How to Use a Jigger: A Bartender’s Guide to Perfect Measurements

Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur, an aspiring bartender, or on your way to being pro and want to step up your game, mastering the jigger is key to crafting well-balanced cocktails. A jigger ensures accuracy, consistency, and professionalism in every drink. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using a jigger like a pro.

What Is a Jigger?

A jigger is a bartending tool used to measure liquid ingredients precisely. Most jiggers have a double-sided design with two different-sized cups:

Standard jigger sizes:

• 1.5 oz (large side) / 0.75 oz (small side) - Fairly common in the U.S.
• 1 oz (large side) / 0.5 oz (small side) - Popular in Japan and craft cocktail bars
• 2 oz / 1 oz - The most common jiggers you'll see. This is the style of jigger we offer, as well.

Some jiggers like Bull in China jiggers also have what's called graduated markings for additional measurements. Internal lines at ¼, ½, ¾, and 1½ ounces make measuring effortless and exact.

Why Use a Jigger?

• Consistency: Ensures every cocktail tastes the same
• Balance: Prevents over-pouring strong spirits or under-pouring mixers
• Efficiency: Faster than free-pouring once you get the hang of it
• Professionalism: Essential for bartenders in high-volume settings

Plus, it just looks professional. Time to step up your game with a proper jigger pour.

How to Use a Jigger Properly

1. Hold It Correctly

• Grip the jigger between your thumb and index finger near the middle, or if you want to look like a pro, between your index and middle finger with your ring finger balancing the bottom half of the jigger.
• Tilt it slightly and smoothly when pouring to avoid spills. Jerky movements or hesitation will lead to spills.

2. Pouring Liquids

• Fill to the rim for a full measurement
  

Don't be shy. You'll get the hang of it, the more you use it. Holding it directly over your mixing glass or shaker tin means your vessel will catch any drops or spills. Those are normal, so don't let it shake you if a drop or two escapes.

3. Measuring Techniques

There are different ways to appropriately measure, but at the end of the day, as long as the right amount of liquid is in your mixing vessel, you're good to go. If you need 1.5 oz of liquid, you can use the tall side to measure 1.5, or measure twice in the smaller part of the jigger, 1oz then 0.5 oz, for example.

The "measure" part is simple, though. Fill it to the graduated line inside the jigger or fill that part of the jigger to the rim, whatever is needed for the measurement. 

4. Transferring to the Shaker or Glass

• Pour from the jigger smoothly into your mixing tin or glass. Do it one deft motion, and with confidence. Shaky hesitation can lead to spills.
• If you "pinch" the middle of the jigger with index finger and thumb, then tilting the jigger sideways works best.
  
  
  
  If you hold the jigger between your index and middle fingers, then pour "over your hand" into the shaker for the most professional-looking method.

• If using a Japanese-style jigger, you can "roll" the liquid out for precision and a little finesse, but this takes practice.

Jigger Alternatives (If You Don’t Have One)

• Measuring spoons - 1 tbsp = 0.5 oz and ½ tbsp = 0.25 oz
• Shot glasses - Check if they’re marked for accuracy. A shot glass typically is 1 oz.
• Digital scale - For weighted measurements in grams or oz

There are alternatives to jiggers if you find yourself without one and needing to measure out a cocktail properly. But at the end of the day, they're easy to come by and make a stylish addition to any bar cart or bar. Check out our jiggers for a variety of styles and finishes to fit your preferences.

Final Tips for Jigger Mastery

• Practice pouring water to get comfortable with the motion. Don't be afraid to still. Bartending gets a little messy sometimes.
• Invest in a quality jigger with clear markings, like our jiggers.
• Memorize common conversions if you're using recipes that use mL (more common in countries outside of the US). 1 oz = 30 mL, 0.5 oz = 15 mL.
  

Start Pouring

A jigger might seem like a small tool, but it makes a huge difference in cocktail quality. Once you master it, you’ll notice your drinks taste more balanced and professional. So grab your jigger, start measuring, and shake (or stir) up something delicious.