Is a shot glass 1 oz or 2 oz?

A shot glass is a small glass designed to hold or measure spirits or liquor, which are also referred to as hard liquor or distilled beverages. The most common size for a shot glass is 1.5 ounces (44 ml). However, shot glasses can range in size from 1 ounce to 3 ounces. So whether a shot glass is considered 1 oz or 2 oz depends on the specific glass.

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Typical sizes of shot glasses

Here are some of the most common shot glass sizes:

1 ounce – The smallest available shot glass size. Used for measuring out a single shot.

1.5 ounces – The most popular and standard shot glass size. Referred to as a “jigger”.
2 ounces – A larger shot glass sometimes used for measuring liquor.
3 ounces – More of a novelty item rather than a practical glass.

So while 1 ounce and 2 ounce shot glasses exist, the 1.5 ounce size is considered the standard. If someone refers to “a shot glass”, they typically mean one that is 1.5 ounces.

Origins and history of the shot glass

Shot glasses first emerged in the late 19th century as a way to serve spirited beverages. Before then, spirits were served in smaller glasses like cordial glasses or whisky tasters which held around half an ounce to an ounce.

As cocktails and mixed drinks grew in popularity in the late 1800s, larger glasses were needed to make the drinks. This led to the creation of the shot glass, which was twice the size of the other glasses. The earliest recorded mention of a shot glass was in Life magazine in 1906.

The term “shot” comes from the Old English word for liquor, “scot”. A shot of liquor was referred to as a “tot of scot”. Over time, the phrase evolved into “shot of scot”, then later just “shot”.

In the early 20th century, most shot glasses were made in Europe from glass. However, from the 1930s to 1950s, glass shot glasses were replaced by disposable shot glasses made of thick paper. These were thrown away after using instead of washed like glass ones.

The popularity of the disposable paper shot glass declined in the 1970s. Since then, the standard glass shot glass has made a resurgence.

How much liquor is in a shot?

While a shot glass may hold 1-3 ounces of liquid, a typical pour of liquor into a shot glass is actually 1-1.5 ounces. So the amount of alcohol in a poured shot is a bit less than the total volume capacity of the glass.

Here are some guidelines on typical shot amounts:

A single shot of hard liquor is generally 1-1.5 ounces

A double shot of liquor is 2-3 ounces
A neat pour of liquor is usually 1.5-2 ounces

Of course, these amounts can vary depending on who is pouring and what the occasion is. Bars may heavy-pour shots to 1.5 ounces or more. The legal definition of a standard drink is anything containing 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol.

Using a shot glass properly

Here are some tips for using a shot glass to drink spirits:

When pouring your own shot, fill the glass halfway to two-thirds full. This allows room for aroma without spilling.
Never fill a shot glass all the way to the top. Leave a bit of headspace.

Only pour 1.5-2 ounces in a single glass – don’t overfill.
Pick up the shot glass carefully without sloshing liquor out.
Cast your gaze straight ahead before taking the shot rather than looking down into the glass.

Shoot back the liquid quickly in one smooth motion.
Follow a shot with a water back to stay hydrated.

Drinking shots properly

Drinking alcohol straight from a shot glass is often referred to simply as “taking a shot”. Here is some advice on taking shots the right way:

Swirl the liquor slightly first to release aromas.
Take the shot quickly – don’t sip. Shooting it fast avoids burning your mouth.
Open your throat and pour towards the back of your tongue.

Exhale through your mouth right afterwards.
Don’t chase shots with carbonated beverages – the bubbles can intensify alcohol burning.
Suck on a lime wedge after to alleviate the harshness.

Limit yourself to 1-2 shots per hour and drink water in between.

Common misconceptions

There are some common misconceptions when it comes to shot glass sizes and how shots should be poured and consumed:

Myth: A shot glass always holds exactly one ounce or one shot.

Fact: Shot glasses can range from 1-3 ounces with 1.5oz being the standard.
Myth: You should fill a shot glass all the way to the top.
Fact: Leave a little headspace to avoid spilling when drinking.

Myth: Shoot liquor straight back without stopping.
Fact: Let it wash over your tongue first to appreciate flavors.
Myth: The more shots you do, the more fun you’ll have.

Fact: Moderation is key – know your limits.

How bartenders use shot glasses

Bartenders rely heavily on shot glasses in their day-to-day work behind the bar. Here are some of the ways shot glasses are utilized by bartenders:

Measuring and pouring shots – Bartenders have to free pour accurate 1-1.5 oz shots for serving neat or in cocktails.

Portioning ingredients – Shot glasses allow for properly measuring out ingredients like simple syrups and juices.
Trying samples – Bartenders will often sample a spirit from a bottle in a shot glass to evaluate its taste.
Double checking pours – They can use a shot glass to verify an amount after eyeball pouring a cocktail.

Making layered or stacked shots – Shot glasses allow building colorful, separated shots like Pousse Cafe’s and Irish Car Bombs.
Calculating inventory – Tracking the number of shots served from each bottle lets bars know when to reorder spirits.

For bartenders, the iconic shot glass is more than just a serving vessel – it’s one of the most important tools of their trade.

Popular types of collectible shot glasses

Due to their small size and commemorative designs, shot glasses have become popular collectible items. Some of the most common types of collectible shot glasses include:

Souvenir – Featuring city names, landmarks, and “I Love…” slogans.
College – Display university names, logos, mascots, and colors.

Humorous – Funny phrases and punchlines printed on the glasses.
Pop Culture – Images of movies, TV shows, cartoons, and celebrities.
Holiday – Festive designs like Christmas trees, dreidels, hearts, and more.

Event – Commemorating weddings, birthdays, vacations, and parties.

Shot glass collecting has grown into a widespread hobby with collectible glasses sold everywhere from souvenir shops to auction websites.

Shot glass collection display ideas

Collecting shot glasses can quickly take over a shelf or cabinet. Here are some creative ways to display shot glass collections:

Ladder shelf – Glasses are lined up diagonally on the steps of the ladder.
Picture collage – Arrange glasses close together in a fun pattern to form a picture.
Shadowbox frame – Screw glasses into a deep box frame so they stand upright.

Curio cabinet – Position glasses neatly inside a glass-doored curio shelf.
Plate stand – Use a vertical plate holder to display glasses upright.
Wall grid – Attach a wire grid on the wall to hold glasses in place.

Cup rack – Sit glasses in grooves of a plastic rack designed for teacups.

Get creative with your display to show off your collection in style. Just make sure to secure the glasses so they don’t tumble and break!

Conclusion

While shot glasses come in a range of sizes, the most common is 1.5 ounces. Anything from 1-2 ounces could reasonably be referred to as “a shot glass”. When it comes to taking a proper shot, fill the glass no more than 2/3 full and shoot it quickly. Shot glasses are indispensable tools for bartenders to measure, portion, and serve alcohol. They also make popular collectible items due to their small size and commemorative designs. Display your shot glass collection proudly using creative methods like ladder shelves, wall grids, or shadowboxes. So next time you sip spirits from a shot glass, remember this iconic vessel’s long history intertwined with the ritual of taking a shot.