How Many Ounces Are In A Shot Glass? [+ Free Printable]
Are you trying to figure out exactly how many ounces are in a shot glass?
Nothing is more frustrating than standing with a recipe in one hand and a shot glass in the other, only to realize the shot glass doesn’t match the recipe. You really need to figure out how many ounces will fit into that one shot glass.
Here’s a guide on everything you need to know about shot glasses and ounces as a measurement and how to use them.
What is a shot glass, and how many ounces are in one?
A shot glass is a tiny glass typically used to serve or measure a small amount of alcoholic beverage, such as spirits or liqueurs. Its small size characterizes it, usually holding between 1 to 2 fluid ounces (30 to 60 milliliters) of liquid.
The typical size for a shot glass in the United States is 1.5 fluid ounces (44 milliliters), depending on the country you’re in or where the recipe comes from. Some shot glasses may have markings or lines indicating the amount of liquid to be poured for a standard “shot,” which is usually around 1.5 fluid ounces.
Note that shot glasses come in different styles, sizes, and shapes, and they are all different. Different shot glasses vary in how much liquid they can hold. It’s important to check the volume required in the recipe versus what your shot glass can carry.
Calculate Ounces to Shots Here
A history of the shot measurement
The background of the word “shot” in relation to a shot glass and alcohol measurement isn’t clear. Legend states that it comes from the original practice of using lead shot pellets to measure the amount of alcohol served in pubs in the 19th century in the United Kingdom. Over time, shot glasses replaced the use of these pellets, and standardized glasses became known as shot glasses.
There is a broad history of how shot glasses have been used worldwide. In the US, for example, the word “shot” was used in the mid-20th century for a small serving of a spirit that would be swallowed quickly. This is what led to the trend of drinking a “shot” while out together with friends.
What is the standard shot size?
The standard size of a shot in the US is 1.5 fluid ounces (44 milliliters) of liquid. This is also known as a “jigger” or a “standard shot” and is the most common size used in bars and restaurants nationwide.
The 1.5-ounce shot is typically served in a shot glass, which is a tiny glass with a volume capacity of around 2 fluid ounces (60 milliliters), leaving some room at the top to avoid spills. The glass may have markings or lines indicating the amount of liquid to be poured for a standard shot.
Note that while the 1.5-ounce shot is the standard in the US, there can be some variation in the size of a shot depending on the region. Certain establishments may serve slightly larger or smaller shots, and different types of liquor may be served in different-sized shots as well.
In the UK, the standard size for a shot is typically 25 milliliters (0.85 fluid ounces) for spirits, depending on the type of liquor and the pub or restaurant you’re in. This is smaller than the standard shot size in the US, which is 1.5 fluid ounces (44 milliliters).
In some European countries, such as Germany and Austria, the standard size for a shot is 20 milliliters (0.68 fluid ounces). In other parts of the world, such as Australia, the standard shot size is 30 milliliters (1.0 fluid ounces).
The jigger tool
A jigger is a measuring tool used to measure and pour precise amounts of liquor and other ingredients for cocktails and mixed drinks. It consists of two small cups or cones of different sizes that are joined at the base, creating a distinctive hourglass shape. The two cups may have different volumes, allowing for various measurements.
The larger cup on the jigger is typically used to measure a standard shot, which in the US is 1.5 fluid ounces (44 milliliters), while the smaller cup may be used to measure half shots or other littler amounts. The jigger can be made of various materials, such as metal, plastic, or glass.
Jiggers are an essential tool in the cocktail-making process and are used by bartenders worldwide. They are often used in combination with other measuring tools, such as measuring spoons or scales, to ensure that each ingredient is measured accurately and precisely.
Variations in the standard shot size
Different types of alcohol and cocktails may use different shot sizes based on various factors, such as the strength and flavor of the liquor, the style of the cocktail, and the preferences of the bartender or the establishment. Here are some examples:
Spirits: In general, spirits such as whiskey, vodka, gin, and tequila are typically served in a 1.5-ounce shot, which is considered the standard in the US. However, some establishments may serve larger or smaller shots depending on the style of the drink or the preferences of the customer.
Liqueurs: Liqueurs are sweetened spirits that are often used as flavorings in cocktails. They may be served in smaller shots, such as 1 ounce or less, to balance the intensity of the flavor.
Cocktails: The shot size for cocktails can vary widely depending on the recipe and the style of the drink. Some cocktails, such as the Margarita or the Cosmopolitan, may use a 2-ounce shot of liquor, while others, such as the Old Fashioned or the Negroni, may use a 1.5-ounce shot. Some cocktails may use multiple shots of liquor or liqueurs, such as the Long Island Iced Tea, which may use 3 to 4 ounces of various spirits and mixers.
Wrapping it up
I hope that this guide answers all your questions about how many ounces are there in a shot glass and that you can confidently go off and make that new cocktail that you’ve been dying to try!
