A shot glass looks like the simplest thing behind a bar, but the details change how you pour. One holds an ounce, another an ounce and a half, a third two ounces or more, and few of them say so on the glass. A heavy base keeps a glass upright on a crowded table, a tall narrow shape shows off a layered drink, and a line etched partway up turns the glass into a measure.
This guide covers shot glasses for a home bar, from the classic fluted restaurant glass to stackable tempered glasses, a tall shooter, double shots, a glass with measurement marks, cut crystal and two unbreakable options for the patio. For agave spirits served to be sipped, including the traditional Mexican caballito, see our separate guide to the best tequila glasses.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant bar looks for in glassware, the makers’ own specifications on their Amazon listings, and published sources, which we name.
Quick verdict: which shot glasses to buy
For most home bars, the best shot glasses are Libbey’s fluted 1.5-ounce shot glasses, sold by the dozen. They are the classic restaurant shape, and 1.5 ounces is exactly the shot of 40 percent spirits that the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism counts as one standard drink, so a full glass is a known amount. If you want glasses that stand up to a party and stack away afterwards, choose Bormioli Rocco’s tempered Rock Bar 2.25-ounce glasses. If accurate pours matter most, the Houdini Classic Shot Glass has lines at 1 and 1.5 ounces.
Five shot glasses compared
Our five standout picks side by side, one for each kind of buyer, with the capacity and count each maker states. All eight are reviewed in full below.
| Shot glasses | Best for | Material | Capacity & count | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Libbey Fluted Shot Glasses, 1.5 oz, Set of 12Best overall
|
A standard pour, parties, everyday bar use | Glass, fluted sides | 1.5 oz, 12 glasses | View on Amazon |
Zwiesel Glas Paris Shot Glasses, 1.4 oz, Set of 6Best tall shooter
|
Layered shots, a modern look | Tritan crystal, made in Germany | 1.4 oz, 6 glasses | View on Amazon |
Houdini Classic Shot Glass With 1 and 1.5 oz MarksBest measured
|
Accurate pours for drinks and recipes | Glass, weighted base | Lines at 1 and 1.5 oz; count not stated | View on Amazon |
YETI Stainless Steel Shot Glasses, Set of 4Best unbreakable
|
Camping, tailgates, the patio | 18/8 stainless steel | 1.7 oz, 4 glasses with case | View on Amazon |
Bormioli Rocco Rock Bar Shot Glasses, 2.25 oz, Set of 6Best stackable
|
Tight cupboards, heavy use | Tempered glass | 2.25 oz, 6 glasses | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Capacity and count are as stated on each maker’s listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best shot glasses
These eight cover the shot glasses a home bar actually uses: a classic restaurant glass, a tall shooter with a weighted bottom, a double, a stackable tempered glass, a glass with measurement lines, cut crystal for a gift, and stainless steel and plastic glasses that will not break outdoors. They come from makers that publish their specifications, including Libbey, Bormioli Rocco, Zwiesel Glas and Schott Zwiesel. Each pick says who it suits and one honest reason to skip it.
1. Libbey Fluted Shot Glasses, 1.5 oz, Set of 12 – The Classic Standard Pour
This is the fluted shot glass you have seen on restaurant and bar shelves for decades. Libbey, the American glassmaker whose glassware is common in restaurant bars, sells it by the dozen as model 5127/S0711. The listing gives its size as 2.25 inches wide and 2.88 inches tall, and lists the United States as the country of origin.
The reason it is our top pick is the capacity: 1.5 ounces. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines a US standard drink as about 14 grams of pure alcohol, and its example for spirits is a 1.5-ounce shot of distilled spirits at 40 percent alcohol by volume. Pour a 1.5-ounce glass of 80-proof tequila, vodka or whiskey, and you know you are serving one standard drink. The fluted sides also give a good grip.
Libbey’s Amazon listing is bare: it does not say whether the glasses are dishwasher safe or describe the base. Twelve glasses is the right number for a party, and as a restaurant line they are easy to replace one at a time.
