ml of liquid, are commonly referred to as miniatures. These bottles usually contain enough alcohol for a single serving and are often used for promotional purposes or as gifts. In Scotland and the Northeastern United States, these bottles may be called nips, shooters, or singles. In other places, they are referred to as airplane bottles, mini-bar bottles, or travel-sized bottles.
The term "shooter" is used to describe these small bottles of alcohol in Scotland and the Northeastern United States, as mentioned earlier. This term is derived from the idea that the amount of alcohol in the bottle is intended to be consumed in one quick "shot." Shooters are often used for hard spirits, liqueurs, or occasionally wine, and they play a significant role in the economy of alcohol. They can be found in hotel mini-bars, on trains, planes, and other locations where serving from a full-size bottle is impractical or uneconomical.
Some people collect shooters, and there are clubs and societies dedicated to this hobby. These collectors often appreciate the utilitarian shape and design of the bottles, as well as the fact that they replicate the appearance of their larger counterparts. One of the notable clubs for miniature bottle collectors is the Midwest Miniature Bottle Collectors, based in Washington state.
The popularity of shooters extends beyond just collectors. For example, Underberg digestifs, which are smaller than the typical mini-bottle, have been a hit in various bars and breweries. These non-alcoholic digestifs are often consumed after people have been drinking sours earlier in the evening.
In addition to their collectibility and popularity among consumers, shooters also serve a promotional purpose for liquor companies. They are commonly used as samples or given as gifts during celebrations and holiday seasons. Overall, shooters, or small bottles of alcohol, play a diverse and functional role in the alcohol industry and culture.
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Mini-bottles
The term "mini-bottle" is used to describe the small size of the container in relation to the standard-sized bottle of the same alcoholic beverage. These bottles are popular for their convenience and portability, especially when travelling or in situations where a full-size bottle is not necessary or allowed. Mini-bottles are also commonly given as gifts during celebrations and holiday seasons.
There are various terms used to refer to mini-bottles of alcohol, depending on the region and local culture. In Germany, for example, they may be called "miniature alcohol bottles", "miniatures", or simply "minis". In the United States, terms like ""nip"" or "spark plugs" are sometimes used, although these terms may vary across different states.
Overall, mini-bottles serve a variety of purposes and are a popular option for consumers, wholesalers, and retailers in the alcoholic beverage industry. They provide a convenient and portable way to enjoy a single serving of one's favourite spirit or liqueur.
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Airplane bottles
Small bottles of alcohol, typically 50ml in volume, are commonly referred to as miniatures, nips, shooters, or minis. These bottles usually contain a single serving of liquor, such as spirits, liqueurs, or other alcoholic beverages. They are often found in hotel mini-bars, on trains, airplanes, or in other settings where serving from a full-size bottle is impractical or uneconomical. These miniature bottles are also sometimes called airplane bottles, mini-bar bottles, or travel-sized bottles.
The term "airplane bottle" specifically refers to the small bottles of alcohol typically served on commercial airliners. These bottles are usually 50ml, which is the standard size for miniatures, and they contain a variety of alcoholic beverages, including spirits, liqueurs, and occasionally wine. Airplane bottles are often sold in sets, allowing for the comparative tasting of different types of beverages, and they can also be found in gift sets with a corresponding drinking glass.
The use of the term "airplane bottles" highlights their association with air travel and reinforces the idea that these small bottles are designed for individual consumption during flights. While the term may have originated from their availability on airplanes, it has become a common way to describe any small, single-serving bottle of alcohol.
The popularity of airplane bottles extends beyond their convenience for travellers. Collectors exist who are interested in the miniature bottles themselves, regardless of their contents. These collectors often join clubs and societies dedicated to the hobby, such as the Midwest Miniature Bottle Collectors based in Washington state.
In different regions, variations of terminology for these small bottles exist. For example, in Scotland and the Northeastern United States, they might be called nips, shooters, or singles, while in Germany, translations suggest the terms "miniature alcohol bottles", "miniatures", or simply "minis". The variety of names reflects the global interest in these small, convenient containers for alcoholic beverages.
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Miniature bottles
The small size of miniature bottles makes them convenient for travel or for those who want to enjoy a single serving of a particular beverage without committing to a larger bottle. They are also useful for creating craft cocktails or for adding a small amount of alcohol to a mixed drink. Additionally, miniature bottles can be used to create sample packs or flight boards, allowing customers to taste a variety of spirits or liqueurs.
The design of miniature bottles can vary, with some featuring utilitarian shapes and others replicating the design of their larger counterparts. The collectible nature of miniature bottles is often driven by their unique or replicated designs, with some collectors seeking out specific bottles to add to their collections.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several names for small bottles of alcohol, including miniatures, nips, shooters, minis, or airplane bottles.
Miniature bottles are typically 50ml and intended to comprise an individual serving. They are also used as gifts, samples, or for promotional purposes.
Miniatures are often available in hotel mini-bars, on trains, and planes, and in other circumstances where serving from a full-size bottle is impractical or uneconomical.
In Scotland and the Northeastern United States, miniatures are also known as nips, shooters, or singles. In Germany, they are referred to as miniature alcohol bottles, miniatures, or minis.











































