What is a Shot Glass? Types, Sizes & Uses Explained

A shot glass is a small glass used to serve or measure spirits such as whiskey, vodka, or tequila. In the United States, a standard shot is typically 1.5 ounces (44 mL), but shot sizes vary by country, venue, and house pour standards.

While shot glasses are commonly associated with drinking straight liquor, they play a broader role in bars and restaurants — supporting portion control, cocktail consistency, tastings, and cost management.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• What a shot glass is and how it’s used
• Standard shot sizes in the U.S. and internationally
• The most common types of shot glasses (and when to use each)
• How shot glasses differ from jiggers
• How to choose the right shot glass for bars, restaurants, or home use

What Is a Shot Glass? (Definition, Sizes & Types)

A shot glass is a small glass designed to hold and measure a standard serving of alcohol, typically 1–2 ounces (30–60 mL). In bars and restaurants, shot glasses are essential for serving neat shots, measuring liquor for cocktails, and offering tasting portions of spirits.

While the classic shot glass is cylindrical with thick glass for durability, modern shot glasses come in a range of sizes, shapes, and materials—including plastic and stainless steel—to suit different service styles and environments.

What Is a Shot Glass Used For?

Shot glasses are versatile tools in both commercial and home bar settings. Common uses include:

• Serving single shots of tequila, vodka, whiskey, rum, or liqueurs
  
• Measuring precise liquor pours for cocktails
  
• Serving shooters and layered shots
  
• Spirit tastings and sampling flights
  
• Portioning espresso shots, syrups, or cocktail garnishes
  
• Casual party games (more common in non-commercial settings)
  

In professional bars, shot glasses also support portion control, which helps maintain recipe consistency and manage beverage costs.

Standard Shot Glass Size

In the U.S., the standard shot size is 1.5 ounces (44 milliliters). However, this can vary depending on the country:

📝 Tip: When making cocktails, many bartenders use a jigger, which often comes with two ends: one measuring 1.5 oz and the other 0.75 oz — perfect for precision.

👉 Important: A “shot” is not universal. Bars must account for regional regulations and house standards.

Common Types of Shot Glasses

The most common types of shot glasses are standard (1.5 oz), pony (1 oz), and shooter/tall shot (2–3 oz). They differ by capacity and shape, which affects serving style and presentation.

At-a-glance comparison

Type	Typical Capacity	Main Purpose	Shape Profile	Best Environments
Standard Shot Glass	1.5 oz	Single straight shot	Short, cylindrical, weighted base	Bars, restaurants, high-volume service
Pony Glass	1 oz	Smaller pour / sampling	Smaller version of a standard shot	Tastings, flights, cost control
Tall Shot / Shooter Glass	2–3 oz	Multi-ingredient shots	Tall and narrow	Nightlife, specialty shots, layered drinks
Double Shot Glass	2–3 oz (sometimes more)	Serving “double” pours	Wider or taller than standard	Bars, premium pours, some coffee programs

1) Standard Shot Glass Size

In the United States, a standard shot is typically 1.5 ounces (44 mL). Internationally, shot sizes vary based on local regulations, cultural norms, and house pour standards.

Typical Shot Sizes by Country

*Shot sizes are not universal and may vary by establishment.

Important: A “shot” is a convention, not a global standard. Bars should clearly define, measure, and price pours according to local regulations and their own house standards to ensure consistency, compliance, and cost control.

 

2) Pony Glass

A smaller-than-standard pour used for control, sampling, or “lighter” shots.

Specs & when it’s used

Why it’s used

Best for

Operator tip 

If your bar program standardizes at 1.5 oz, pony glasses work best when:

• used specifically for tastings/flights, or
• clearly described as a 1 oz pour (menu note, flight listing, or server script)
  so guests don’t assume they’re getting a full standard shot.

3) Tall Shot / Shooter Glass (2–3 oz)

Designed for multi-ingredient shots and visual presentation—especially layered or colorful drinks.

Specs & presentation benefits

Why tall shooters work

Best for

Operator watch-out

Because these hold more volume, make sure recipes are measured (often with a jigger) so “fun shooter” doesn’t quietly become an unpriced double.

4) Double Shot Glass (Typically 2–3 oz; sometimes more)

Used for serving a double—but “double” depends on your house standard.

Common sizing reality

So yes, 3 oz is common when a single is 1.5 oz—but many venues also use 2 oz doubles when their standard single is 1 oz.

Best uses

Why bars use them

Operator tip

Standardize your double pour size (example: 3 oz double) and ensure:

• menu pricing matches the pour, and
• staff uses a jigger or consistent measure to avoid variance.

