Precision is everything when dealing with espresso. A matter of milliliters, and your shot will go from golden to bitter. That’s where an espresso shot glass comes into play an unsung but powerful ally for home baristas trying to find consistency and command.
What Is an Espresso Shot Glass?
An espresso shot glass (alternatively called a measuring glass) is a tiny heat-proof cup, often made of borosilicate glass or tempered glass, which has volume markings on the side. It allows you to observe and measure the volume of liquid extracted from your espresso machine in real time.
Most shot glasses are double spouts and designed to serve single shots or double shots (30 ml / 1 oz or 60 ml / 2 oz), and some have imperial and metric markings.
Why You Need One in Your Espresso Setup
- Precision in Extraction
Having a visual gauge of your espresso guarantees you’re receiving the proper amount. This is important when fine-tuning a new grind or perfecting your espresso recipe. - Shot-to-Shot Consistency
A shot glass allows you to replicate your perfect shots time and time again. You’ll be able to produce the same amount each time once you’ve hit that magic spot in flavor. - Best for Dialing In Your Grinder
When refining your grind setting, a shot glass makes it easy to monitor what happens to shot volume and time with changes, allowing for easy troubleshooting and perfecting of your process. - Facilitates Learning Ratios
An easy-to-use method of becoming comfortable with brew ratios—such as 1:2 espresso ratio (such as 18g in, 36g out)—by providing visual feedback in addition to utilizing a scale. - Less Mess, More Accuracy
Two-spout designs help with neater pours to your drinking glass, especially when splitting shots between two glasses.
Features to Keep an Eye Out For
Clear, easy-to-read measurement graduations (in oz and ml)
Heat resistance (most important for hot espresso)
Spouted form for effortless pouring
Robust glass or borosilicate build
Dishwasher-safe for easy washing
A few units, like Rhino Coffee Gear, Rattleware, or Apexstone, also include espresso scales or dosing cups compatibility.
read more: The Best Coffee Grinders for Every Brewing Method
Dedicated home barista
An espresso shot glass might look like a simple piece of glassware, but in the hands of a dedicated home barista, it becomes a tool for mastery. If you’re serious about improving your espresso craft, don’t underestimate the power of visibility and precision.
Measure it. See it. Perfect it one shot at a time..
