Shot glass
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Cocktail (martini) glass |
The term "shot glass" was originally coined over 100 years ago. The name was given to the small, thick-walled glasses placed on a writing desk, and filled with small lead BB's, or shot, and hence the name. A feather writing quill would be placed in the glass when not in use, as the lead shot would hold the quill upright without allowing the ink to drain from its tip. An upright quill was more easily removed from the glass, would still have its ink and would be ready to put to paper.
Today a shot glass is a small, thick glass designed to measure out one ounce of liquid, typically liquor. This glass would be used to measure off liquor to be poured into a mixed drink. Markings, if any, indicate the quantity of fluid at different levels. The liquor can also be drunk straight from the glass, or "shot."
The size can vary from one to three ounces, but the intention is generally to measure out a specific amount of liquor. The most common markings on a shot glass are logos of organizations, e.g., restaurants, bars, or sports teams and can be seen as a form of collectible.
The most common shot glasses in the United States are of three sizes:
- Pony shot -- 1.0 fluid ounces (30 mL)
- Single shot -- 1.5 fluid ounces (44 mL) (AKA Shot)
- Double shot -- 3.0 fluid ounces (89 mL) (AKA Jigga)
In the UK shot sizes are:
- Single -- 25 or 35 ml
- Double -- 50 or 70 ml
In Germany shot glasses (German: Stamper) are smaller:
- Single -- 20 ml
- Double -- 40 ml
[edit] Collector's Items
Some people collect the large variety of shot glasses which are available. When travelling, there may be shotglasses sporting national flags or local tourist attractions. Shotglasses come in various colours and sizes, with the most common being the 44ml shot glass, although the double shot glasses are also very common among many collectors. Many shot glasses come with humorous quotes on them, often advocating drinking with phrases such as "If this glass is empty, I'm not drinking," or occasionally with a toast written on them.