Why we like it
- 1.5 oz matches the NIAAA’s standard shot of spirits
- Classic fluted shape with a good grip
- Twelve glasses per set
- United States listed as country of origin
Key specifications
| Model | 5127/S0711 |
|---|---|
| Material | Glass |
| Capacity | 1.5 oz |
| Count | 12 glasses |
| Dimensions | 2.25 in wide, 2.88 in tall |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated |
| Made in | United States (listing) |
| Care | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits almost any home bar: one standard pour per glass, a shape everyone recognizes, and enough glasses for a table of guests. It also works as a small measure for cocktails when you do not have a jigger to hand.
Skip it if you want a glass with real weight or a measure line. This is a plain, working bar glass, and its listing gives very little detail.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Standard-drink capacity
- Dozen per set
- Easy to replace
Cons
- Sparse listing
- Dishwasher safety not stated
- Plain look
2. Zwiesel Glas Paris Shot Glasses, 1.4 oz, Set of 6 – A Tall Shooter With a Weighted Bottom
The tall, narrow shot glass, often called a shooter, has a practical use beyond its look. Difford’s Guide recommends tall, thin glasses for layered shots, because they show off the thickness of each layer. Zwiesel Glas’s Paris shot glass has tall straight sides over an oversized weighted bottom, so it stays upright despite its height.
It is made in Germany from Tritan crystal glass, which the maker describes as a patented material containing titanium oxide and zirconium oxide, and Zwiesel Glas says it is completely dishwasher safe and will not etch, cloud or discolor for the life of the glass. Each glass stands about 2⅘ inches tall and 1⅕ inches wide, and the set has six.
The capacity is 1.4 ounces, a touch under the 1.5-ounce standard shot. A full glass of 80-proof spirits is therefore slightly less than one standard drink, which is no bad thing.
Why we like it
- Tall, narrow shape for layered shots
- Weighted bottom for stability
- Tritan crystal, made in Germany
- Dishwasher safe without clouding, per Zwiesel Glas
Key specifications
| Model | 0017.572702 (Paris) |
|---|---|
| Material | Tritan crystal glass |
| Capacity | 1.4 oz |
| Count | 6 glasses |
| Dimensions | About 2.8 in tall, 1.2 in wide |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes (Zwiesel Glas) |
| Made in | Germany |
| Care | Dishwasher |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you make layered shots or want a slim, modern glass from a maker that publishes its specifications. The crystal glass is clearer than ordinary bar glass.
Skip it if you want a glass that holds a full standard pour with room to spare. At 1.4 ounces it is the smallest glass on this list.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Made in Germany
- Will not cloud in the dishwasher, per maker
- Stable despite its height
Cons
- Under 1.5 oz
- Narrow mouth is harder to pour into
3. Houdini Classic Shot Glass With 1 and 1.5 oz Marks – Lines That Keep Pours Honest
Most shot glasses tell you their capacity only to the brim, and few people fill them to the brim. Houdini’s Classic Shot Glass solves that with two easy-to-read marks, at 1 ounce and 1.5 ounces. The 1.5-ounce line is the NIAAA’s standard shot of 40 percent spirits; the 1-ounce line is the smaller measure many cocktail recipes call for.
Houdini gives the glass a weighted base for stability and to prevent spills. The maker says to rinse it by hand with soap and warm water, so keep it out of the dishwasher.
The listing does not make clear how many glasses you get; it is listed as a single unit, so check the photos and the quantity before you order. Even one is useful as a measure next to a set of plain glasses.
Why we like it
- Marks at 1 oz and 1.5 oz
- Weighted base against spills
- Doubles as a measure for cocktails
Key specifications
| Model | 5272223 |
|---|---|
| Material | Glass |
| Capacity | Marks at 1 oz and 1.5 oz; brim capacity not stated |
| Count | Not stated (listed as one unit) |
| Dimensions | Not stated |
| Dishwasher safe | No; hand wash (Houdini) |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Care | Rinse by hand with soap and warm water |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want to know exactly what you are pouring, for a cocktail recipe or for keeping track of your own drinks. It is the most practical glass on this list.
Skip it if you need a matching set for a party. The listing does not state the count, and the glass is hand wash only.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two measure lines
- Weighted base
- Useful as a jigger
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Count not clearly stated
- Dimensions not stated
4. YETI Stainless Steel Shot Glasses, Set of 4 – Packs Into Its Own Case
Glass and a pool deck, a campsite or a tailgate do not mix. YETI’s shot glasses are made of 18/8 stainless steel, which the maker calls kitchen-grade and puncture- and rust-resistant, and they stack into a fitted carrying container so all four travel together.
