I’ll have a ‘mini’ please barman

That’s if draft government proposals, due to be published next month, come into effect.

The 125ml mini serving would mean that pub goers would have a choice of three measures: a 250 ml large, a 175ml medium and a 125ml small.

Taking measures

The 125ml measure wouldn’t be a totally new addition to the scene though. It used to be widely available in pubs and bars, but somewhere along the line grew in size to 175ml. Step into a pub these days and a small glass will be 175ml and a large 250ml. So are we in for a big ‘mini’ comeback?

It is hoped that introducing a smaller measure will make it easier for people to keep a track of how much they’re drinking units wise. 125ml of lower strength wine equals about 1 unit, so both men and women could take part in a sensibly paced evening of drinks and still be within the government’s recommended number of daily units – 2-3 units for women and 3-4 for men.

Just like two halves equalling one pint of beer, two small glasses of wine at 125ml each would equal one large 250ml glass - simple. The maths gets a bit trickier when you try matching the current small glasses of wine that measure 175ml with a 250ml large glass.

Freedom of choice

But when it comes down to it, it’s a matter of choice. Some people might prefer to slowly sip on a large glass of a wine and make it last all night while others like to participate in buying rounds, which is when a few ‘minis’ would be more appropriate.

Get acquainted with how many units are in every measure of wine and other alcoholic drinks by using our drinks calculator.

Page last updated by

Root User, 04 Sep 2009.

Page checked on

27 Mar 2009