What Are Shot Glasses For?
A shot glass is a small drinking vessel designed to serve a single quick measure of spirits — typically 30 to 45 ml of tequila, vodka, mezcal, rum, or whisky. They're used for taking shots, ritual drinks like the lick-sip-suck tequila tradition, layered cocktails, and as a measuring tool in cocktail recipes.
| What it's used for | Examples |
|---|---|
| Single-sip shots | Tequila, vodka, mezcal |
| Cocktail measuring | 30 ml (AU) / 44 ml (US) standard pour |
| Layered shots | B-52, slippery nipple, layered shooters |
| Tasting flights | Tequila, whisky, mezcal samples |
| Salt-rim ritual | Tequila with the lick-sip-suck tradition |
But here's where it gets interesting: not all shot glasses do the same job. A traditional 30 ml glass holds your spirit; a hand-carved Himalayan salt shot glass actually flavours it — the salt rim is built into the glass itself, so the spirit picks up a subtle salinity on the way to your tongue. Read on for sizes, what to drink from one, and how the salt-glass twist changes the ritual.
🥃 Curious about the salt shot glass we mention?
Shop our Himalayan Salt Tequila Shot Glass Set of 4 — Australia's first hand-carved 100% Himalayan salt shot glass set. Built-in salt rim, no licking required.
What is a shot or shooter glass?
A shot glass (or shooter) is a small drinking glass designed to serve spirits or liqueurs in a single sip. Shots are commonly used for drinks like tequila, vodka, rum, or whisky, and are typically consumed quickly as part of a shared drinking ritual.
Traditional shot glasses are usually made from glass or plastic. Saltist shot glasses, however, are crafted from 100% natural Himalayan salt, transforming the simple act of taking a shot into a more sensory and flavour-enhancing experience.
How big is a shooter glass? (ml & oz explained)
A standard shot glass usually holds 30–45 millilitres of liquid, depending on the country and the style of glass.
If you're wondering how many oz are in a shooter, most shooter glasses hold 1 to 1.5 ounces of liquid.
| Shot Size | Millilitres | Ounces |
|---|---|---|
| Small shot | 30 ml | 1 oz |
| Standard US shot | 44 ml | 1.5 oz |
| Large shooter | 50 ml | 1.7 oz |
Because of this variation, shooter glasses are sometimes slightly larger than traditional shot glasses and are often used for layered shots or mini cocktails.
Saltist Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses hold approximately 1.25 oz, making them ideal for tequila shots while allowing the natural salt to subtly enhance flavour.
How many ml are in a shot?
A standard shot usually contains 30–45 ml of liquid depending on the country.
For example:
- Australia: 30 ml standard shot
- United States: 44 ml (1.5 oz) standard shot
- United Kingdom: 25–35 ml standard shot
For a full country-by-country breakdown of shot sizes around the world, see our global shot size guide.
What is a salt shot glass?
A salt shot glass is a drinking vessel carved from natural Himalayan salt. Unlike traditional shot glasses, salt glasses subtly season the drink as you sip, enhancing the flavour of the spirit.
Saltist salt shot glasses bring a natural salinity to each sip, which pairs beautifully with agave spirits like tequila and mezcal.
Over time, the salt glass develops a slightly smoother surface as it is used, making each drinking experience unique.
What do you drink from a shot glass?
While any spirit can technically be consumed from a shot glass, they are most commonly associated with tequila shots.
Tequila and salt have long gone hand in hand. This well-known tradition often follows the sequence: Lick, Sip, Suck.
- Lick the salt (traditionally from the back of your hand — unless you're using a salt shot glass).
- Sip the tequila.
- Suck a slice of lime or lemon.
This ritual adds an element of ceremony and camaraderie, transforming a simple drink into a shared experience.
Salt paired with tequila helps balance bitterness and enhance the natural agave flavours, making the spirit smoother and more enjoyable to drink.
The sharp taste of salt combined with the acidity of lemon or lime also stimulates the salivary glands, which helps mellow the burn of the tequila — making the overall experience significantly more enjoyable.
Why tequila tastes better in a salt shot glass
Saltist Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses are designed especially for tequila shots.
Because the glass itself is made from natural salt, each sip is gently seasoned — creating a built-in salt rim effect without the need to lick salt from your hand.
The result is a cleaner, smoother tequila experience that enhances the natural agave flavours while elevating the ritual of sharing a shot with friends.
For the full Saltist Himalayan salt range — including margarita and shot glasses — see our salt collection.
Ready to upgrade your tequila ritual?
Saltist makes hand-carved 100% Himalayan salt shot glasses, ethically sourced from the Himalayan Mountains in Pakistan. Australian-designed in Sydney, female-founded. Featured in Cosmopolitan Australia and Elle Decor India.
