The number of ounces in a shot of tequila can vary depending on the size of the shot glass. Shot glasses come in different sizes and there is no official standard for the size of a shot. As a sommelier and brewer, I have come across various shot glasses that can hold different amounts of liquid.
In my experience, most shot glasses hold around 1.25 to 1.5 ounces of tequila. This seems to be the most common size for a shot glass. However, it is important to note that some shot glasses can be smaller, holding less than an ounce of tequila. On the other hand, there are also shot glasses that can be larger, holding over 3 ounces of tequila.
I remember attending a tequila tasting event where they used smaller shot glasses that held about 1 ounce of tequila. The idea behind using smaller glasses was to encourage people to savor and appreciate the flavors of different tequilas rather than simply downing them quickly. It was a unique experience as we were able to focus on the nuances and complexities of each tequila, much like one would with wine tasting.
On another occasion, I visited a bar that had larger shot glasses, around 2 ounces in size. The bartender explained that they wanted to give their customers a generous pour of tequila, allowing them to enjoy a more substantial amount in each shot. This approach appealed to those who preferred a stronger and bolder tequila experience.
It is worth mentioning that some cocktail recipes may call for a specific amount of tequila, which may differ from the standard shot size. For instance, a margarita recipe might require 2 ounces of tequila, while a tequila sunrise might call for 1.5 ounces. In these cases, the shot glass size may not matter as much since you will be measuring the tequila based on the recipe's instructions.
The number of ounces in a shot of tequila can vary depending on the size of the shot glass. While most shot glasses hold around 1.25 to 1.5 ounces, there is no official standard size. It's essential to consider the context, whether it be a tequila tasting event, a bar with larger shot glasses, or a specific cocktail recipe, to determine the appropriate amount of tequila to use.