Shot Glasses vs. Jiggers 

People often use “shot glass” and “jigger” interchangeably, but they serve different roles:

• A shot glass is primarily a serving vessel (what the guest drinks from).
• A jigger is primarily a measuring tool (what the bartender uses to portion accurately).

Key Differences Table

Typical Sizes (and what they’re used for)

Jigger sizing (most common)

Jiggers are often two-sided, with internal markings for additional measures.

✅ Note on your examples:
A 0.75 oz measure is very common as a marked line inside the smaller side. A “half shot” can also be 0.5 oz depending on house standards—so it’s best to call 0.75 oz a ¾ oz pour rather than universally “half.”

Why Jiggers Matter

Shot Glass Materials: Which One Should You Choose?

The right material depends on your service environment, durability needs, and presentation goals.

Material Comparison

Choose glass for everyday bar service, plastic for events, and stainless steel where portability and break resistance matter most.

How Are Shot Glasses Used?

Shot glasses are versatile. They support both service speed and presentation, and they’re used well beyond straight shots.

In Bars and Restaurants

Service tip:
If your bar offers both shots and cocktails, a strong setup is:

• standard shot glass for serving, and
• jigger for measuring (even if you also keep marked shot glasses around).

At Home

Materials & Designs 

Shot glasses aren’t just about size—material and design affect durability, safety, cost, and the guest experience.

Shot Glass Materials Comparison

Design & Shape: What It Changes

Did You Know?

“Shot” origin story (fun historical note)

The term “shot” is often linked to Old West folklore—where a bullet (“shot”) could be traded for a measure of whiskey.

- Source

Shots as a cultural ritual

In many cultures, a shot isn’t just a drink—it’s a symbolic toast used to mark:

• Celebrations and weddings
• Milestones and achievements
• Farewells and remembrance

Why it matters for bar service: Shots and toasts are “moment drinks”—presentation, glass choice, and speed of service can directly influence the guest experience.

How Shot Glasses Are Used in Restaurants & Bars

Shot glasses are more than just a way to serve straight liquor. In restaurants and bars, they’re used for portion control, consistency, presentation, and speed—both behind the bar and in the kitchen.

Common Uses for Shot Glasses (At-a-Glance)

Shot Glasses Behind the Bar

1) Consistent Liquor Portions (Cost Control)

Shot glasses help bartenders pour repeatable amounts, which protects margins.

2) Cocktail Building & Measuring

While jiggers are the standard tool for measuring, shot glasses are often used for quick measuring in a pinch.

3) Tastings, Flights, and Sampling

Shot glasses make it easy to serve small pours without using full-size glassware.

Shot Glasses in Restaurant Service & Presentation

Shot glasses are also used for creative plating and table-side presentation.

Popular FOH Uses

Shot Glasses in the Kitchen

Shot glasses can double as quick portion tools for small-volume ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many ounces is a shot glass?

In the U.S., a standard shot glass typically holds 1.5 ounces (44 mL).

Are shot glass sizes different internationally?

Yes. Shot sizes vary by country. In the UK, a standard single shot is often 25 mL or 35 mL.

Can I use a jigger instead of a shot glass?

Yes. Jiggers are standard bartending tools and are preferred when precision and recipe consistency matter.

Can shot glasses be used for non-alcoholic drinks?

Absolutely. Shot glasses are commonly used for espresso shots, mini desserts, syrup samples, and garnishes.

Ready to Stock Up on Shot Glasses?

Explore our full collection of commercial-grade shot glasses at RestaurantSupply.com. We carry top brands like Libbey, Anchor Hocking, Winco, and GET Enterprises, offering everything from classic glass designs to shatterproof plastic and premium crystal options. Whether you're opening a bar or upgrading your current setup, we’ve got the right glassware at prices that fit your budget — with fast shipping and bulk discounts available.

Key Takeaways

• A standard U.S. shot glass typically holds 1.5 oz (44 mL), but shot sizes vary by country and establishment.
• Shot glasses are primarily serving vessels, while jiggers are measuring tools designed for accuracy.
• Common shot glass types include standard (1.5 oz), pony (1 oz), tall shooters (2–3 oz), and double shot glasses.
• Material choice matters: glass for everyday service, plastic for events and outdoor use, and stainless steel for portability and durability.
• For professional bars, consistent pour standards — not glass size alone — are key to cost control and drink quality.

Check our new blog posts:

• Commercial Coffee Grinder Buying Guide (Capacity, Burr, Material)
• Commercial Juicer Types Explained (Citrus vs Centrifugal vs Cold Press)
• Speed Rails: Sizes, Materials, and Mounting Options
• Filters for Espresso, Ice Machines, and Beverage Systems
• Insulated Beverage Dispensers for Banquets
• How Superautomatic Espresso Machines Save on Labor