(n.) A small glass designed to hold a single measure of liquor, usually 1.5 oz. It can be used either as a drinking vessel or as a measuring tool. Shot glasses are typically made of thick glass with a strong base to prevent shattering, should a drinker feel the need to slam their shot on the bar after a drink.
The common misconception is that a shot is actually only 1 oz, as many standards for what constitutes a legal "drink" deem a shot of that size "one drink." But since your standard shot glass is a bit more than that, it's important to keep that factor in mind when assessing how much time would have to pass in order for the alcohol to filter out of your system. Two shots, in 1.5 oz shot glasses, would actually constitute three legal drinks and take at least three hours to filter out of your system.
But don't let the misconception stop you from having a fun night of shots. Some of the best spirit and alcohol combinations are meant to be pounded back. Just know that shot glasses vary in shape, size and pour. Use this newfound information to plan your night accordingly and drink responsibly. And maybe give yourself an hour or two more than you think you need.
FAQs
The number of ounces in a shot glass depends on the size of the glass. Most shot glasses hold around 1.25 oz. to 1.5 oz., but there is no official standard size for a shot. Some shot glasses can be less than an ounce and others can be over 3 ounces, with the most common size being 1.5 oz.
What is the use of a shot glass? ›
Shot glasses are most widely known as a drinking glass, though they can also be used as a jigger measure when making co*cktails. A shot glass is usually used to serve strong spirits and liqueurs in appropriate amounts, and even to serve small co*cktails.
How much alcohol goes in a shot glass? ›
How many ounces are in a shot? In the U.S., a standard shot is 1.5 ounces. There are no federal laws mandating what a shot should be, although Utah has made it the legal maximum. Still, it's up to the bars to decide how many ounces are in a shot, and this can range from 1.25 ounces to 2 ounces depending on the state.
Why are shot glasses called shot glasses? ›
Shot glasses were first popular in the American Old West. Cowboys who wanted a drink but didn't have the money for a whole glass would give the bartender one of their bullets in exchange for whiskey. The resulting beverage was called a shot, or “shot glass” of whiskey because of this practice.
Is a single shot 2 oz? ›
There is no official size for a single shot, except in Utah, where a shot is defined as 1.5 US fl oz (44.4 ml). Elsewhere in the U.S., the standard size is generally considered to be 1.25–1.5 US fl oz (37–44 ml).
Is a jigger equal to a shot? ›
How Many Ounces Are in a Shot? A shot is typically 1.5 ounces, which equates to one standard jigger. Shot glasses can be used for drinking or measuring. They come in an array of different sizes and shapes that can be used for multiple purposes.
What is the standard drink size for a shot? ›
While there is no federally-mandated shot-glass size, many U.S. bartenders consider a standard volume to be 1.5 ounces, or 44 milliliters. (For what it's worth, Utah is the only state that has officially defined a shot measurement—and it's 1.5 ounces.)
Do you drink vodka in a shot glass? ›
While not for the faint of heart, vodka can be enjoyed straight from a shot glass or on the rocks in a slightly bigger vessel. If you'd rather enjoy a more flavorful vodka concoction, co*cktails might be more your speed—and we've got 20 recipes for your perusal!
Why are American shots so big? ›
Another reason why shot sizes differ around the world is perhaps a bit simpler and just comes down to how much alcohol government's deem safe to consume. For example, here in the U.S. 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits are deemed a standard drink while Australia's measure sits at just 1 ounce.
Why do people hit the shot glass? ›
Even if the ritual's significance today is centered more around fitting in with one's surroundings than anything else, hitting the bar with one's glass began as a way to thank the bartenders and servers who made the joyful moment possible.
45 cartridge for a six-gun cost 12 cents, so did a glass of whiskey. If a cowhand was low on cash he would often give the bartender a cartridge in exchange for a drink. This became known as a “shot” of whiskey.”
Is a shot glass 2 tablespoons? ›
That means that there are approximately 3 tablespoons in a shot. It's important to note that the exact amount may vary depending on the size of your shot glass. The standard shot glass size is 1.5 ounces, but some establishments may serve drinks in larger glasses that hold up to 2 ounces.
How big is a 1 oz shot glass? ›
The Shot Glass (1 oz) has an overall height of 2.375” (6 cm) and diameter of 2” (5.1 cm). The 1 oz Shot Glass holds a volume of 1 oz (3 cL). A Shot Glass is just what it sounds. It has a small structure designed to hold a measure of liquor or spirit to be consumed quickly.
Is 2 ounces of liquor a standard drink? ›
The standard drink
A standard drink is 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol.
