16 Best Shot Glasses To Get A Buzz Faster In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide

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Having a functional shot glass is necessary when measuring or drinking your favorite liquor in one gulp. However, owning a conversation-starter shot glass is another thing. We rounded up the best shot glasses for your home bar in terms of function and aesthetics.

Our Top Picks for the Best Shot Glasses

1. JoyJolt 6-Pack Heavy Base Shot Glass Set - Best Overall

What Customers Have To Say

A customer commented that he loves the shape of the glasses since they look fancier. He also commented that for a set of 6 glasses, the price is worth it.

Why We Think It’s Great

The JoyJolt shot glasses feature a heavy base and asymmetrical design, giving that luxurious feel and look. It can also hold 2 oz. of your favorite liquors. It can also be given as a present on any occasion because it comes with a nice box.

Who Should Buy It

Enjoy your shots around the pool and any outdoor or home bar setting with these squarish, heavy-bottomed shot glasses. These are extra sturdy for outdoor settings, and the squarish design saves space better than the regular round glasses.

2. Ozeri Moderna Artisan Series Shot Glasses

What Customers Have To Say

A customer commented that she loved how the glasses felt in her hands. They hold more than the standard shot glass, which made them perfect for dessert shots. She furthered that the insulated design allows her not to feel any warmth from the hot beverages.

Why We Think It’s Great

Would you rather buy a glass that can serve a single purpose or something that can be used for other reasons too? How about a glass that won't damage your wooden counter or coffee table with watermarks because it is protected from condensation?

The Ozeri Moderna shot glasses cannot only do that, but they are also safe to use in the microwave or the freezer. Indeed this is one glass that you can't afford to leave out of your home bar.

Made from lead-free borosilicate glass that is both lustrous yet sturdy, the suspended effect of the drinks inside this shot glass is a beauty to behold. The set comes in 4 glasses, packed in an elegant box for easy transport.

Who Should Buy It

These shot glasses are best for people who do not only drink but also make bite-sized desserts. Since the glasses are pretty bigger than the standard shot, they can double as a dessert holder.

3. Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal Shot Glasses

What Customers Have To Say

A customer commented that the shot glass has a nice edge or lip that helps the martini from spilling. He furthered that the glass felt lightweight but is high quality. He also placed it in the dishwasher, and it came out clean and intact.

Why We Think It’s Great

This is not your usual shot glass but with a bigger capacity of 3.2 ounces. The Schott Zwiesel shot glass can hold more of your favorite chilled and frozen shooters, such as the frozen B-52, frozen fruit shooters, or lemonade slush.

Backed with the Schott Zwiesel of Germany reputation, the sleek design of this lead-free glass will give your home bar an elegant vibe. This 6-piece set of shot glasses is perfect for serving real double shots.

Who Should Buy It

If you are looking for a shot glass that is a lot bigger than the usual shot, go for this one. It is not only intended to hold whiskey or tequila but even smoothies and slushies.

4. Novica Recycled Shot Glasses

What Customers Have To Say

A customer who is also a tequila collector commented that the glasses are durable and sturdy. They have a nice weight to them, and they look very artsy with the blue-colored rim.

Why We Think It’s Great

Take your tequila shots from these artisan-crafted blue rim shot glasses featured in National Geographic as an original Novica product. Recycled from broken glasses, this 2-ounce, 6-piece glass set boasts quality, authenticity, creativity, and craftsmanship.

The bubbles in the glass give out a fizzy vibe to your shot, but they're imperfections that highlight the second life given to these glasses.

Who Should Buy It

Are you looking for a shot glass that not only functions well but also looks pretty? Well, look no further. These glasses boast their blue-colored rim that can capture the eyes of your guests at any party.

5. Gmark Heavy Base Shot Glass Set

What Customers Have To Say

A customer commented that the shot glasses arrived intact. According to him, they don’t look cheap despite the affordable price it is sold at. He furthered that the glasses are great in serving shooters.

Meanwhile, another customer commented that she felt how well made the glasses are the moment she lifted them from the box. According to her, the heavy base made the glass easy to handle without it tipping over. She furthered that the shot glass has a perfect size.

