A shot glass is described as a miniature glass intended for containing or measure liquor, which in turn can either be poured into another liquid composition, or in most cases, consumed directly from the glass, hence the term “a shot”.

The word shot glass was first coined by the Oxford English Dictionary sometime in the 1940s. There are several legendary stories about the origins of the shot glass, but one which endured is that the shot glass has been used for more than two centuries in Italy, mainly used for drinking grappa. This liquor was sipped slowly and not downed straight.

In much earlier times, the container utilized to measure or drink a typical amount of liquor was known as the Jigger or Pony. A petite glass containing a shot of alcohol is identified as a whiskey. In the late 19th century, at the dawn of the Prohibition, many American distilleries disseminated slender whiskey glasses bearing advertisements which were etched. These glasses emblazoned with an assortment of pictures and designs are now coveted items amongst shot glass collectors.

The New York Times was the first publication to use the phrase shot glass in the 1940s; in an account concerning the attempt to standardize the volume of a shot of liquor in New York. There are also several allusions from as early as the 1800s about workers excavating canals being offered a jigger of whiskey or rum. However, the phrase shot glass only became universal a good deal later after the article was written.

There is a palpable correlation between the Prohibition and the glass; that both are directly linked with alcohol. In times before the Prohibition struck, most glasses were slim at the sides. After the Prohibition concluded, glasses for shots were manufactured with thick bases and sides.

There is several interesting folklore on the birth of the shot glass. One tale describes the glass first being mentioned in Old West Saloons; when patrons would trade bullets for a single shot of drink. Another story stated that the glass was used at dinner to contain any lead shot present in the meat (similar to spit jars used by tobacco chewers). One popular version admitted that the shot (filled with lead) was invented to hold unused quill pens, so that they could stand upright.

The word shot can also be described as dose, akin to an inoculation shot. This definitely pre-dates the application of the phrase shot glass.

Not many people are aware that the word shot was initially spelled as Schott, the namesake of German chemist and Glass expert Friedrich Otto Schott. Along with physicist Ernst Abbe and instrument engineer Carl Zeiss, they established a glassworks plant in 1884 in Jena, Germany. It is believed that this Jena glass was the first Schott glass invented. Later on, the name was shortened to shot glass when it was produced in America, and the original name was soon erased from memory.

In many countries, both single and double shot sizes are standardized.

Types of Shot Glasses

The quintessential shot glass, used for as far back as 200 years ago in Italy, and also during the Prohibition era is one of the most well known drinking apparatus in any bar. Although these glassware items vary in sizes, the most common one contains an average shot of 1 1/2 ounces. An archetypal glass is made from very thick glass, especially at the base. This is to ensure that the glass can withstand the shock of it being slammed (which happens most of the time) on any surface after its contents are consumed.

There are a number of shot glasses types available in the market. Here are some examples that will help you make a worthy purchase:

1. Standard glasses hold 1 1/2 ounces of alcohol. This shot glass has a very thick base and walls. Mainly used to drink a single dose of whiskey or rum.

2. Another slight variation would be the “short shot” or “pony shot” glass which takes in about 1 ounce of liquor. It is slightly smaller than a normal shot glass.

3. A fluted glass”s base is grounded, and when positioned on a hard surface area, emanates a crystal-clear ring.

4. The molded shot glass normally has designs embedded at the base and is usually comes with embossed labels.

5. The barrel shot glass is quite unique – the girth is shaped like a barrel and is made from heavier glass.

6. Cylinder shot glasses is naturally, higher than its predecessors. Shaped like a cylinder, this glass is popular for making “shooters”.

7. The flared shot glass is of an elevated height of 3″ tall with a flared body measuring 2″. Its walls are thin and quite a few have interiors which are molded.

8. A tonic shot glass is typically shaped like a megaphone. Quite interesting to look at. The name tonic is a derivative from the larger tonic glass. You can say that this is the dwarf version.

9. A cheater shot glass simply has a thicker base which fools people into believing that there is more alcohol in it than what is actually being consumed.

10. Edible shot glasses are the rage nowadays. They come in flavors like candy cane, chocolate wafer and mint to name a few. This is indeed a great way to eat and drink at the same time, and a wonderful fun party novelty.

11. Have you ever heard of a shot glass chess set? Well, now you have. A shot glass chess set can be made from glass, silver or even pewter. The ones made of silver and pewter are not recommended barware because of the lead content. However, playing chess has never been more fun using vinyl shot glasses. With each capture, you”ll be tipping back its contents.

12. Shot glass wedding favors is an exceptional way of celebrating with guests. There are many beautifully crafted ones ready for purchase, complete with photos and words to suit any occasion. They can be made from ceramic, glass or even votive.

About the Author:

DiscountMugs.com is a large distribution company based in Miami, Florida. They are web-based and factory-direct which allows them to keep prices lower than the rest of the competition. They also have a huge selection of products from coffee mugs and travel mugs to shot glasses and promotional pens. For more information on shot glasses visit Discount Mugs.