How can I measure a shot of alcohol without a shot glass?

You can pretty easily make any markable vessel into a measuring cup by measuring displacement. For instance, if all you had was plastic cups (transparent cups would be preferred) and ping pong balls, here's one way to do it: First off, the volume of a standard 40mm ping-pong-ball is just over 1 oz (1.1oz), which is one shot by some standards (others claim 1.5oz). Here's how you turn that into 1.1oz of sweet, delicious, alcoholic victory: Fill one cup 2/3 with water, mark the surface level. Drop in a ping pong ball, fully submerge it, then mark the new level. Fill to the new line, repeat. Pour water out from the first cup, one line at a time, into another cup, and start marking from the bottom up. Now you have a measuring cup that starts at zero, in 1.1oz increments.  Perfect for single, double, or even triple shots. This technique should be adaptable, as long as you have a solid object of known volume. As always, science wins.

Use a tablespoon. A single 'shot' can vary from 20 to 60 mL, depending upon which country[1] you live in.  I'll assume you are in the US, in which case a single shot is defined as 44 mL or 1.5 fluid ounces. 1 tablespoon equals 14.7868 mL.  Use three of them, and that is ~44 mL. If you have no tablespoon, then use a teaspoon.  Three teaspoons equal one tablespoon.  I assume you can do the math. :) The measuring type is probably a little easier, but in a pinch, this will do. If you happen to have 'dry measuring cups' in your kitchen (the type that is used for baking), you can fill the (59 mL) 1/4 cup (second to the smallest, pictured below) about 3/4's of the way full. [1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shot_glass#Sizes

If you happen to be an expert in drinking shots, then for sure you will never need to measure it formally because all you need is to just pour in the drink in a cup until you make a ‘shot’ measurement out of it.However, if you want to go for more specifics, then take note that the standard measurement for a shot of drink is about, 50ml for a full shot glass  but some might lessen that value due to certain circumstances that involve one’s preference and strength when drinking alcohol. So take note that the 50mL shot might go lower, or even higher depending on your favored amount of alcohol.If you want to use seconds as a way for you to measure your shot if you don’t happen to have any shot glass, then take note that all you need to do is to count. Just count for 2 seconds or less while pouring that drink to your glass, and for sure you will be able to get a decent shot for that. You have to double the amount a bit if you have a bottle of whiskey there that has a tiny hole so that you will be able to enjoy a decent shot that’s just right for you. You can also lessen the amount if you want to – just to get that preferred shot that you always want to have during a fine night.Bonus Tip: If you have a glass there that has a line on the very bottom, then that means you have a drinking glass there that indicates the measurement for a shot, and that can be a good way for you to measure it accurately. In a slightly more advance alcohol measuring you might want to check out this article: http://www.discoverzoom.com/measure-like-a-mixologist-a-guide-to-jiggers/

Get a few of these to put on your bottles and practice the four count. It is true that the count can vary slightly from one spout to the next but they should be relatively close. Typically a 4 second count will give you a one ounce pour.

Although intended for structural integrity of the cup, the markings on a standard red Solo cup are approximate measurements for common alcoholic beverages.

Just put your index finger horizontally parallel to the base of the glass and pour up to the thickness of the finger. 1 finger = small drink 2 fingers (index + middle) = large drink Pour like a boss!!