Shot Glass
Posted on December 17, 2008
Filed under: Cocktail Glossary
What is a shot glass?
A shot glass is usually a short, thick-walled glass designed to hold anywhere between 1oz and 2.5 oz of liquor.
The word and the glass itself did not become widespread until the 1940s and seems to have originated in the United States. Prior to this time, shots of liquor were typically served in a lowball glass, with or without ice.
While it's certainly a convenient way to measure a small amount of a single liquor or liqueur, it's also the perfect glass to create a floater cocktail.
Because it's narrow in diameter and small size, the layers can stack up quite nicely when poured carefully. Additionally, if you're new to layering, it's the perfect glass to practice in because you won't waste as much alcohol.
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