Why We Think It’s Great

The classic design of this shot glass is perfect for making any shots, whether it's just plain old tequila or some fancy layered drinks. The heavy base provides support to the glass, so it does not easily tip over. Each glass in the pack of 4 can hold 1.5 ounces, just right for a shot of your favorite liquor.

Who Should Buy It

Are you looking for shot glasses that are durable enough to last you a long time? These glasses right here have a heavy base that can withstand tip-overs and the pressure of the dishwashers.

6. Fred DOOMED Crystal Skull Unique Shot Glass - Best Novelty

What Customers Have To Say

A customer commented that the glass has a very cool look. She also liked that every time she hosts a party, her guests always commend the glass. She furthered that glass feels thicker and is a lot better than plastic.

Meanwhile, another customer commented that the shot glass is made of glass and not acrylic or plastic. She also likes that the skull design sits inside a round glass enclosure, thus, looks like floating.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Fred shot glass is a tribute to the Skull of Doom, which Mayan legend claims have the “power of life and death, the power to heal or to smite, the power to create miracles.” While the glass does not claim these, it just actually looks pleasing. Moreover, it can hold 2 ounces of your favorite liquor.

Who Should Buy It

If you're looking for intrigue, then take your “shot” on this shot glass. The tagline "are you man enough?" will be a good conversation starter if you're into some gore. You don't have to wait for Halloween to serve your drinks from this glass.

7. Old Southern Brass 50 Caliber Ceramic Shot Glasses

What Customers Have to Say

These shot glasses inspired from 50 caliber bullet casings are recommended by one of the customers as an ideal little gift for spirit lovers. The shopper also considers this set as a good buy for its novelty feature.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Old Southern Brass shot glasses are designed to look like 50 caliber shells and will become your go-to shot glasses for any event. Each shot glass has a capacity of 2 ounces and is handcrafted from high-end ceramic.

A veterans’ charity, The Wounded Warrior Project also receives a portion of the earnings so you’re actually purchasing for a cause too.

Who Should Buy It

If you are a gun enthusiast, you would appreciate this 50 caliber shot glass. Also, if you are looking for an amusing and unique gift, this is the way to go!

8. Perfect Pregame Collapsible Shot Glass

What Customers Have To Say

A customer commented that the shot glass is great for travel as it is collapsible. She used the glass for her cocktail mix set up, and she always found it cool and exciting.

She also suggested that someone should hold the glass since it is collapsible and it might fall over. Meanwhile, another customer commented that the shot glass is excellent for kinking as it doesn’t take much space.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Perfect Pregame shot glass is made of food-grade stainless steel that is proven durable and long-lasting. The collapsible glass virtually takes up no space and can be used wherever you are. Despite its compact size, it can hold 2.5 oz. of liquid compared to the usual 1.5 oz.

Who Should Buy It

Take your shots anywhere if you have a collapsible shot glass of your own. With the current COVID-19 situation, drinking with friends can be risky, as is sharing a bottle. Take some precautions a notch further by bringing your shot glass, for that matter.

9. Nansch Measuring Shot Glass

What Customers Have To Say

A customer commented that the shot glass is perfect for his espresso. Although the glass tends to absorb the hot temperature of the beverage, he still likes it because of its adorable size and durable material.

On the other hand, another customer commented that the shot glass fits perfectly in her coffee machine. Although the measurement markings can quickly wear off, she still said that the glass is a great purchase overall.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Nansch shot glass comes in a set of 2 with measurement markings on all sides. It is also made of heavyweight glass that allows a clear view of contents for precision and accurate pour. The weighted base of the glass ensures that there will be fewer mess and tip-overs.

Who Should Buy It

If you want the real deal in shots, go for this measuring shot glass that does more than just one job of serving or measuring, for that matter. With 2 glasses per box, this shot glass is a good gift idea for all occasions.

10. Barbuzzo 50 Cal Cool Shot Glass - Best Gift

What Customers Have To Say

A customer commented that the shot glasses didn’t come in with a padded box upon arrival, so she thought they would be broken. However, she was happy to receive them in good condition. She also likes the gold finish of the glass that has a bright color payoff.

