Are you looking for a fun new party idea? Try hosting a shot-glass mini-servings party. This post will show you how to host a shot-glass mini-servings party like a pro.
A Shot Glass Party is a Fun Graduation Party Idea
The best way to host a party is to have a daughter who is going into culinary school. I admit I am spoiled. Bekah was the chef for this occasion and I became her sous chef as we prepared all the food. But, we are here to share all of our secrets with you of exactly how we did it.
We were celebrating Bekah’s graduation from high school and my son Josiah’s confirmation of his Christian faith. What a great day.

Bekah’s graduation from high school

Josiah’s confirmation
Best Products for a Shot-Glass Mini-Servings Party with Appetizer Shooters and Dessert Shooters
These are the items we used and ones we recommend for your shot-glass mini-servings party.
500 Shot Glasses Premium 2oz Clear Plastic Disposable Cups, Perfect Container for Jello Shots, Condiments, Tasting, Sauce, Dipping, SamplesZappy 100 Clear Plastic Mini Spoons 3.75
Lillian Tablesettings 48 Count Mini Plastic Spoons, Clear
72-Piece Plastic Shot Glass and Square Dessert Cup, Disposable Wall Shooter, Appetizer Cups for Parties, Weddings and More, 3 Oz and 5 Oz
Zappy 5 oz Tall Square Mini Dessert Cups 52 Parfait Shot Glasses Appetizer Bowls Trifle Bowl Clear Plastic Souffle Mousse Tall Square Shooter Dessert Tumbler Cups Tasting Party Cup 5oz Plastic Cups
Update International PC-F102 Cellophane Frill Toothpicks, 4-Inch 1000 count
The Candy Bar for Your Next Party
I do NOT take credit for this idea, but if you are looking for super-simple, no prep whatsoever idea in case you don’t have time to pull off a shot-glass party, (and don’t we all need that sometimes!?), check out this fun one that was at a different graduation party we attended: THE CANDY BAR. I love it.

Super-simple party idea: THE CANDY BAR
How to Host a Shot-Glass Mini-Servings Party Like a Pro
Mini-Servings, or Shot-Glass Apps and Desserts, are hot right now and are actually not as difficult as they look. These are so much fun for people to eat! Clean-up and serving is simple too, so it’s great as a hostess if you want to spend time with your guests.
The two biggest things to keep in mind are advanced prep time the day before and allowing for plenty of refrigerator space for all your adorable little cups of yumminess.
The Menu for Your Shot-Glass Mini-Servings Party
This is the exact menu we used. You can find lots of other ideas by checking Google or Pinterest. Click on the links below for recipes. Recipes without a link are simple enough that they didn’t require a recipe. There are plenty of pictures below for how we arranged the food in the glasses.
We purchased pre-made hummus and artichoke dip from Costco, but making your own would be wonderful as well. We made all our dessert shooters but there are purchased options you can consider too, like pre-made cheesecake filling with graham crackers for dipping.
A Shot-Glass Mini-Servings Party Menu
Appetizers
Shot Glass Vegetables with Ranch Dip
Shot Glass Vegetables with Hummus
Caprese Skewer Shot Glass Appetizer
Pretzels and Pita Chips with Artichoke Dip
Pita Chips with Hummus
Desserts
Chocolate Ganache Raspberry Shots
Coconut Milk Panna Cotta Pomegranate Shots
Vanilla and Chocolate Cake
Drinks
The BEST, Easiest Raspberry Punch Ever!
Tea, Coffee, and Lemonade
How to Plan a Shot-Glass Mini-Servings Party
Not having hosted a shot-glass mini-servings party before, we weren’t exactly sure how to plan for how many servings of each item to make. Many of the recipes on Pinterest do not give an exact number of servings the recipe makes, either.
We planned 1 of each appetizer and 2 desserts per person. We had a few apps and 1 tray of desserts left over, so this method worked well. Left-overs are never a problem in our family.
We purchased plastic shot glasses. This is by far the least expensive option. You can also purchase cups made especially for these types of mini-servings, but they are much more expensive.

Other options of mini-serving cups are available, but much more expensive.

Mini-servings bowl options.

Don’t forget the mini-spoons. These totally make the Shot-Glass party.
For this type of event, plan for several hours prep time the day before, and about one hour before the party.

We laid out all the glasses the day before and planned out servings.

Appetizer prep

Piping pudding into individual cups. We used a ziplock bag and snipped off the corner.
How to Serve a Shot-Glass Party with Style
Have fun serving your adorable creations! You can go around offering your guests servings on trays or have them available on display, or some of each.

Appetizers, including Caprese Shots

Pretzels and Pita Chips with Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Veggies with Hummus and Ranch

Shot-Glass Appetizers
Awesome DIY Party Decorations
My friend Janet made these absolutely adorable cupcake paper homemade garlands for us. These are WAY classier than paper garland, and not that difficult. Click here for details on how to make your own. We provide step by step directions.

Add a display table to make your party personal, and photo albums always give people a conversation piece. A cat-who-thinks-he-rules-the-world is optional.
Now you have everything you need to serve a shot glass mini-servings party with style. With a little bit of prep time, you’ll have fun party food that your guests will love.
Have you hosted a shot glass mini servings party? What are your favorite shot class appetizers and desserts to serve?
Pin This for Later
Pin this to save for your next party.
11/4/15 Update!
Click here to read about Bekah’s culinary school adventures:
What Becoming a Chef is Really Like
That was a great party, Sara! And I’m so glad you posted these recipes, because it inspired me to do some of them for a Valentine’s Victorian ball we are going to this weekend. On the cups, I was able to find 600 3 oz. cups (!) on Amazon for $20. They’re not as pretty, but I’ll probably never run out. For the tiny spoons, Dollar Tree had packs of 24 for $1.00 each. For a test run last weekend for the Superbowl, I made tiny coconut cream and banana cream pies. I used a whole Nilla wafer as the crust, then added vanilla pudding mixed with either the coconut or bananas, then topped with whipped cream. The pudding softens up the cookie, so it made it very simple. Going to do a few of your recipes (because that chocolate ganache haunts my dreams) for this weekend!
So glad you got some good ideas, Christine! Great info about the items you found on Amazon and at Dollar Tree! The coconut cream sounds SUPER yummy. I love all things coconut. I love the chocolate ganache shots — do try them.
I love this idea as a fun way to try some new foods – you’ve got my wheels turning!