What is a Shot Glass?
A shot glass, also known as a shooter, whiskey chaser, or whiskey tumbler, is a small glass, usually measuring 1.5 fluid ounces, that is used to measure spirits for a mixed drink or used to take a quick “shot” of that spirit straight from the glass.
Shot glasses came into being in the 17th century and were beautiful, hand-blown works of art. Now they have become a mass-produced, advertising opportunity, ever since we recognized the marketing potential behind printing pictures, slogans, or phrases onto shot glasses.
Different Types of Shot Glasses
Single Shot
A standard shot glass holds 1.5 fluid ounces of liquid, but there are some variations on volume and design.
Double Shot
A double shot glass is a taller glass that works well for multi-layered shots and allows for a 3 fluid ounce pour.
Mixed Shot
The taller, wider, mixed shot glass is usually used for combing multiple different shots into one glass. It holds 4 fluid ounces, in comparison to the standard 1.5 fluid ounce single shot.
Tall Shot
A tall shot mimics the height and appearance of a double shot, but due to its thicker base and sidewalls, it only holds the standard 1.5 fluid ounces.
Cheater Glass
A cheater glass earned its name because it only holds 1 fluid ounce. Although it has the same look as a single shot, its thicker base and sidewalls lower its overall capacity.
Pony Glass
A pony glass, aka cordial glass, is a small stemmed shot glass that holds 1 fluid ounce and is typically used when measuring spirits for a mixed drink. The name cordial glass stems from its origins as a way to measure medication, which used to be called cordials.
Jigger
The jigger is a metal shot glass that bartenders use to measure liquor for mixed drinks and cocktails. A jigger is made up of two shot glasses fused together with one side measuring a single shot and the other measuring a double shot.
Common Confusion In Shot Glass Measurements
Ounce vs. Fluid Ounce
This is a distinction that many people confuse, but it is essential to get it right. To summarize, an ounce is a measurement of weight, while a fluid ounce is a measurement of volume. Shot glasses measured using ounces will differ significantly from shot glasses measured using fluid ounces. This has created a great deal of discrepancy regarding how much liquid different shot glasses will actually hold.
Below is a depiction of the discrepancy between 3 ounces of salt and 3 fluid ounces of salt. As you can see, 3 fluid ounces of salt is almost double the amount of 3 ounces. Make sure when you are buying shot glasses to get the correct measurement.
Mark Line
A mark line is a line or mark around the glass that shows when you have poured one full shot. It is intended to prevent spilling due to over-pouring. Sometimes extra large shot glasses will have a few mark lines, allowing you to measure multiple volumes of liquid with the same glass. Below is an example of a shot glass with a mark line
No “Official” Standard
The main problem with the shot glass is that outside of Utah; there is no official standard of measurement for what constitutes a shot. Utah states that a shot is 1 fluid ounce, but most of the US pours a shot between 1.25 and 1.5 fluid ounces and considers a double shot to be between 2 and 3 fluid ounces. That is a massive difference in the amount of alcohol you are going to be served.
With that being said, the most common shot glass measurement is 1.5 fluid ounces. This is because the larger end of a jigger, the tool bartenders use to measure spirits, is usually 1.5 fluid ounces, and the smaller end, often called a half jigger, measures 0.75 fluid ounces.
How It Came to Be Called a “Shot” Glass
There is a lot of speculation regarding how this bar tool came to be called a shot glass, but no official consensus over the official origin of the name. Instead, what we have is a bunch of pretty fantastic folklore depicting the origins of its name.
Some think that the name “shot glass” refers to a shot of medicine. As mentioned above, the pony, aka cordial glass, used to be an easy tool to measure the proper dose of many medications.
Others speculate that it is called a shot glass because it was originally a small glass that sat next to your dinner plate where you would place any buckshot that you found in your meat.
My favorite piece of folklore regarding the origin of the name “shot glass ” states that back in the old west, a six-shooter bullet was the same price as a shot, so if you didn’t have any cash on hand, you could trade a bullet for a shot.
OUR FAVORITE SHOT GLASSES!
Single Shot Glass
This is the Enindel Carved Patterns Shot Glass. It is a simple, classy, single shot glass with a solid heavy base that feels good in your hand. Each shot glass holds 1.7 fluid ounces and comes in a pack of 6 glasses. They are also dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
Double Shot Glass
This Double Shot Glass makes for a great dessert shooter. It holds 3 fluid ounces also making it a great glass to hold multi-layered shots. It has a heavy base that feels good in the hand and it comes in a 4 pack, so you have enough for everyone.
Disposable Shot Glasses
These are the Disposable Red Solo Cup Shot. These cups make for the perfect shot glass for any party. They are incredibly durable and are meant to resemble the iconic red solo cup. These shot glasses hold 2 fluid ounces and come in a pack of 200, giving you enough for multiple parties.
Travel Shot Glass
This is called the Shot Flask. This set includes the flask, a collapsable shot glass, and a funnel to fill the flask. Making it the perfect travel companion and ensuring that whenever you need a drink, you always have a shot glass with you.
Stainless Steel Shot Glasses
This is the Stanley Adventure Nesting Shot Glass Set made of 18/8 stainless steel that is scratch and dent resistant with a 2 fluid ounce capacity. This durability makes them the perfect shot glass for camping, tailgates, and outdoor parties. This 4 pack includes a stainless steel carrying case with a lid loop and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Copper Shot Glasses
These are by far the most unique shot glasses on the list, the Kamojo Custom Embossed Shot Glasses. These 2 fluid ounce, one of a kind, pure copper glasses, are individually handmade and embossed. They are made to resemble the copper cups used for a Moscow mule and ensure the perfect, unique gift for that friend that has everything.
Stone Shot Glasses
This is the SPARQ Home Vodka Shooter Set with Ash Caddy. This set includes 4 handcrafted vodka shooters with a specially designed wooden ash caddy serving tray. These stylish shot glasses hold 2 fluid ounces and are perfect to throw in the freezer and get freezing cold shots of vodka or tequila.
Salt Shot Glasses
These are Pure Pink Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses, and this 6 pack shot glass set comes with individually wrapped, FDA approved food quality pink Himalayan salt. These slow-dissolving shot glasses make for the perfect tequila shooter, just add a lime! These shot glasses last over 100 uses when kept in dry storage and are naturally anti-microbial. Just wash, dry, and use them again.
Ice Mold Shot Glasses
These ice shot glasses come from the Fred Cool Shooters Shot Glass Mold. This is a BPA free, silicone mold that you fill, freeze, and enjoy in 12 hours or less.
This dishwasher safe, shot glass mold ensures the freezing temperature of your favorite vodka or tequila, it doesn’t get much colder than glasses made of ice! Each mold makes 4 glasses, and once you’re done, just throw them out and make some new ones!
Skull Shot Glass
This is the Hwagui Crystal Skull Shot Glass. These super durable, double-walled shot glasses are handmade using borosilicate glass that is ideal for glassware given its strength and ability to resist thermal shock, aka quick temperatures changes.
This means that it can easily go from the dishwasher to the freezer without breaking, and its double-walled, insulated design maintains the content’s original temperature. These glasses hold 3.42 fluid ounces making for the perfect double shot, shot glass, and they come with a 100% money-back guarantee.
Espresso Shot Glass
DeLonghi Double Walled Thermo Espresso Glasses can be used to enjoy everything from a shot of espresso to a shot of liquor, and its durable, double-walled design insulates, keeping condensation off your hands. These dishwasher safe glasses are made of sturdy, borosilicate glass and come in a 2 pack.
