Here’s What the Measurement Lines on a Solo Cup Are Actually For
Updated: Jan. 05, 2024
You can use built-in Solo cup measurements for more than beer, wine and liquor.
Take a second to look at the red plastic Solo cups stashed in your cabinets—you’ll notice several lines on each 16-ounce cup. The Solo cup measurements have a purpose, and it might not be just for pouring cocktail drinks at your backyard party.
What Everyone Thinks Solo Cup Measurements Are For
Inspired by viral posts on Facebook, people use the red Solo cup measurements line for pouring out drinks. The bottom-most line, measuring 1 ounce, is thought to be for pouring liquor. Moving up, the next line, measuring 5 ounces, is commonly used for measuring wine, while the line closest to the rim measures 12 ounces for beer.
All of these measurements correlate with standard pours for each of these adult beverages, so it makes sense to assume that’s what the Solo cup lines are for. However, Solo has debunked this common myth!
(Psst: Did you know can use Solo cups to play Prosecco pong and other adult party games?)
What Solo Cup Measurements REALLY Mean
Solo shares that alcohol measurements were not an intentional design element for the widely used plastic cup. Instead, the company recommends other common uses for red Solo cup measurements, like mouthwash, cereal and the recommended amount of water we need to drink each day.
While the alcohol component is surprisingly accurate in measurements, Solo also offers fun, kid-friendly ways to use the lines in the plastic drinkware—think juice, chocolate syrup and Shirley Temples.
Packing Solo cups along for your picnic? Don’t forget to include these picnic must-haves in your basket.
Picnic Recipes You Need for Summer
Chocolate Chip, PB & Banana SandwichesI love finding new ways to combine peanut butter, chocolate and bananas. I was shocked when my nephews (who are very picky eaters) loved these sammies. —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan
Avocado-Ranch Chicken WrapsMy grandchildren love these wraps. My daughter gave me the recipe years ago, and now I make them as an afternoon snack or a light meal. I make the dressing from a simple ranch dressing mix. —Janice Stoltenow, Lebanon, Missouri
Avocado SalsaI was planning a party and thought it might be fun to try a different kind of avocado salsa. This recipe was an absolute success. Scoop it up with chips, spoon it over chicken or steak, or eat it on its own! —Susan Vandermeer, Ogden, Utah
Layered Picnic LoavesThis big sandwich, inspired by one I tried at a New York deli, is a favorite with our football-watching crowd. Made ahead, it's easily carted to any gathering. Kids and adults alike say it's super. —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
Peanut Butter Popcorn BarsIf you're looking for a fun snack for kids, try this chewy peanut butter popcorn recipe that have a mild peanut butter taste. They're easy to mix and can be pressed into a pan to form bars, or shaped into balls. —Kathy Oswald, Wauzeka, Wisconsin
Loaded-Up Pretzel CookiesCoconut, M&M’s and salty, crunchy pretzels make these loaded cookies unlike any you’ve ever tasted—or resisted. —Jackie Ruckwardt, Cottage Grove, Oregon
Beef ‘n’ Cheese WrapsThese make-ahead wraps are delicious, portable, and ideal for picnics and tailgates. Enjoy them whole or slice them into 1-inch pieces to serve them as an appetizer. They also make an excellent lunch on the go. —Sue Sibson, Howard, South Carolina
Roasted Cheddar Herb AlmondsI prepared these one Christmas for my son, who was on a low-carb diet. I was afraid he'd be disappointed because he couldn't eat holiday cookies, but these made up for it—he loved them! Save a handful to chop and sprinkle over a green salad or pasta. —Mary Bilyeu, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Antipasto KabobsMy husband and I met at a cooking class. We have loved creating menus and entertaining ever since. These make-ahead antipasto skewers are always a hit. —Denise Hazen, Cincinnati, Ohio
Homemade GuacamoleI always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Chocolate-Covered BaconIt's a hit at state fairs everywhere, but you can make this chocolate-covered bacon at home. Some say bacon is perfect as is, but chocolate makes everything better! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen chocolate-covered bacon
Snack CrackersOur 13-year-old daughter, Dana, loves to make this crunchy and flavorful snack for us. Her four older brothers finish off a batch in no time. —Sue Manel, Milladore, Wisconsin
Candy Bar BrowniesThe two kinds of candy bars baked into these brownies make them an extra-special treat. —Sharon Evans, Clear Lake, Iowa
Turkey Guacamole WrapsTuck smoked turkey and a creamy avocado spread into tortilla wraps and add a dash of hot sauce for a little heat. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Party PretzelsNot only are these a perfect mid-morning or afternoon snack at work, they're perfect for hungry kids just home from school. Plus, they make for fantastic party food! —Carrie Shaub, Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
Kiddie Crunch MixThis no-bake snack mix is a delightful treat for kids, and you can easily increase the amount to fit your needs. Place in individual bags, or pour some into colored ice cream cones for a fun presentation. —Kara de la Vega, Santa Rosa, California
Bacon-Turkey SubsOn balmy fall days, this sweet and smoky sandwich is a big treat. When it gets colder, we pull out our countertop grill to make melts. Just switch to pita bread. —Rachel Bindulski, Corolla, NC
Chocolate Chip BarsPeople are always surprised when I tell them these chocolate chip bars come from the microwave. Chockfull of chocolate chips, the bars are especially good served with a big glass of cold milk. —Shirley A. Glaab, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Best HummusHummus is my go-to appetizer when I need something quick, easy and impressive. Over the years I've picked up a number of tricks that make this the best hummus recipe you'll ever have. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
Originally Published: August 19, 2021