Each glass holds 1.7 ounces, enough for a 1.5-ounce pour with a little room at the top. YETI says they are dishwasher safe.
Stainless steel has one drawback in a shot glass: you cannot see the pour. Use a jigger or a measured glass to fill them, rather than judging by eye.
Why we like it
- 18/8 stainless steel, will not shatter
- Stacks into a fitted carrying case
- 1.7-oz capacity leaves headroom for a standard pour
- Dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | Not stated (part 21071504275) |
|---|---|
| Material | 18/8 stainless steel |
| Capacity | 1.7 oz |
| Count | 4 glasses with carrying case |
| Dimensions | Not stated |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes (YETI) |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Care | Dishwasher |
Why we recommend it
Choose it for outdoor use, travel or any place where broken glass would be a real problem. The case keeps the set together in a bag or cooler.
Skip it for the dinner table. You cannot see the drink through steel, and metal is not everyone’s idea of a shot glass.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Will not break
- Carrying case included
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Opaque, so pours are hard to judge
- Only four glasses
5. Bormioli Rocco Rock Bar Shot Glasses, 2.25 oz, Set of 6 – Tempered and Stackable
Bormioli Rocco’s Rock Bar series was developed for bartenders, and its shot glass takes its design from French bistros and cafes. The useful features are practical: the glasses stack neatly, which saves a lot of cupboard space, and they are tempered.
Bormioli Rocco says the tempering gives resistance to thermal shock, breakage, chipping and wear in the dishwasher, the knocks a glass meets between a hot wash and a cold drink. Each glass holds 2.25 ounces and the set has six.
Like other glasses over 1.5 ounces, a full one holds more than a standard drink, so pour to a level rather than to the rim.
Why we like it
- Stacks neatly for storage
- Tempered for resistance to thermal shock and chipping
- Designed for professional bar use
- Stands up to dishwasher wear, per Bormioli Rocco
Key specifications
| Model | 518000CM6821990 (Rock Bar) |
|---|---|
| Material | Tempered glass |
| Capacity | 2.25 oz |
| Count | 6 glasses |
| Dimensions | Not stated |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes, resists dishwasher wear (Bormioli Rocco) |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Care | Dishwasher |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if storage is tight or the glasses will see heavy use. Tempered, stackable glass is what a working bar wants, and it suits a home bar for the same reasons.
Skip it if you want a heavy, weighted feel. The bistro shape is straightforward rather than substantial.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stackable
- Tempered for durability
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- More than a standard pour when full
- Dimensions not stated
6. Bormioli Rocco America ’20s Shot Glasses, 2.75 oz, Set of 6 – A Double With Jazz-Age Facets
A double shot glass, roughly twice the size of a standard one, is useful as a small sipping glass, for a measured double in a cocktail, or for a chaser such as sangrita beside a tequila. Bormioli Rocco’s America ’20s glass holds 2.75 ounces and comes in a set of six.
The design takes its cue from American bars of the 1920s, with a thick base wrapped in a dense diamond pattern. Bormioli Rocco makes it in Italy from its lead-free Star Glass, which it says gives clarity comparable to crystal, and finishes it with a thin, laser-cut rim.
Be clear about the size. A full 2.75-ounce glass of 80-proof spirits is nearly two standard drinks by the NIAAA’s measure, so this is a glass to pour into partway, not fill. The listing does not say whether it is dishwasher safe.
Why we like it
- 2.75-oz capacity for doubles, sipping or a chaser
- Lead-free Star Glass, made in Italy
- Laser-cut thin rim
- Thick, faceted base
Key specifications
| Model | 122148BCC021990 (America ’20s) |
|---|---|
| Material | Lead-free Star Glass |
| Capacity | 2.75 oz |
| Count | 6 glasses |
| Dimensions | Not stated |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated |
| Made in | Italy |
| Care | Hand wash until confirmed |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a small glass that does more than shots: a measured double, a neat pour to sip, a chaser of sangrita or even a small serving of juice.
