Precision is everything in espresso. A few milliliters off, and your shot could go from golden to bitter. That’s where an espresso shot glass comes in—an underrated yet powerful tool for home baristas aiming for consistency and control.
What Is an Espresso Shot Glass?
An espresso shot glass (sometimes called a measuring glass) is a small heat-resistant cup, often made of borosilicate glass or tempered glass, with volume markings on the side. It allows you to monitor and measure the amount of liquid extracted from your espresso machine in real time.
Many shot glasses come with dual spouts and are designed to hold single or double shots (30 ml / 1 oz or 60 ml / 2 oz), and some feature metric and imperial units.
Why You Need One in Your Espresso Setup
1. Precision in Extraction
Being able to visually measure your espresso helps ensure you’re pulling the right volume. This is especially important when dialing in a new grind or adjusting your espresso recipe.
2. Consistency Between Shots
Using a shot glass allows you to consistently reproduce your best shots. You’ll be able to replicate the same amount every time once you hit that perfect balance of flavor.
3. Great for Dialing In Your Grinder
When adjusting your grind size, a shot glass helps track how changes affect shot volume and time, making it easier to troubleshoot and fine-tune your process.
4. Helps With Learning Ratios
A beginner-friendly way to get used to brew ratios—like 1:2 espresso ratio (e.g., 18g in, 36g out)—by giving visual cues alongside using a scale.
5. Less Mess, More Accuracy
Dual-spout designs help with cleaner transfers to your drinking cup, especially when splitting shots between two cups.
Features to Look For
- Clear measurement markings (in ml and oz)
- Heat resistance (important for hot espresso)
- Spouted design for easy pouring
- Durable glass or borosilicate material
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
Some models, like those from Rhino Coffee Gear, Rattleware, or Apexstone, also include espresso scales or pair well with dosing cups.
Final Thoughts
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.
