You can use built-in Solo cup measurements for more than beer, wine and liquor.
Here’s What the Measurement Lines on a Solo Cup Are Actually For
Updated on Jan. 05, 2024
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
Spicy Asian Ham SandwichesWe love these sandwiches with ham, but you can use leftover cooked pork instead, if desired. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Mustard Pretzel NuggetsThis quick and fun snack is similar to the mustard pretzels you can buy at the store, but you can make it for a fraction of the price. It's a killer recipe for all kinds of parties and football gatherings. —Sarah Mathews, Ava Missouri
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
Homemade Honey GrahamsThe way my boys eat them, I would spend a fortune on honey graham crackers at the grocery store. So I decided to make a homemade version that is less processed—and less expensive. These are wonderful, although they still don't last long. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Beach Picnic Fruit and Cheese KabobsFruit skewers made with fresh fruit, cheese and a cinnamon yogurt dip will become a regular snack for every potluck, barbecue and game-day party.
We can't get enough of these picnic side dishes, either.
Parmesan-Ranch Snack MixThis is a quick, easy and delicious snack, especially for kids. No one I've made it for can have just one handful—they always come back for more, and more! So if you’re thinking about cutting the recipe in half to make less, I wouldn’t recommend it. —Tammy Landry, Saucier, Mississippi
Chicken Avocado WrapHearty, filling and full of fiery flavor, these chicken avocado wraps are perfect for a weekday lunch or a quick and easy dinner.
Avocado SalsaThis avocado salsa is smooth, cool and downright refreshing. Scoop it with chips, spoon it over chicken or steak—or just eat it on its own!
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
Tri-Color Pasta SaladOur tri-color pasta salad is bursting with summer flavors and is easy to pull off for your next cookout. Grocery store pasta salad has nothing on this recipe.
Chocolate Chip BlondiesThese chocolate chip blondies are a comforting treat that's ready in just 30 minutes. Meet your new go-to potluck dessert!
Loaded Avocado BLTMy husband invented this twist on a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich. I like to make it with extra slices of bacon; if you want, you can leave the Gorgonzola cheese out of the avocado spread. —Lori Grant, Kingsport, Tennessee
So-Easy Snack MixI eat this tasty treat just as much as (if not more than) the kids! Have fun with it by adding other goodies into the mix, like nuts, cereal, pretzels and more. —Jeff King, Duluth, Minnesota
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 SkewersAntipasto skewers—the finger-friendly Italian kabobs with marinated vegetables, cheeses and tortellini— are precisely what you need for your next gathering. Mix and match your favorite ingredients for a unique and varied spread.
Super Supper HeroHere's a hearty handheld meal you can eat on the go or pack for a picnic. Serve this versatile sandwich the way the recipe's written or stuff it with the works. —Maribeth Edwards, Follansbee, West Virginia
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut CookiesWhite chocolate macadamia nut cookies are the king of macadamia nut cookies. These rich, buttery cookies bake up soft with just the right amount of crispness.
Ham Pasta SaladThere's nothing better than a creamy ham pasta salad tossed with crisp veggies and a cheesy dressing. Easy, comforting and oh-so-satisfying, it's the perfect side for picnics and potlucks.
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
Beach Picnic BrowniesFinding the perfect brownie recipe is a challenge, but if you are looking to learn how to make fudgy brownies—the gooey, decadent, cannot-stop-eating-them kind—you can stop looking. We have got the recipe and techniques for you.
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
Garlic Garbanzo Bean SpreadMy friends and family always ask me to make it. I guarantee you’ll be asked for the recipe. —Lisa Moore, North Syracuse, New York
Turkey Salad on Wheat BreadWhen one of my favorite lunch spots closed, this recipe let me hold on to more than just good memories. The peas, bacon and cheese are such a fun and springy combo. I make big batches of the salad for parties—turns out I'm not the only fan! —Merrijane Rice, Kaysville, Utah
Granola Trail MixMy family has always enjoyed this crunchy four-ingredient snack. When we go camping, each person includes one additional ingredient like mini marshmallows, corn chips or cookie pieces. The taste is never the same, and we're often surprised by the combinations. —Shelley Riddlespurger, Amarillo, Texas
Fresh Veggie PocketsOne summer I worked at a health food store that sold sandwiches. We were close to a college campus, so I made lots of these fresh-filled pitas for the students. Crunchy with crisp vegetables and nutty sunflower kernels, they're a fast-to-fix lunch when you're on the go.
-Linda Reeves, Cloverdale, Indiana
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
Hummus & Veggie Wrap-UpI had a vegan wrap that was similar to this once when I stopped at a diner while on a long and arduous walk. I enjoyed it so much that I modified it to my own taste and now have it for lunch on a regular basis. Everyone at work wants to know how to make it. —Michael Steffens, Indianapolis, Indiana
Sprinkle Fruit DipMaking this creamy mixture especially festive are its bright candy sprinkles. An assortment of fresh fruit "dippers" adds even more goodness. —Leslie Miller, Butler, Pennsylvania
Pizza WrapsThis recipe features the flavors of your favorite pie but only takes a few minutes to make—and there’s no cooking or baking required. Perfect for when you’re rushing to get kids on the bus! —Elizabeth Dumont, Boulder, Colorado
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