Skip it if guests will fill their own glasses to the rim. The size makes it easy to pour far more than one standard drink.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Versatile double size
- Made in Italy, lead-free
- Thin rim
Cons
- Easy to over-pour
- Dishwasher safety not stated
7. Schott Zwiesel Age Shot Glasses, 2 oz, Set of 4 – A Relief-Cut Glass for a Gift
For a gift, or for a bar cart where the glasses are on show, a cut pattern looks the part. Schott Zwiesel’s Age shot glass takes a modern route to it: a straight, stable shape wrapped in a relief cut, which the maker says adds accents on the table and highlights what is in the glass, with what it calls an attractive weight in the hand.
Each glass holds about 60 ml, roughly 2 ounces, and stands 61 mm tall with a 50 mm diameter, about 2.4 by 2 inches, according to Schott Zwiesel, and the set has four. The maker says they are dishwasher safe, which is not true of every cut glass.
Retailers list the Age glasses as Schott Zwiesel’s Tritan crystal, which the maker describes on its other listings as a non-lead material made with titanium and zirconium oxide. One European retailer gives the country of origin as the Czech Republic; the Amazon listing does not say.
Why we like it
- Modern relief cut with a weighty feel
- About 2-oz capacity
- Dishwasher safe, per Schott Zwiesel
- Gift-worthy set of four
Key specifications
| Model | 124298 (Age) |
|---|---|
| Material | Tritan crystal glass, per retailers (non-lead, per Schott Zwiesel) |
| Capacity | About 60 ml (2 oz) |
| Count | 4 glasses |
| Dimensions | 61 mm tall, 50 mm across |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes (Schott Zwiesel) |
| Made in | Not stated on the listing; Czech Republic per a retailer |
| Care | Dishwasher |
Why we recommend it
Choose it as a gift or for a bar where the glassware is part of the look. Dishwasher-safe glasses mean the recipient will actually use them.
Skip it if you need a dozen for a party. Four glasses is a gift set, not a party set.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Handsome relief pattern
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Only four glasses
- Material and origin come from retailers, not the listing
8. G.E.T. Unbreakable Plastic Shot Glasses, 1.5 oz, Set of 4 – Commercial Plastic for the Pool
G.E.T. makes commercial tableware for restaurants and hotels, and this is its unbreakable shot glass. It is made of heavy-duty SAN plastic, which G.E.T. says gives the look and feel of a traditional glass without the risk of breakage, indoors or out. It is free of BPA.
The capacity is 1.5 ounces, the standard shot, and the glasses are approved for both commercial and home dishwashers, according to G.E.T. The listing names a one-year manufacturer warranty, unusual for a shot glass. Unlike steel, clear plastic lets you see the pour.
Why we like it
- Unbreakable SAN plastic, BPA free
- Standard 1.5-oz capacity
- Commercial and home dishwasher safe
- One-year manufacturer warranty
Key specifications
| Model | SW-1409-1-CL-EC |
|---|---|
| Material | SAN plastic, BPA free |
| Capacity | 1.5 oz |
| Count | 4 glasses |
| Dimensions | Not stated |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes (G.E.T.) |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Care | Commercial or home dishwasher |
Why we recommend it
Choose it for pool parties, backyards and anywhere glass is not allowed, when you still want a clear glass that holds a standard pour.
Skip it if you want the weight and ring of real glass. Plastic will scratch with time and never feels quite the same.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Will not shatter
- Clear, so you see the pour
- Warranty stated
Cons
- Plastic feel
- Only four per pack
How to choose shot glasses
Shot glasses look alike in photos. These five points separate a useful set from a cupboard full of mismatched souvenirs.
1. Capacity: 1 oz, 1.5 oz or 2 oz
Listings give capacity to the brim, and shot glasses range widely. Difford’s Guide notes that they come in all shapes and sizes, and pictures a typical one at 2 ounces, or 6 centiliters. The number that matters is 1.5 ounces: the NIAAA counts a 1.5-ounce shot of 40 percent spirits as one US standard drink, about 14 grams of pure alcohol. A 1-ounce glass holds two-thirds of that, a 2-ounce glass a third more, and a 2.75-ounce double almost two.
2. Measure lines
A line partway up the glass, like the Houdini’s marks at 1 and 1.5 ounces, makes pours consistent and turns the glass into a jigger for cocktails. Without one, a 2-ounce glass filled “about right” can hold anything from one standard drink to more. If your glasses have no line, measure with a jigger.