Moreover, another customer purchased the glasses as an early Christmas gift for a friend. According to her, her friends like glasses so much! She mainly fell in love with the shot glasses’ sturdy bottom and their bigger size.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Barbuzzo ceramic shot glasses are shaped like shiny gold 50 caliber bullet casings that will make a great addition to your home bar or collection of glasses. Aside from the pretty look of the glass, it can also hold a good 2 oz. of liquid.

Who Should Buy It

Fashioned after the 50-caliber bullet casings, these 2-oz shot glasses should be a great addition to the home bar of a gun enthusiast or as a gift to veterans. To keep it in tiptop condition, always hand wash them using mild liquid detergent and burnish them to remove all water smudges.

11. Milliard Premium Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses

What Customers Have To Say

A customer commented that she purchased this shot glass as a gift for her stepmom, and she loves it. According to her, the shot glass is her best buy on Amazon so far. She furthered that the glasses are heavy and durable, which lessened the chances of them falling over.

Why We Think It’s Great

Take your tequila shots a notch further by using Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses. The exquisite color of the glass carved from a single block of Himalayan salt gives your shots a touch of uniqueness to them. Although these are not real glasses, they can last for 100 uses with proper cleaning and storage.

Who Should Buy It

These shot glasses are ideal for those who like to have their money’s worth. For less than $22, you will already get 6 glasses. These are also perfect for collectors because of their artistic look.

12. The Original BenShot Unique Shot Glass

What Customers Have To Say

A customer commented that the shot glass has a nice weight to it. He also commended that the bullet is actually stuck in the glass and not just lightly placed. He furthered that the glass is an eye turner when his friends are around.

Meanwhile, another customer gave the glasses as a present to his friend who worked as a law enforcement officer, and he loved it! According to him, the bullet design of the shot glass is unique.

Why We Think It’s Great

Fine artisans from the United States handcraft the BenShot glass. The glass features a real 0.308 bullet that is hand sculpted to the body of the glass. It can also hold an approximate 2 oz. liquor.

Who Should Buy It

BenShot glasses are known for their eccentric design featuring an embedded bullet to the side of the glass. This bulletproof shot glass is a bestseller among veterans and their families, hunters, and those in active service in the military.

Take your shots as you regale everyone of your glory days in the army. Perfect as a homecoming or retirement gift for our heroes.

13. Circleware Heavy Base Fancy Shot Glasses

What Customers Have To Say

A customer commented that she had been looking for elegant shot glasses since she was an adult and wanted to switch from the basics. Upon checking these glasses, she immediately purchased them since various colors can help her track who owns which glass.

Why We Think It’s Great

Break free from the classic shot glass shapes and enjoy your drinks from these colorful shot glasses shaped like cute tulip-shaped beer glasses. Each glass in the 6-pc set can hold 1.7 oz of vodka, whiskey, or brandy.

As in tulip-shaped glasses, this glass highlights the aroma of the drinks by directing the vapors to the nose of the drinker. This is also a great gift or glass to use during Pride celebrations with its colorful base.

Who Should Buy It

If you intend to own and use elegant and colorful-looking shot glasses, this set right here is your best bet. It has several colors to choose from, depending on your mood. Because of its aesthetically pleasing design, this set is also an excellent present to give.

14. Stanley Adventure Nesting Shot Glass Set

What Customers Have To Say

A customer commented that most shot glass from other shops fit her 2-year-old son’s hands. However, since most are made of glass, he would accidentally break them. Upon purchasing these shot glasses, she didn’t have to worry anymore about glass breaking since they are completely shatterproof.

On the other hand, another customer commented that she didn’t hesitate to purchase these glasses as she knew the positive reputation of Stanley products. She furthered that the shot glasses were made of heavy-duty stainless steel, thus, their durable quality.

Why We Think It’s Great

True to the Stanley tradition of bringing comfort to the wild, they bring you these stackable 2-oz shot glasses nestled in a rugged carry case.

Using food-grade 18/8 stainless steel, the shot glasses and carry case are rust-resistant, BPA-free, and washed in the dishwasher. No need to tread on glass since there's no glass around here.

Who Should Buy It

Are you quite careless when it comes to items that are made of glass? If yes is your answer, you just found the shot glass that will take care of your clumsiness. These glasses are made of stainless steel, which means that breakage is not part of them.

