Shot glasses

Start with the capacity. A classic shot is 3 to 4 cl: that is the size of a Boston shot glass and most bar models. If you want room for ice or a layered shot, 5 to 6.5 cl is a better choice. Above 7 cl, you are really talking about a liqueur glass, intended for sipping rather than drinking in one go. For a hot shot or a layered drink, a taller, narrow model is more practical, because the layers remain more visible.

Next, consider the wall thickness. Thick-walled bar models with a heavy base are the logical choice if the glasses are placed firmly on the table and washed frequently. Thin-walled or cut-glass models are better suited to a good grappa or eau de vie, where you tend to hold the glass in your hand. If you work with fixed pour measures, a jigger with measurement markings is more accurate than the shot glass itself.

Chill the glass along with the drink. Vodka, aquavit, and herbal liqueur taste best when both the glass and bottle come straight from the freezer: the glass fogs up, the drink becomes syrupy, and the alcohol feels less sharp. Place ice-cold glasses on a coaster, though, because condensation quickly runs over the table.

With a layered shot such as the B52 you pour each layer slowly over the rounded side of a spoon, so the lighter drink remains floating on the heavier one. With a shaken shot, such as a kamikaze, strain it from the shaker so no ice shards get through. For a table full of shot glasses at once, the easiest approach is to line up all the glasses and pour into them in one smooth motion, then garnish them afterward. Allow about half a bottle for twelve 3 cl shots, so you know how much you need before you start pouring.

Most bar models are made of tempered glass. That does not mean they are unbreakable, but it does mean they stand up better to knocks and to the temperature difference between the freezer and hot rinsing water. So never put a frozen glass straight under the hot tap, because that is exactly the shock that makes even tempered glass crack.

All the shot glasses here can go in the dishwasher. The pitfall is stacking: shot glasses fit exactly inside one another and then suck tight, after which you rarely get them apart intact. Place them upright and separately in the rack. If they develop a dull haze over time, that is limescale; washing them by hand once with a little vinegar brings the shine back.

If you're looking for a glass for jenever or a traditional Dutch drink, you're better off with the shot glasses, which are slightly fuller and rounder in shape. Want to know what to pour into them? You'll find the recipes together on the shot recipespage. And for the surrounding tools, from strainer to measuring cup, take a look at the cocktail shakers. If you're looking for a larger glass for spirits with ice, you're in the right place with the tumblers.