LED Shot Flight Trays: How Bars and Restaurants Use Them to Sell More Shots

A round of shots on a plain tray is just a drink order. The same round arriving on a glowing airplane or a lit-up bull is a moment, and the next table usually wants one too. That’s why LED shot flight trays have become a fixture in bars, restaurants and event venues. Here’s how venues use them, and how to choose one.

What is an LED shot flight tray?

It’s a serving tray, usually shaped like something fun, with cutouts for shot glasses and lights built in. The trays we sell are:

• Handmade from fiberglass, then hand-painted, so they’re light and easy to carry. Our 6-shot airplane weighs under 3 pounds.
• Made for 4 or 6 shot glasses, in cutouts about 1.4 inches across.
• Lit by built-in LEDs, some in a single color and some changing colors, powered by a rechargeable lithium battery (an 18650 cell) that comes with the tray.

Shapes include airplanes, bulls, golf carts, boats, ducks, an octopus, a shark, a police car, a horse and a skull.

How bars and restaurants use them

• Tequila and mezcal flights. A 4-shot tray is the right size for a tasting of different styles, such as blanco, reposado and añejo side by side.
• Birthdays and bachelorette parties. Groups love a 6-shot tray arriving lit up, and it’s the photo everyone posts.
• Bottle service and VIP tables. A glowing tray makes the premium order feel premium.
• Themed nights and events. Match the tray to the occasion: a golf cart for tournament parties, a boat for a beach bar, a bull or cowboy duck for a western night.
• Promotions. A “flight of the week” on a signature tray gives regulars something new to try, and gives you something to post.

A lit tray also works as advertising inside the room. When one crosses the floor, other tables notice and ask what it is.

How to choose a tray

1. 4 or 6 shots. Four suits tastings and couples; six suits groups.
2. Shape and color. Pick a shape that fits your bar’s theme or your crowd. Colors include black, white and pink, some with gold or silver accents.
3. Your shot glasses. Check that they fit cutouts about 1.4 inches across. Glasses aren’t always included, so check each listing.
4. The lights. Choose single-color or multicolor LEDs to match your lighting and mood.
5. Your brand. Some trays can be made in your colors or with your logo. Ask us.

Caring for your tray

• Charge the battery before each shift, and keep a spare charged battery on hand for long nights.
• Wipe it clean with a soft, damp cloth. Don’t soak it or put it in a dishwasher, because the lights and battery are inside.
• Wash the glasses separately.
• Store it dry, somewhere it won’t get knocked, between services.

What they cost

Our shot and tasting flight trays cost $140 to $359, depending on shape, size and lighting. See them all in shot flight trays.

Frequently asked questions

Do LED shot trays need batteries?

Ours use a rechargeable lithium battery (an 18650 cell) that comes with the tray. Check each listing for details.

Are shot glasses included?

Not always. Each listing says whether glasses are included.

Can I get trays with my bar’s logo?

Some trays can be customized with your colors or logo. Request a quote and tell us what you need.

Do you sell trays in bulk for bars and restaurants?

Yes. For several trays, or a mix of shapes, request a quote and we’ll put together a price.

Looking for more ways to stand out? Browse our bar and event displays, from tabletop snack carts to props and LED display pieces.