Liquor bottle sizes vary significantly between India and international markets due to differences in regulations, consumer preferences, and packaging standards. In India, liquor sizes are governed by state excise policies, which mainly standardise packs like 90 ml, 180 ml, 375 ml, 750 ml, and 1 litre.
Overseas markets—especially the US, UK, and EU—offer a wider variety, with 700 ml and 750 ml being the most common standard bottles.
Understanding these size differences helps consumers, travellers, and retailers compare value, make informed buying choices, and avoid confusion while purchasing alcohol across regions.
| Volume (ml) | India Name | Overseas Name |
|---|---|---|
| 90 ml | Mini / Small Quarter / Patta | — (not standard) |
| 180 ml | Quarter | Half Pint (approx) |
| 200 ml | Quarter (alternate size) | Half Pint |
| 375 ml | Half Bottle | Pint |
| 500 ml | Rare beer/spirits format | Half Liter (Europe) |
| 700 ml | Premium import bottle | European Standard Bottle |
| 750 ml | Full / Regular Bottle | Fifth / Standard Bottle |
| 1000 ml (1L) | 1 Liter (premium stores/duty free) | Liter Bottle / Duty-Free Bottle |
| 1500 ml (1.5L) | Magnum (rare) | Magnum |
| 1750 ml (1.75L) | — (rare in retail) | Handle |
| 3000 ml (3L) | — | Double Magnum / Jeroboam |
| 4500 ml (4.5L) | — | Rehoboam (wine/champagne) |
| 6000 ml (6L) | — | Methuselah |
| 9000 ml (9L) | — | Salmanazar |
| 12000 ml (12L) | — | Balthazar |
🎯 Quick Notes
- India’s daily retail sizes: 90ml, 180ml, 375ml, 750ml
- Overseas standard: 750ml (US/Global), 700ml (EU/UK/Asia imports)
- Larger sizes (Magnum & above) are mostly for wine, champagne & luxury spirits
🚩 Simplified Cheat Sheet
| India | Overseas |
|---|---|
| Quarter (180ml) | Half Pint / 200ml |
| Half (375ml) | Pint |
| Full (750ml) | Fifth / Standard |
| 1L | Duty-Free Standard |
| 1.5L | Magnum |
While the core purpose remains the same, liquor bottle sizing varies widely between India and international markets. India primarily uses fixed excise-regulated pack formats, whereas global markets offer more flexibility with 700 ml and 750 ml as dominant standards.
Whether you’re travelling abroad, shopping duty-free, or exploring global spirits, knowing these size variations helps ensure smarter purchasing decisions and clearer expectations. Ultimately, these bottle sizes reflect local policies and market trends, but quality and enjoyment depend on the spirit—not just the size.
