How to Measure Shot Glasses

If you are confused about how to properly determine the right quantity of liquid for a shot glass, you are not alone. In the United States, the volume of an actual shot glass is hard to pin down because this measurement may vary by state or by bartender. Further, different kind of shots, such as "single" or "double," exist, which makes this determination even more confusing. Fortunately, you can use a set of generally accepted measurements as a guideline to measure shot glasses, or use any type of glass as a shot glass.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring cup
• Water
• Small glass
• Liquor
• Shot glass: single, double, pony or short (optional)

Instructions

1. Fill a measuring cup with water until it reaches 1.25 to 1.5 oz to determine the typical volume of a shot glass. Pour this liquid into a small glass of your choice to determine the capacity that it can hold. If dimensions of the glass are sufficient, you know you can use this glass as a shot glass. Generally, you want to have at least 1/4 inch of space between the level of liquor and the rim of the glass to ensure that it does not spill over.

2. Pour water in your measuring cup until it reaches 2 to 3 oz to create the level of a typical "double" shot. Again, pour this higher level into the desired small glass to judge whether the container is ideal for this level of alcohol and that the space between the liquid and rim is adequate.

3. Pour liquor into a "single," "double," "pony" or "short" shot glass to produce the associated shot glass measurements. Typically, a "single" has a volume between 1.25 to 1.5 oz, a "double" measures between 2 to 3 oz and a "pony" or "short" is 1 oz. Fill the shot glass until it reaches the line (if there is one) to produce the correct measurement. If the glass doesn't have the line, leave 1/4 to 1/2 inch of space between the liquor and rim of the glass to accurately reach this level. If you do not know what the rating of your shot glass is, refer to the package that your glass came in to locate identifying information, or perform the test processes in steps one and two.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a "pony" or "short" shot glass to measure the appropriate liquor for drinks like a rob roy, martini and manhattan.

References

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: How Many? A Dictionary of Units of Measurement
• The Webtender: Bar Measurements

Resources

• Shotglass.org