3. Base and shape
A heavy, weighted base is the best defense against tipping, and the most useful feature on a glass that gets set down hard. Tall, narrow shooters, such as the Zwiesel Glas Paris, suit layered drinks, as Difford’s Guide notes. Short, wide glasses are easier to fill and wash.
4. Material
Ordinary glass is cheap and easy to replace. Crystal glass, like Zwiesel Glas’s Tritan or Bormioli Rocco’s Star Glass, is clearer and can take a thinner rim. Tempered glass, like the Rock Bar, resists thermal shock and chipping. Stainless steel and SAN plastic do not break, which matters by a pool or on a boat, but steel hides the pour.
5. Care and count
Check the listing for dishwasher safety: Bormioli Rocco, Zwiesel Glas, Schott Zwiesel, YETI and G.E.T. say yes for the glasses here, Houdini says hand wash, and some listings do not say. Buy at least as many glasses as you seat at the table; sets range from four to a dozen.
How we chose these eight sets
We started from what a shot glass is for: a measured pour of spirits. We used the NIAAA’s definition of a US standard drink to judge capacities, and Difford’s Guide on glassware for sizes and shapes. We then looked for shot glasses from identifiable makers, including Libbey, Bormioli Rocco, Zwiesel Glas, Schott Zwiesel, YETI and G.E.T., that are sold on Amazon in the United States and were in stock when we checked, and covered each kind a home bar might need. Specifications come from each brand’s own Amazon listing; where a listing leaves something out, the table says “Not stated.” We left out bulk packs from sellers with no identifiable maker, novelty glasses, crystal glasses whose makers give no lead-free statement, and sets showing low stock, including Riedel, Luigi Bormioli and Libbey’s lined 2-ounce glasses when we checked. Traditional caballitos and copitas are covered in our tequila glass guide rather than here. We have not used these glasses ourselves.
Shot glass questions, answered
How many ounces is a standard shot glass?
Shot glasses are not one fixed size: the ones on this page range from 1.4 to 2.75 ounces, and you will find others from about 1 to 3 ounces. The useful reference is the NIAAA’s: a 1.5-ounce shot of 40 percent spirits is one standard drink. That is why our top pick holds exactly 1.5 ounces.
What are the top shot glasses brands?
Libbey is the American maker behind many restaurant shot glasses. Bormioli Rocco makes tempered and decorative glasses in Italy, and Zwiesel Glas makes Tritan crystal shot glasses in Germany. Schott Zwiesel, a brand of the same company as Zwiesel Glas, makes the relief-cut Age glasses. For unbreakable glasses, YETI makes stainless steel and G.E.T. makes commercial plastic.
What is the difference between a shot glass and a shooter?
Usage varies, but a shooter usually means a taller, narrower shot glass. Difford’s Guide recommends tall, thin glasses for layered shots because they show each layer. A shooter can also mean the drink itself, a mixed shot served in one.
What glass is best for tequila shots?
Any of these glasses works for a shot of blanco tequila. The traditional Mexican glass is the caballito, a tall, narrow glass; the caballitos in our tequila guide hold 1.5 to 2 ounces. A shot is not the only way to drink tequila, and a good aged tequila is better sipped from a glass that gathers its aroma. Our guide to the best tequila glasses covers caballitos, copitas and the Riedel tequila glass, and our guide to tequila types explains what to pour.
Are shot glasses dishwasher safe?
Most glass and stainless ones are, but check each listing. The Houdini, with its measure lines, is hand wash only, and some listings, such as Libbey’s and Bormioli Rocco’s America ’20s, do not say.
Serving shots responsibly
A shot glass is a measure as much as a glass. Pour 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits and you have served one standard drink, as the NIAAA defines it; a bigger glass filled to the brim is more than that. Measure pours, keep water and food on the table, offer a non-alcoholic option, serve only adults of legal drinking age, and never drink and drive.
The shot glasses we would buy first
Pulling espresso? See our guide to the best espresso shot glasses.
Related guide: Best cordial glasses.
Start with a dozen Libbey 1.5-ounce glasses: the standard pour, the classic shape and enough for a party. Add Bormioli Rocco’s tempered, stackable Rock Bar glasses for parties, or a Houdini measured glass to keep pours honest. For the rest of the bar, see the best cocktail glasses, the best tequila glasses and our home margarita bar guide. And if you would rather someone else poured, see the drinks at Julia’s or call to order.