If there is one tool out of all the home bar essentials that I recommend, it’s a jigger. Without it, there is almost no way to get that perfect Negroni.
Have you ever tried hand-pouring equal measures of gin, Campari and sweet vermouth at home, during a busy party? Not easy in the most serene of circumstances.
The jigger is the tool used for measuring the exact amounts of spirit needed in any cocktails, think the teaspoon and tablespoon of the cocktail world. Of course, who am I to tell you not to free pour, but most likely you will end up wasting a lot of the spirit you love and end up creating a, something kind of like, the cocktail you were going for.
Why is it called a jigger
I always head straight to former Lush Lifer, David Wondrich, cocktail historian extraordinaire, first when looking to answer any cocktail related query. He links it to the word “thingamajig” which refers to something you don’t know the word for.
There are others who claim it is a shorter version of the word “jiggermast,“ the smallest mast on a sail boat or what the 18th and 19th C British sailor called his daily ration of gin or rum. Yes, they were paid in spirits, which not surprisingly raised moral.
A sadly forgotten, but fabulously named, Cornelius Dungan patented the double-ended jigger we use now in 1893 in Chicago, one of my favorite drinking towns. It’s been called a jigger ever since.
How big are jiggers?
Depending on where you live in the world, jiggers vary in sizes. In the USA, they typically measure 1 ounce on one side and ½ oz on the other. Some are 1 once and then 2 ounces. You can also find ones that are larger.
In the UK, they are 50ml on one side and 25ml the other. Most cocktails call for 1 oz or 50/60 ml of base spirit, so those measurements should do you fine.
How to use a jigger
It is so simple. Just pour into the jigger and then pour into your glass, mixing glass or shaker. Make sure to pour all the way up to the top.
If your recipe calls for 30ml and you have a 25ml jigger, then you just have to guess or use a jigger like the OXO one that has every measurement printed on it from 10 – 60 ml, making it one of my favorites and one of the easiest to use.
Best Jiggers
Now the fun part, there are lots and lots of different styles of jiggers to choose from, so I can only guide you to the ones I love. After testing out a variety of jiggers, I’ve rounded up the best options on Amazon. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best jiggers available on Amazon.
Japanese Style Jigger!
If you’re looking for a high-quality jigger that’s easy to use and precise, a Japanese style jigger is a great choice.
Pros
- The jigger is made of high-grade, sturdy 18/8 stainless steel, which makes it durable and resistant to shocks.
- The rolled lip and professional welded structure make the double jigger look generous and beautiful, and it’s comfortable to touch.
- The jigger features internal permanent laser etching measurements that won’t wear off, ensuring accurate measurement every time.
Cons
- The small side of the jigger could use additional markings for 0.25 and 0.5 oz measurements.
- The markings on the jigger can be somewhat hard to see, but it’s not a big issue since most drinks will fill to the top of either side.
OXO Steel Angled Jigger
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable jigger, OXO Steel Angled Measuring Jigger 1 2 oz is a great option.
Pros
- The patented angled surface allows you to read measurements from above, which is a game-changer.
- It eliminates the need to fill, check, and adjust measurements, saving you time and hassle.
- The convenient tablespoon and ounce measurement markings make it easy to measure small amounts of liquid ingredients.
Cons
- It only has a 2 oz capacity, which might not be enough for some cocktails.
- The etched measurement markings might be hard to read in low light conditions.
- The jigger is a bit small, which might make it hard to handle for people with large hands.
Overall, we highly recommend the OXO Steel Angled Measuring Jigger 1 2 oz to anyone who wants a reliable and easy-to-use jigger for their home bar. It’s a great investment that will save you time and hassle in the long run.
Barfly M37108 Drink Jigger
We highly recommend the Barfly M37108 Drink Jigger for anyone looking for a reliable and durable jigger for their home bar.
Pros
- Crafted with a single piece stainless steel body for durability
- External markings on both sides for easy identification
- Precise and consistent measurements for exact pours to help you craft the perfect cocktail
Cons
- May be a bit tippy
- No 0.25 oz increments
- Slightly on the expensive side
In conclusion, the Barfly M37108 Drink Jigger is a high-quality and reliable jigger that is perfect for any home bar. While it may be slightly on the expensive side, its durability and precise measurements make it a worthwhile investment for any cocktail enthusiast.
