Bar Term
Dash
Also known as: drop
A small, imprecise unit of measurement for liquid ingredients, typically a few drops from a bottle with a dasher top.
A dash is the amount produced by one quick shake of a bottle with a dasher top - typically 1/32 to 1/8 of a teaspoon (about 0.5-0.9ml). Bitters are measured in dashes because their strong flavors require only small amounts. While imprecise, most bartenders develop a consistent personal dash. Some estimate 30 dashes per ounce from a standard bitters bottle. Dashes add subtle complexity without overwhelming other flavors.
💡 Pro Tips
- Hold the bottle at about 45 degrees
- One quick wrist flick = one dash
- You can always add more, but can't remove
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Shaking too hard and adding too much
- Being inconsistent between drinks
- Not accounting for different bottle tops
