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A cocktail jigger is an important mixology tool for bartenders and mixologists-it comes in handy on National Cocktail Day. Many cocktail shaker sets provide jiggers with a shaker, bar spoon, and strainer. Cocktail makers use these tools to produce delicious drinks with the perfect balance of flavor and alcohol-as well as tonic water.
If you're interested in how to become a mixologist or want to get your bartending license, you should learn more about jiggers. It's vital to know how to use them, including the measurements that appear on the actual jiggers.
Cocktail jiggers are an important tool for making drinks that keep patrons coming back. And we know how important that is for any bar business. Read on to learn the definition of a cocktail jigger, cocktail jigger styles, and our recommendations for the best cocktail jiggers. Also the ideal way to store them in a liquor bottle display.
What Is a Cocktail Jigger?
A cocktail jigger is a shot or cocktail measuring tool for bartenders and mixologists. It has an hourglass shape, and the size ranges from 0.5 to 2.5 oz. A cocktail shaker helps a bartender or mixologist get their standard drink measure for mixed drinks correct.
Many have fill lines inside or outside with shot cocktail or shot glass measurements. The term "jigger" also appears in popular cocktail recipes as a measurement unit.
Cocktail Jigger Sizes
Cocktail jiggers come in various sizes and styles. Depending on the drink you’re making, a specific jigger might be better suited for the task. There are two types of cocktail jiggers with different capacities:
1. Single Jigger
A single jigger is a simple drink measure with a single bowl to hold the liquor. It can range from a basic shot glass to something with multiple graduations to allow refined measurements.Grab a bottle of the best alcohol for shots and use your single jigger.
2. Double Jigger
A double jigger is the traditional style of cocktail jigger. It’s the one you usually see a bartender or mixologist using to make your drink. It has an hourglass and a bowl on either side. A double jigger is usually made of metal or stainless steel.
How to Use a Cocktail Jigger
The most efficient way to use a cocktail jigger is to hold it between your first and second fingers. Keep it steady while filling it with the liquid, then pour it into a shaker or proper glassware. A jigger is double-sided and helps bartenders and mixologists maintain a standard liquor pour.
The key to making delicious cocktails is using your jigger consistently. You can do this by following classic cocktail recipes and using the correct measurements every time.
For cocktail beginners, it can be tricky to use a jigger properly. Try to master the basic jigger skills and practice them until you get them right.
Best Cocktail Jiggers
The rise in mixology culture and classic cocktails means that the cocktail jigger has become a symbol of precision in the art of making mixed drinks. Fortunately, there's a wide range of options to buy.
Whether you're starting a bar or enrolling in a cocktail class, you'll want to purchase a jigger that feels comfortable.
Here's our list of the best cocktail jiggers to get you started:
1. Tezzorio Steel Double Jiggers
Tezzorio's double jiggers come from high-quality 18/8 stainless steel that's guaranteed not to leak or rust. You get three pieces of varying sizes–a great value for the price.
This set has clearly labeled measurements on all three double jiggers, making it easy to get it right for your cocktails. It has an elegant and stylish look and suits beginners and experienced bartenders.
2. Oxo Steel Double Jigger
Oxo's steel double jigger has a soft, non-slip grip for stability when pouring all types of alcohol. It has two sides which you can flip for different measurements- one side measures a jigger (0.33 oz., 0.75 oz., 1.5 oz.) while the other measures 0.25 oz., 0.5 oz., and 1 oz.
It has permanently etched laser measurements which won't fade, and it's safe to wash in the dishwasher. Many bartenders and mixologists use this jigger for their commercial bars.
3. Cocktail Kingdom Leopold Jigger
Cocktail Kingdom's Leopold Jigger takes inspiration for its design from the vintage looks of the 1930s. It comes from high-quality and durable 18/8 stainless steel and provides an accurate and consistent standard pour.
This jigger is an attractive and stylish addition to your home bar essentials and provides 0.25 oz., 0.50 oz., 0.75 oz., 1 oz., 1.5 oz., and 2 oz. measurements. This ensures your mixed drinks are accurate and easy to create.
