How Many Ounces Are In A Shot Glass?
So what is the number of ounces in a shot glass? The answer is a bit more complicated than you might imagine. Depending on the country from which you come, the amount of spirits or alcohol in your standard shot can vary quite a bit.
In the United States, most people are familiar with the standard sized shot glass. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from the cheap little disposable glasses you’ll find in most bars and pubs, to the nicer thick glasses used for sipping expensive whiskies and tequilas. But the standard for the amount of liquid it holds 1 1/2 ounces (44mL). There is also a “pony” or “short” shot glass that contains just 1 ounce (30mL) of liquid. But outside of the United States, the amount of alcohol you get in your shot can vary quite a bit.
Mexico is known for it’s tequila. At the time of tequila’s origination, Mexican bars did not have regular access to glasses. So tequila was sipped out of a caballito, which was a hollowed out bulls horn. There wasn’t a standard measurement back then. But tequila shot glasses have are still somewhat shaped like a bulls horn, tall and slender. In recent years, with the rise of tequila bars, tequila glasses have become popular. They are similar to a brandy snifter, allowing for a better appreciation of the bouquet of the tequila.
In Europe alone there are several standards for what comprises a shot. In Italy it can be either 40 or 60mL. But in Germany and Denmark, where you would expect them to go heavier on the alcohol a shot is only 20 mL. Germans tend to drink schnapps. And the equivalent glass is the schnapp glass. While their shot is 20mL, most schnapp glasses hold around 2 ounces of fluid or 60mL. Most of the othe European countries fall in between Germany and Italy. Interestingly, countries that share boundaries also tend to share standards serving volumes for alcohol. The U.K. and Ireland both use 35mL for theirs. Sweden and Finland both use a 40mL standard.
The farther east you travel, the larger the shot tends to become. Both Poland and Russia use a 50mL glass. Russian Vodka shot glasses tend to be tall and slender. In addition, Russia and many of the former Soviet Bloc countries use a goblet for drinking vodka that measures in around 200-300mL. This would help explain the copious amounts of vodka consumed by the Russians. Israel also uses a 50mL shot for their alcohol measurements. South Korea uses one of the largest shot glasses of any country with 60mL of alcohol per shot.
Towards the other end of the spectrum there is New Zealand. Their shots measure only 15mL. Australian shots are also on the smaller side, coming in at 30mL.
It’s not terribly surprising that just about every country and culture has some sort of small glass for quickly imbibing their favorite spirits. Alcohol in one form or another has been around for thousands and thousands of years. So if you’re ordering a round for you and some friends in another part of the world, just keep in mind that the number of ounces in a shot glass can vary quite a bit.
Got something to say? Click here to reply
