Shot glasses first became widely used around one to two hundred years ago. The term “shot glass” first appeared in the English Oxford Dictionary in the 1940s. Shot glasses aren’t always made of glass, despite their name. Some are made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. However, a thick glass, especially at the base, is the most common material for a shot glass. This is due in part to the widespread practice of slamming the shot glass down on the table after drinking its contents. Thick glass is necessary to withstand such repeated slamming without breaking.
Shot glasses may appear to come in many different sizes,judging by their outward appearance.Some even have square or other decorative shapes. However, the inside portion of the shot glass that actually holds the liquid is designed so that each glass only holds one to two ounces of liquid. There is no industry standard for the exact measurement of a shot, but most fall within this range. Generally, Americans consider a shot to be one and a half ounces, unless it is described as a “short” or “pony” shot. Pony shots usually hold only one ounce of liquid. Another less common measurement is a “double” shot, which is actually only two ounces in volume, not three as its name would imply.
Shot glasses are typically used for drinking small quantities of straight liquor, like vodka, whiskey, or tequila. They may also be used as measuring glasses to make a number of mixed drinks that are often called “shooters”. Shooters often have interesting names like “Alabama Slammer”, “Grasshopper”, and “Polar Bear”.
Shot glasses have even gained popularity among nondrinkers as collectibles. Many vacation destinations sell various types of shot glasses with the name of the city or attraction on the glass. Major events such as the Olympics and the Kentucky Derby often also include commemorative shot glasses in their merchandise offerings.
The simple shot glass has become so commonplace that it’s sure to still be in use for many decades to come. Whether it is prized for its function or appearance, a shot glass is something you’ll find in many homes in America.
Comments on this entry are closed.