4. Match Handmade Italian Pewter Jigger
Match's handcrafter double jigger is our choice as the perfect splurge for bartenders and mixologists. This company has a reputation for making high-quality pewter products with a tin content of at least 92%.
This double jigger has 95% tin and comes from Italy with an artistic and stylish design. It's an impressive item to add to your bar collection that also ensures consistent measurements for your cocktail drinks.
5. Barfly Japanese-Style Jigger
Here's a cocktail jigger from Barfly that makes the perfect addition to any mixologist's collection of bar tools. It provides external markings and internal measurement lines to ensure precise measuring.
It has a durable 18/8 stainless steel construction with rolled top edges for added durability and strength. This jigger is also safe to clean in the dishwasher and has a satin interior finish to hide wear and tear.
6. Derrison Bell Jigger
Derrison designed this cocktail jigger with a wide style to provide comfort and stability when measuring bar liquor. It's crafted from heavy weighted and polished stainless steel 304 that won't break, bend, or rust.
It has clear markings for easy and accurate measurements, a wide mouth for easy quick pouring, and a straight edge to prevent drips. Derrison also provides a free book with classic cocktail recipes to get you behind the bar and mixing drinks.
7. Piña Barware Stainless Steel Jigger
This cocktail jigger has a practical design with clear and precise measurement markings at 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1, 1.5, and 2 oz. There's also a 1 oz. measurement on the 2 oz. side for added convenience.
It comes from stainless steel and has a mirror-polished finish, making it an excellent bar tool and display piece. This jigger has a traditional bell shape with a finger placement ring in the center to provide a steady grip for measuring.
8. A Bar Above Japanese-Style Jigger
A Bar Above's Japanese-style cocktail jigger offers a sleek, modern design made from heavy-duty stainless steel 304. It has the standard measurements of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1, 1.5, and 2 oz. but also includes 1.25 and 1.75 oz. as a bonus.
This jigger is durable and guaranteed not to break, bend, or rust. It has a rolled lip to reduce liquor waste and give you more balance of flavors in your mixed drink.
9. Briout Jigger for Bartending
This Japanese-style jigger comes from high-grade 18/8 stainless steel for increased durability. It has a rolled lip design and a professionally welded structure for a stylish appearance.
The measurements are etched inside with permanent lasering to last for many years. It's easy to operate with one hand, reducing the likelihood of drips and spills. When liquor prices from your suppliers are high, it can help reduce costs in your establishment.
10. Mosehoot Double-Sided Bell Jigger
Mosehoot's double jigger comes from heavyweight and polished stainless steel 304, giving it a stylish look and sturdy feel. The large measuring cup has a capacity of 60 ml. on one side and 30 ml. on the other.
It’s built to withstand daily use without rusting or corroding, and it holds up against fruit juices and syrups. It has a great finish that helps it stand out in your commercial or home bar layout.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cocktail Jiggers
What Size are Cocktail Jiggers?
Cocktail jiggers range in size from 0.5 to 2.5 oz. To make them easy to use, most jiggers have fill lines on the inside and outside with common cocktail and shot glass measurements. If you like making drinks at home, include a cocktail jigger in your home bar accessories.
What’s a Double Jigger?
A double jigger is a bar tool used for measuring and pouring alcohol. It has two conjoining cups–one large and one small–that connect on the closed ends and have different measurements. The large cup, known as a jigger shot, usually has a volume of 1.5 ounces. The small cup, known as a pony shot, has 1 ounce.
Who Invented the Cocktail Jigger?
Cornelius Dungan invented the double jigger version we often see in bars. He patented it in Chicago in 1893 and it had the two unequally sized conical vessels that are still used today. In the early 19th century, the single jigger was known as a portion of hooch. It was approximately 2.5 ounces.
A Matter of Measurements
A cocktail jigger plays an important role in the creation of cocktails and mixed drinks. Bartenders and mixologists know that getting the cocktail ingredients right in their drinks is vital. If a whiskey sour, Moscow Mule, or margarita recipe is slightly off, it can affect the taste of a cocktail.
Too much of one ingredient or not enough of another can make the difference between a delicious cocktail and a drink that chases a customer away. Anything that can affect bar profitability, customer satisfaction, or bar profit margin is an important matter for your bar or restaurant.
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