15. Blue Panda Party Favors Shot Glasses

What Customers Have To Say

A customer commented that these shot glasses are adorable and unique to be given as a present for future grooms and their entourage. She furthered that the glasses didn’t crack upon their arrival at her home.

Meanwhile, another customer commented that he found similar-looking glasses at other sites but decided to purchase from Blue Panda because their glasses look way better. He furthered that they are best for groomsmen’s proposal gifts.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Blue Panda party favor shot glasses come in a set of 5, wherein each glass has an adorable black tuxedo print.

The glasses are divided into three varieties: 1 glass is for the groom himself, 3 glasses for the groomsmen, and 1 glass for the best man. Aside from the aesthetics, the glasses hold a decent amount of liquor and have a sturdy base.

Who Should Buy It

Go wild on your last night as a single (but not too rough that you'll have a hangover on your wedding) by spending it with your best buddies. Give these 2-oz shot glasses to your groomsmen, best man, and one for yourself.

16. Enindel Carved Patterns Shot Glasses

What Customers Have To Say

A customer commented that the shot glasses are perfect in exuding that “adult” vibes. He furthered that the glasses reminded him of his college days when he and his friends were drinking.

Meanwhile, another buyer commented that she used the glasses every day, not just for drinking liquors. According to her, the glasses are perfect as they can hold a small number of liquids.

Why We Think It’s Great

This is another intricately designed 1.7-oz shot glass that you can add to your collection. It's elegant enough to be used in high-end bars, restaurants, and hotels and is on the low-maintenance side since it is dishwasher-safe. Lead-free, too, so it's safe to use for alcoholic drinks.

Who Should Buy It

Nothing beats a classic. If you are searching for a casual shot glass, look no further. The Enindel shot glasses give off that traditional yet elegant vibe perfect for collectors out there or regular people who fancy this type of design.

Different Shot Glass Types

• Standard Shot Glass

The standard shot glass measures 1 1/2 fluid ounce of liquor. However, these are sometimes downsized to at least 1/4 ounce. If you are familiar with the red solo cups during your college days, then you probably know what you are doing.

• Tall Shot Glass

The illusion of more to drink is the strength of the tall shot glass or sometimes called a shooter. This glass holds less than the standard shot glass, sometimes just a little shy of an ounce of drink.

However, the sleeker design makes it a hit among millennials. Drinking from it, though, gets a bit of getting used to.

• Pony Shot Glass

As the name implies, a pony shot glass is shorter but wider than the standard shot glass with just an ounce of liquor. It is usually used to serve first-time drinkers to slowly transition them from soft drinks to sting and burn drinks.

• Cheater's Shot Glass

The cheater’s shot glass is just as its name implies. The thicker base of the shot glass gives the illusion of drinking the same amount of alcohol when you don't really. It works to control the amount of liquor to serve.

However, it can mean robbing the client in bars since the client gets less than what he paid for.

• Fluted Shot Glass

These are fancier versions of the shot glass, sometimes even sporting a handle. The rim is usually slightly flared, the designers arguing that this design allows the drinker to get the most of his drinks.

Since these are usually colored, the drinker cannot keep track of his shots. So if you want to drown in shots, this is the best glass for you.

Best Shot Glasses Buying Guide

• Intended Use

Choose a shot glass that will serve its purpose according to your intention. If you want something versatile to use for cold and hot shots, choose one that can withstand extremes in temperature. If looking for party favors, personalized shot glasses are a good choice too.

• Material

Here are some things you have to look out for - lead, BPA, cadmium. Your shot glasses should be free of them or if you should use a crystal shot glass, choose one with lead levels well below the EU standards of 24%.

Some shot glasses are made of glass, pewter, stainless steel, and even soapstone. Choose one that you and your friends will be comfortable using.

• Design

Are you for classic or quirky design? A quirky design could be a conversation starter, but a classic design can fit almost any scene.

• Versatility

Some shot glasses can also be used to serve hot drinks or can be used to measure cocktail ingredients. These cute glasses can also be used in crafts by painting them using acrylic paint or serving frozen desserts. These can even be used as candle holders.

