A traditional caballito used for serving tequila is made from glass.
A caballito is a small, narrow drinking glass commonly used for neat tequila. The Spanish word means “little horse,” and one popular explanation connects the name with the small glasses used by horseback riders who carried tequila while working. The exact origin story is not firmly documented, but the term is widely used in Mexican drinking culture.
Caballitos are generally taller and slimmer than standard shot glasses. Their shape suits a small pour of tequila and allows the drinker to smell the spirit before tasting it. They may be used for blanco, reposado, or añejo tequila.
The caballito should not be confused with a cantarito, which is a larger clay vessel often used for a tequila-and-citrus drink. Decorative caballitos may use colored or patterned glass, but glass remains the standard material associated with the traditional serving vessel.