Jigger
A double-sided measuring tool for precise spirit portions. Standard sizes: 1 oz / 2 oz (US) or 25ml / 50ml (metric). Accurate measurement is the foundation of consistent cocktails.
Interactive tool coming soon.
How to use
- Select the right jigger size Standard double jiggers measure 1 oz on one side and 2 oz on the other (US) or 25ml / 50ml (metric). Choose the side that matches your recipe measurement to avoid conversion errors.
- Fill to the meniscus Hold the jigger at eye level and fill to the very rim — the surface tension creates a slight dome. Filling to the meniscus ensures exact measurement. Tipping the jigger before it is full results in short pours.
- Pour cleanly over ice Invert the jigger fully and allow all liquid to drain completely before the next step. Pour into the shaker or glass before adding ice to keep measurements accurate and avoid splashing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a jigger and a shot glass?
A jigger is a precision measuring tool designed for bartending accuracy, while a shot glass is primarily a serving vessel. Standard jiggers have two calibrated sides with volumes like 1 oz / 2 oz or 25ml / 50ml. Shot glasses vary widely in volume (1 to 2 oz) and lack the tapered shape that aids precise pouring. Professional bartenders always measure with jiggers rather than shot glasses to ensure consistent cocktail recipes.
Why do Japanese-style jiggers look different?
Japanese jiggers, such as those made by Yukiwa, are tall and narrow rather than the hourglass shape of Western jiggers. The tall, tapered design makes it easier to see the fill line at eye level and allows the bartender to measure fractional amounts more precisely. Many have internal measurement lines etched for volumes like 0.5 oz or 10ml. The elongated form also integrates smoothly with the fast, wrist-flip pouring style used in Japanese bartending.
How do free-pour bartenders stay accurate without a jigger?
Free-pour technique relies on a calibrated count — bartenders train to pour exactly 1 oz in a 4-count using a standard speed pourer (which flows at approximately 1 oz per second at full tilt). This requires consistent practice and periodic measurement checks. While faster in service, free-pouring introduces more variation than jigger measuring. Most craft cocktail bars require jigger use because precision is fundamental to recipe integrity and cost control.
What are the standard jigger sizes used in the US and UK?
In the United States, the standard double jigger measures 1.5 oz (a "jigger") on one side and 0.75 oz (a "pony") on the other, though 1 oz / 2 oz doubles are equally common. In the UK and Australia, the standard sizes are 25ml and 50ml, aligning with standard spirit measures regulated for licensed premises. The IBA (International Bartenders Association) uses centiliter measurements in competition recipes to ensure international consistency.
Can I measure bitters with a jigger?
Bitters are typically measured in dashes (approximately 0.6ml per dash) rather than ounces, making a standard jigger impractical. Cocktail droppers or calibrated pipettes are more precise for micro-measurements. Some specialty jiggers include markings for teaspoons (5ml) and barspoons (2.5ml) which can be used for small amounts of liqueurs or modifiers, but bitters are almost always added using their built-in dash dispenser tops.
About
The jigger is the bartender's calibration instrument, the tool that transforms a recipe from approximation into a repeatable formula. Its name likely derives from the old nautical measure of spirits served to sailors — a "jigger" of rum was a common ration in the British Royal Navy. The hourglass form of the Western double jigger became standardized in the early 20th century American bar trade, designed to nest in one hand and flip between measurements in a single fluid motion.
Precision measurement is the foundation of consistent cocktail craft. Even a quarter-ounce variation in a three-ingredient cocktail can shift the balance from perfect to noticeably off. This is why serious cocktail programs, from the pioneering work of Dale DeGroff at the Rainbow Room in New York to the modern craft bars of London and Tokyo, have always insisted on measured pours. The rise of Japanese bartending influence in the 2000s brought renewed attention to ultra-precise jigger technique and the ergonomic advantages of tall, narrow measuring vessels.
Beyond accuracy, the jigger serves a role in the theater of bartending. The deliberate act of measuring, filling to the meniscus, and pouring cleanly communicates care and craft to guests. Modern jiggers are made from stainless steel, copper-plated steel, and even glass, with some premium versions featuring laser-etched internal markings for sub-measurements. A quality jigger, used correctly at eye level with full drainage before each pour, is one of the highest-return investments in consistent cocktail quality.