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The Best Shot Glasses

Last updated on March 15, 2024

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A good set of shot glasses is a necessary addition to any liquor cabinet. Whether you use them only when you entertain or you just want to liven up your evenings at home, you can find the perfect set to suit your needs. You can buy one glass, dozens of glasses and everything in between.

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But before you buy a shot glass, it’s important to know the features that are important. A shot is typically 1.5 ounces of liquor or liqueur, so shot glasses are fairly small in size, as you likely already know. But some shot glasses are slightly larger to allow you to enjoy an oversized shot if you prefer.

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There are various types of shot glasses. The standard design has a short, fatter build, but there are also tall shot glasses that hold the same amount of liquid in a narrower design. Shot glasses go even shorter and wider with a pony shot glass, which is a great option for beginners. They do hold less liquid, though. There are also cheater and fluted styles, which vary from the others only in design. Cheater styles have a thicker, heavier base, and fluted shot glasses have a wider mouth and narrower base.

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Our Picks For The Top Shot Glasses

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Best Overall

JoyJolt Heavy Base Shot Glass, 6-Piece

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JoyJolt

Heavy Base Shot Glass, 6-Piece

This six-piece gift set is sturdy enough to survive heavy use while also being attractive enough for entertaining. It comes in a gift box, making it ideal for giving to someone as a gift. At 2 ounces, it is large enough to hold a double shot.

Overall Take

Ideal for GiftingThis set comes with an attractive gift box, making it perfect to give as a hostess gift or as a present for any other occasion.

 Great Basic

Thirsty Rhino Heavy Base Shot Glass, 4-Piece

Thirsty Rhino

Heavy Base Shot Glass, 4-Piece

The classic style of these shot glasses is great for any occasion. You'll get room for 1.5 fluid ounces and a heavy base that holds up if it's knocked or tipped over. This set contains four glasses, but you can buy sets that range from one to 12.

Overall Take

Sturdy DesignThis 4-piece set of shot glasses is sturdy enough to stand up to multiple knocks and bumps.

 Upgrade Pick

Godinger Dublin Vodka Shot Glasses, 6-Piece

Godinger

Dublin Vodka Shot Glasses, 6-Piece

Made from lead crystal, these shot glasses are built to impress. Each shot glass holds 2 ounces of liquor, with etchings that sparkle when exposed to light. For best results, you'll need to hand wash these shot glasses, but they're great for displaying on a bar between uses.

Overall Take

For Special OccasionsThis set of six shot glasses is perfect for special occasions like dinner parties and weddings, with intricate etchings and lead crystal.

 Best for Large Groups

Gmark Heavy Base Shot Glass, 12-Piece

Gmark

Heavy Base Shot Glass, 12-Piece

With 12 shot glasses in each set, you'll get a simple, functional design perfect for a round of shots. The heavy base holds up against regular use, and the glasses are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. The glasses are clear in design, making it easy to see what's inside.

Overall Take

Entertaining Large GroupsThis set of 12 2-ounce shot glasses is perfect for distributing shots when you have guests.

What to Look For

  • Shot glasses are so small, it’s not as likely you’ll knock it over often. But as the drinks start flowing, people can tend to get a little clumsy. Look for a thicker glass that can withstand being dropped. A sturdy base will keep it from tipping over.
  • Most shot glasses are dishwasher-safe. However, if you opt for a fancier version made of a material like crystal, be aware that you may have to hand wash it.
  • If Jell-O shots are more your style, you can buy disposable shot cups that even come with lids. These also come in handy for storing food samples and condiments.
  • Glass can be risky around surfaces like concrete. For poolside gatherings, a plastic shot cup might be a better material.
  • Novelty shot glasses make for a nice conversation piece. If you entertain regularly, that could be a fun addition to your home bar.
  • Shot glasses come in various sets. Chances are, you won’t just buy one. You can buy them in pairs or sets of dozens. The latter may be a good option if you regularly host large groups of people.
  • Although shots are meant to be 1.5 ounces, most people simply fill the glass to a certain point and drink. You can buy shot glasses in larger sizes to make those drinks a little more substantial.

More to Explore

Jell-O shots are a classic party favorite, seen on college campuses and at parties across the country. To make them, you’ll need one 3-ounce box of your favorite flavor of gelatin for every 10 2-ounce shots. Although vodka is the most popular liquor for Jell-O shots, you can use any type of alcohol you want and even get creative with flavors. A Tequila Sunrise Jell-O Shot, for instance, mixes orange juice, cherry Jell-O and Tequila, while a Gin and Tonic Jell-O Shot pulls together lime Jell-O, tonic water and gin. There are even flavored vodkas that can help you come up with your own combinations to make unique recipes that will wow all your friends.

More to explore