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The shot glass, small but iconic
It’s one of the smallest glasses at the bar, but also one of the most iconic.
The shot glass is a staple of bar counters the world over. Used to serve strong spirits, mini-cocktails, or simply to liven up a night out, it’s much more than just a container: it’s a symbol of conviviality, celebration, and sometimes even deep-rooted traditions.
But where does this little glass come from? How did it become an essential accessory for bars and parties? Let’s dive into the history and evolution of the shot glass.
The origins of the shot: between myth and reality
The word “shot” is said to come from the American Wild West. According to legend, penniless cowboys would pay for their glass of liquor with a rifle cartridge, or “shot.” A more plausible explanation is that it simply refers to a small amount of alcohol taken in one gulp (“a shot of whiskey”).
The first shot glasses appeared in the 19th century in the United States. In saloons, bartenders needed a simple, quick and standardized way to serve whiskey. The shot glass naturally established itself thanks to its small capacity, generally between 20 and 50 ml. It quickly became synonymous with drinking spirits straight, no ice, no dilution: pure alcohol at its most honest.
In the 20th century, shot culture spread further. During Prohibition (1920-1933), underground bars (speakeasies) kept serving shots in small containers that were easy to hide. Then came the era of modern cocktail bars, where the shot glass also became a tool for tasting and preparation.
A global and cultural evolution
The shot glass has crossed borders and adapted to every culture:
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In Eastern Europe, it’s linked to vodka and schnapps, served chilled, often in groups, to toast friendship or good health.
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In Germany, a “Kurzer” is often used to down shots in quick succession during folk festivals.
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In Italy, the shot glass is often used for amari or digestive liqueurs.
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In France, it became popular in the 80s and 90s with the rise of nightclubs and “homemade shots” made from syrups and strong spirits.
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In Mexico, tequila is the king of shots, always served with salt and lime or as part of a trio.
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In Asia, particularly in South Korea and Japan, soju and sake are sometimes drunk as shots, accompanied by codified rituals.
Every culture has its own customs, but one thing remains constant: the shot glass embodies the single, shared, festive sip.
The golden age of shots: the 90s and social media
In the 90s, shots took on a new dimension with the generation of themed bars and nightclubs. Short, punchy cocktails were invented: B-52, Kamikaze, Baby Guinness, TGV… Color, layering, and the “bottom-up” technique became signature moves.
Today, shot glasses are all over Instagram and TikTok: visual, fast, spectacular. They’re flambéed, stacked in rainbow rows, lined up assembly-line style for 20 people at once. The shot glass has become a must-have for bar entertainment.
Set of 12 Iceland Series 6 Shot Glasses
Hobstar Shot Glass 6cl (Box of 24 Glasses)
Casablanca Shot Glass 3.6 cl
Arcoroc Shot Glass 4.5cl
One small glass, a thousand designs
The shot glass comes in an endless variety of styles. While the classic clear glass tube remains the standard, manufacturers keep innovating:
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Tiki shot glasses for an exotic vibe
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Stemmed shot glasses, for an elegant presentation
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Plastic or unbreakable models for events
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Double-walled shot glasses to keep drinks cold
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Personalized glasses with logos, slogans or festive designs
Some bars don’t hesitate to build entire collections around their signature house shots.
Professional use: the shot glass as a tool
In mixology, the shot glass is also a technical tool. It allows bartenders to:
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Test a recipe in a small format
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Showcase a premium liqueur
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Create quick entertainment (shot glasses lined up on a tray)
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Organize themed tastings (whisky, mezcal, spiced rum…)
Bartenders love its simplicity, speed of execution, and potential impact on the floor. It’s sometimes preferred over a jigger or measuring glass for certain visual effects or express shots.
In conclusion: from legend to essential
The shot glass has gone from dusty saloons to the bright lights of modern cocktail bars. It crosses cultures, adapts to trends, and turns into a marketing object, yet stays true to its essence: the conviviality of a shared moment, the pleasure of a ritual.
Whether you call it a shot glass, glass shooter, shooter glass, or strong spirits glass, it remains part of our drinking habits. It embodies, all on its own, the unforgettable sip: fast, intense, and sometimes slightly unpredictable.
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