How Many Ounces in a Shot Glass
on Oct 12, 2023, Updated Nov 21, 2023
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A shot glass is a small glass designed to measure liquor. Accurately measuring a “shot” of alcohol is important if you want your cocktail to taste perfect. The shot glass can also be used as a drinking vessel, sometimes called a “shooter”. But do you know exactly How Many Oz in a Shot Glass?
When a cocktail recipe calls for a “shot” of vodka, how much should you pour in? You may be wondering if all shot glasses are identical and whether your shot glass at home is the same as a bartender’s. If you’re reading a recipe, how will you know if the author’s shot glass is the same as yours?
How Many Ounces in a Shot Glass?
The answer to this question is – “It depends!” It’s a common misconception that a shot glass holds 1oz of liquid. In reality, most shot glasses hold 1.5oz to 2oz of alcohol. In the United States, a shot is generally believed to be 1.5oz, so most shot glasses are designed with that capacity. Different countries have different sizes of shot glasses (see below).
Sizes of Shot Glasses by Country
Country | Small Shot | Single Shot | Double Shot |
Australia | 30ml | 60ml | |
Bulgaria | 50ml | 100ml | |
Canada | 30ml | 44ml | 71ml |
Denmark | 20ml | 40ml | 50ml |
Finland | 20ml | 40ml | |
France | 25 or 35 ml | 50 or 70 ml | |
Germany | 20ml | 40ml | |
Greece | 45ml | 90ml | |
Hungary | 20 or 30 ml | 40 or 50 ml | 80 or 100 ml |
India | 30 ml | 30 ml | 60 ml |
Ireland | 35.5 ml | 71 ml | |
Israel | 30 ml | 50 or 60 ml | |
Italy | 30 ml | 40 or 60 ml | |
Japan | 30 ml | 60 ml | |
Korea | 50 ml | ||
Norway | 20 ml | 40 ml | |
Poland | 20 ml | 50 ml | 100 ml |
Romania | 50 ml | 100 ml | |
Russia | 50 ml | 100 ml | |
Serbia | 20 ml | 30–50 ml | 60–100 ml |
Sweden | 20 ml | 40 ml | 60 ml |
Slovakia | 20 or 25 ml | 40 or 50 ml | 80 or 100 ml |
South Africa | 25 ml | 50 ml | |
United Kingdom | 25 or 35 ml | 50 or 70 ml | |
United States | 30 to 44 ml | 59 to 89 ml |
How Many Oz in a Double Shot?
Since most shot glasses hold 1.5 to 2oz of alcohol, a double shot is generally considered to be somewhere between 3 and 4 ounces. Err on the side of caution and slowly add a few millimeters if you think your cocktail needs the extra buzz.
How Many ml in a Shot Glass?
Shot glasses generally hold 37-44ml of alcohol. On average, a shot of alcohol is 40ml.
How Many Tablespoons in a Shot Glass?
A single shot is widely considered to be equal to three tablespoons.
How Can I Measure a Shot without a Shot Glass?
If you do not have a shot glass at your disposal, there are several makeshift options for measuring your cocktails. As mentioned above, 3 tablespoons are equal to a shot glass. If you have a teaspoon, 9 of them would be equal to a shot. You can also use the small measuring cup that comes with liquid medicine. Just remember that a shot is around 40ml.
Difference Between a Shot Glass, Jigger, and Shooter
Shot glasses, jiggers and shooters are all tools used by bartenders to measure liquor, but they differ in their appearance and capacity. A shot glass is a small, wide, cylindrical cup made of glass, usually made to contain 1.5oz of alcohol. A jigger is an hourglass-shaped vessel, usually made out of metal. Both ends of the ‘hourglass’ can be used to measure liquor. One end measures 1.5oz, known as a jigger shot. The other end is smaller and holds one ounce, known as a pony shot.
A shooter is made of glass, but is slender and tall in comparison to a shot glass. It measures 2-3 ounces.
Where to Buy Shot Glasses?
Shot glasses are widely available both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart and Target have wide selections of shot glasses. Shot glasses are also popular souvenirs and can be picked up in many gift shops.
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