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The shot glass
the smallest drinking glass that needs to be emptied in one go
From the Wild West to the bar: the legend of shot glasses
The shot glass is not only the smallest member of the drinking glass family, it also has a history dating back to the 19th century. At that time, the mouth-blown glasses, which also resulted in the thick base and the height of the walls, were used for whisky tasting. These small glasses could easily be emptied in one go. Since “shot” means shot and hit in English, there was an explanation for the name of the small drinking glasses. In the USA, however, these glasses only became established after Prohibition and replaced their fragile, thin-walled counterparts.
But according to legend, cowboys in the Wild West in the USA, who had no money but always had a fully loaded revolver and could not do without their whiskey, would exchange a revolver bullet or a shot for a small glass of whiskey. However, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, the term “shot glass” was not mentioned for the first time until 1940 in the “New York Times”.
It is still unclear where the origin of shot glasses lies and to which manufacturer the modern form of the small glasses, which are also called Stamperl, Pinneken or Pinnchen in some regions, goes back. But there is no question that small “shots”, i.e. high-proof spirits and liqueurs, are drunk from shot glasses. But which small glass is suitable for which spirit or liqueur, and what the shape and design of the shot glasses look like, is discussed below.
The shot glass - shape, color and size
Like other glasses, these small shot glasses are available in different shapes. They all have a sturdy, solid base, which ensures that the glass cannot be damaged when placed on a table or counter, for example. Otherwise, spirits glasses differ in their shape. Here the range extends from glasses with straight to bulbous to sloping walls, which become slightly wider towards the top. However, you can also find shot glasses in special shapes. These models are usually related to the region, as can be seen from the jug shape often found in Bavaria with a small handle that can be held with one finger.
The small glasses are usually marked with a calibration mark for two centiliters or four centiliters. They are indispensable in the catering trade and even in private households they are useful in the kitchen as small measuring jugs. With their help, the small amount of alcohol required for baking or cooking, for example, can be measured quickly. Of course, they are also used for toasting the digestif after a meal, whether with or without a calibration mark.
Such tumblers are very decorative when they are decorated with colored patterns or a special cut. But color also plays a role in the glass itself. In addition to the classic transparent glass, a model is also available in a satin or matt finish. When the latter has been frozen in the freezer, it looks particularly beautiful and becomes a real eye-catcher. Glasses with regional motifs are particularly popular. They are very popular as a souvenir to take home from a vacation destination.
These small pint glasses are particularly eye-catching when they are engraved with motifs from a wide variety of areas. If they are made of crystal glass or have a gold rim, they look very classy and become a real eye-catcher.
Shot glasses - which is the right one for which spirit?
Of course, the “short” glasses are also available specifically for vodka, tequila or Jägermeister shots as well as for other spirits such as sambuca, ouzo or liqueurs such as peppermint or herbal liqueur. With many glasses, you can tell which spirit they are intended for by the lettering on the glass.
Vodka glasses
Vodka glasses are traditionally called “stopka” in Russian. However, these small glasses often have a volume of 50 to 100 milliliters in addition to the usual capacities of two and four centiliters. This also ensures that the famous Russian “sto grams” can be consumed. The traditional shape of the stopkas are straight, very often polished walls. Before the vodka is served in them, the glasses and the spirit should be chilled. The spirit is usually drunk neat and ice-cold: Hold your breath and empty the glass in one go. Ouzo is also drunk from these glasses.
Tequila glasses
Shot glasses from which tequila is drunk are called “caballitos” in Mexico, the country of origin of tequila. The mini glasses have a slim, taller shape and hold a volume of 65 milliliters, for example. The Mexican national drink is not drunk iced, but at room temperature. The ritual of serving salt and lemon with every glass is also not common in Mexico.
Tequila is often drunk by holding the first sip in the mouth for about ten seconds and moving it back and forth. The aromas that are perceived in the second sip then develop. The aromas of fine spirits made from pulque stored in barrels are best appreciated in small sips. In order not to distort their taste, salt and lemon should, but need not, be avoided.
Classic shot glasses for liqueurs, fruit schnapps, Korn, aquavit and Kümmel
The spirits mentioned above are also drunk from the small tampers. This means that the glasses have no stem but a thick base and are wider at the top. This allows the individual aromas to develop better. All in all, all spirits that are served in 2 cl or 4 cl can be served in a shot glass.
By the way: If you want to adjust the portafilter espresso machine and espresso grinder to each other to prepare a perfect espresso, a shot with a scale, usually with a height of seven centimetres and a diameter of four centimetres at the bottom and six centimetres at the top, is ideal. The right amount for a single or double espresso or ristretto can be found quickly and the crema also comes out wonderfully.
Which spirits glass for which style of living?
The product range of the small stampers is so diverse that you can even take your interior style into consideration when making your choice. But which glass suits which style of living?
Anyone who has furnished their home in a cosy, down-to-earth country house style is well advised to choose pint glasses with a faceted pattern or in delicate colors such as dusky pink or light grey. Homes furnished with high-quality, solid, elegant furniture, i.e. classically furnished, crystal glasses with elaborate cuts or extravagant decor emphasize the classic living style.
In a modern living style, which is characterized by clear lines and elegant design, the shot glass should also be simple and without frills. The simple shapes of the Bauhaus style are particularly well suited to this. However, glasses with a modern design, for example with a sloping base, also look very good in a modern living style.
Short conclusion
Whether as a digestif after a delicious meal or as a toast in a social gathering, the little “Kurze” always looks better in a matching glass. In addition, different glass shapes enhance the aromas of the high-proof distillates. Spirits glasses, from which the spirit can be emptied in one go, are all-rounders that not only serve the enjoyment of schnapps, but can also be very helpful as a measuring aid. The pint glasses can even be selected to match the existing living style, be it classic, modern or cozy country house style. However, all models have one thing in common: shot glasses stand for coziness, joy and tradition - they are simply part of social life.
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