Shot Glass FAQ

1. Why are shot glasses called shot glasses?

There is no definite story behind the name of the shot glass, but many theories are surrounding its name.

One theory revolves around the earliest shot glasses that were not used for drinking, instead as a vessel to hold a "buckshot" or pellets used for shooting at game.

Usually, the pellets are not removed during the cleaning and cooking process, so anyone who happens on a buckshot pellet places it into the shot glass.

Another theory was from the sound of the slamming of the whiskey glasses (likened to a gunshot) on the wooden bar counter in English pubs in the olden days.

From the old Wild West comes another theory of the shot glass. A random shot placed a hole in the wooden whiskey barrel. The saloon owner used small glasses to save the spilling whiskey from the "shot" side to conserve the liquor.

The more modern take on the shot glass was named after Friedrich Otto Schott, who invented the borosilicate glass. These glasses were sometimes called "shot glasses," and the name eventually stuck.

2. Is a jigger the same as a shot?

Technically, a jigger and a shot are two different things. A jigger ranges in measurement from 3/4 to 2 1/2 ounces, while a shot is usually between 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 oz.

A jigger is typically used when making cocktails using a recipe where the ingredients are listed in ounces or mL. In recipes that call for shots in measuring ingredients, be sure to use the same shot glass every time, so the measurements remain consistent.

3. What is a pony shot?

A pony shot equals an ounce lesser than the standard shot (1.5 ounces), hence the name. The shot glass used to serve this measure of the drink is usually squat and wide.

4. What is a double shot?

This is usually used to refer to coffee, especially espresso, where a shot is equivalent to about one ounce. This formulation uses 7g of finely-ground coffee beans. Thus a double shot is equal to 2 ounces which uses 14g of finely-ground coffee beans.

This term was first used in the 90s by a leading cafe in the US. However, in liquors, a double means twice the amount of the standard shot, which is 1.5 ounces. So a double shot of tequila means 3 ounces of it.

5. Why is a shot 1.5 ounces?

This is not the case in all states in the U.S. It is only in Utah that you can get the true 1.5 ounces (shy of 45ml) if you ask for a shot. In other states, a shot may range from 3/4 oz to 1 1/4 ounce, depending on the event.

If you are a paying client, you usually get 1 1/4 ounces of your drink while paying for its full measure. The legislation is yet to be passed to address this issue. However, in other countries, the ounce can differ slightly depending on the country’s measure (UK vs. US measure). However, the difference is almost negligible (0.85ml).

6. What is the difference between a shot glass, a jigger, and a shooter?

A jigger is a standard bar measuring tool to get the precise amount of ingredients for each cocktail. The more common jigger has two cavities, hence the name double jigger, and can measure in increments of 1/4 oz to a total of 2 ounces.

On the other hand, a shot glass is purposely for drinking shots and can also be used as a measuring tool. A standard shot glass has a capacity of 1.5 ounces or 45 mL. A shooter is another shot glass slimmer and taller and can hold almost the same amount of liquor.

Shooters and shots are interchangeable and usually even mean the same. It is typically used to serve drinks such as the layered shots such as the B52 shot or colorful yet potent drinks such as Kamikaze or Jagerbomb. It is also sometimes used to serve straight shots of rum, gin, or whiskey.

Drinks Served in Shot Glasses

Drinks best served in shot glasses are Liquid Marijuana (no actual cannabis there), Buttery Nipple , Irish Pancake Shot , Green Tea Shot , and other shots, both layered and mixed.

Conclusion

If you're serving layered shots, the best shot glasses to buy are standard or tall. You can go for colored or even metal shot glasses if you serve straight shots since there is no need to showcase their colors. Personalized shot glasses are also an excellent option to double as party favors or just to celebrate the day you are legally allowed to drink.

Among all the featured shot glasses, the top spot is awarded to JoyJolt 6-Pack Heavy Base Shot Glass Set for its durable and heavyweight material that can withstand sudden bumps among all the featured shot glasses.

Meanwhile, the runner-ups are Barbuzzo 50 Cal Shot Glass and Fred DOOMED Crystal Skull Shot Glass because of their unique and stylish design that will make drinking even more exciting.

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