Shot glasses usually hold anywhere from one to two ounces of alcohol; lately some glassware manufacturers are making varieties that even leave room for an ice cube or garnish, for shot-glass cocktails.
Edible Shot Glasses More Economical
While throwing a party where liqueurs are to be tasted on their own, buying several dozen shot glasses may not be worth the cost or the use of storage space in your cupboard.
Ultimately, shot glasses are usually just used for alcohol, and unlike martini or wine glasses they are not substantial enough to serve dessert in, or use to float candles. Here’s a thrifty solution: Make your shot glasses edible, so guests can munch on them after their drink is done.
How To Make Cucumber Shot Glasses
Cucumber shot glasses can be used for gazpacho servings, or mini-Bloody Marys. The coolness of the cucumber makes it idea for clear alcohols, like vodka or gin based drinks.
- Take a long, English cucumber and rinse it. You can peel it, if you prefer a paler look.
- Slice three-inch “logs” width-wise along the cucumber.
- Use a small melon-baller, and remove the soft, seedy core – remember to leave at least a half-inch of cucumber at the base so that alcohol does not seep through the bottom.
Sweet Liqueur Shot Glasses
For the guest who enjoys a shot of Bailey’s, Drambuie or any liqueur that is cream-based or just sweet, try making a shot glass out of something you may already own: flat-bottomed ice cream cones.
To ensure that the cones will not become soggy when alcohol is poured, hardened melted chocolate provides a protective layer that also flavours the liqueur. For those who don’t normally buy flat-bottomed cones, rest assured that it is something that can be used after your party.
How To Make a Chocolate-Lined Crème Liqueur Shot Glass
- Some may not like the grid that is found inside cones: Pinch them off with your fingers, to allow more room for alcohol and perhaps an ice cube.
- Brush all the crumbs out from the bottom of the cone.
- Melt some chocolate chips on top of a double boiler, or in a microwave until shiny and stir until melted: You can melt butterscotch flavoured ones, white chocolate chips, or mix and match flavours depending on what you plan to serve.
- “Paint” the inside of all your cones with a pastry brush dipped in the melted chocolate. Set them upright to dry.
Even if all the cones are not used as shot glasses during the party, they will keep in an airtight container, and can be used for portable fruit cocktails or even delicious ice cream cones later.
Assure your guests that they can snack on their glasses all they like!
Naomi Szeben - Six-time Editor's Choice Award winner Naomi Szeben puts life into "green and simple living" articles for Suite 101.com. She graduated ...