Derrison Bell Jigger
If you are looking for a durable and accurate jigger for your home bar or professional bartending needs, the Derrison Bell Jigger is a great choice.
Pros
- The streamline shape of this cocktail jigger helps reduce friction and sore spots, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.
- Made from heavy weighted and polished Stainless Steel 304, this jigger is dishwasher safe and won’t chip or flake off.
- Precision engraved with every measurement line you’ll need to make any cocktail recipe, including 1/2oz, 1oz, 1 1/2oz, and 2oz.
Cons
- The wider style of this jigger can make it difficult to pour accurately if you’re not used to it.
- Some users have reported that the jigger is a bit heavy, which can make it harder to use for extended periods.
- The cocktail recipe e-book included with the jigger is not very comprehensive.
Overall, we highly recommend the Derrison Bell Jigger for anyone in need of a durable and accurate jigger for their home bar or professional bartending needs. The precision engraved measurement lines and wide-mouth design make it easy to pour accurately, and the heavy weighted Stainless Steel 304 construction ensures that it will last for years to come.
US Standard Jigger
If you’re looking for a reliable jigger to make perfectly measured cocktails, the US Standard Jigger is a great choice.
Pros
- Stepped measurements make it easy to pour accurate amounts in low light settings.
- Double-sided design provides multiple measurements for any cocktail recipe.
- Made of food-grade stainless steel for a durable and long-lasting jigger.
Cons
- The edge is not rolled, making it a little tricky to pour without spilling a few drops.
- Some users may prefer a jigger with more measurements.
- The jigger may be too small for some users.
Overall, the US Standard Jigger is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and durable jigger for their home bar or restaurant.
A Bar Above Premium Japanese Jigger
If you’re looking for a high-quality jigger that will last a lifetime, then the A Bar Above Premium Japanese Jigger is the way to go.
Pros
- The sleek and modern design of this jigger is perfect for any bartender, and its ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use.
- Made from heavy-duty stainless steel 304, this jigger is built to last and will never rust, break, or bend.
- The precision engraved measurement lines on this jigger make it easy to pour with confidence and create perfectly balanced cocktails.
Cons
- Some users may find the measurement lines difficult to read without good lighting, as they are only engraved on the inside of the jigger.
- The rolled lip of the jigger can make it difficult to pour slowly, which may be a drawback for some users.
- This jigger is slightly more expensive than some other options on the market, but its quality and durability make it worth the investment.
Overall, we highly recommend the A Bar Above Premium Japanese Jigger to anyone looking for a high-quality jigger that will last a lifetime. Its precision measurement lines, durable construction, and sleek design make it a must-have for any serious bartender.
OXO Steel Double Jigger
We highly recommend the OXO Steel Double Jigger for anyone looking for a durable, precise, and easy-to-use jigger.
Pros
- The two-sided design allows for easy flipping between different measurements.
- The soft, non-slip grip makes for comfortable pouring.
- The permanent laser-etched measurements ensure that they won’t wear off over time.
Cons
- Some users may find the 1/4 oz measurement on the smaller side.
- The jigger may be a bit heavy for some users.
- The price point may be higher than some other options on the market.
Overall, we believe that the OXO Steel Double Jigger is a high-quality and reliable jigger that is worth the investment for anyone looking to up their cocktail game.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best jigger, there are a few features that you should consider to ensure that you get the right product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Material
The material of the jigger can affect its durability and ease of use. Some common materials include stainless steel, copper, and plastic. Stainless steel is a popular choice because it is durable, easy to clean, and does not react with acidic ingredients. Copper jiggers can add a touch of elegance to your bar, but they require more maintenance to prevent tarnishing. Plastic jiggers are lightweight and affordable, but they may not be as durable as metal jiggers.
Capacity
Jiggers come in different sizes, so it’s important to choose one that can accurately measure the amount of liquid you need for your cocktail. A standard jigger typically has two sides: one that measures 1 ounce and another that measures 1.5 ounces. If you need to measure smaller or larger amounts, you may want to consider a jigger with different capacities.
Design
Jiggers come in various shapes and designs, and some may be more comfortable to hold and use than others. Look for a jigger with a comfortable grip that allows you to pour accurately without spilling. Some jiggers also have a tapered design that makes it easier to pour liquids without dripping.
Accuracy
Accuracy is crucial when it comes to making cocktails, so you want to choose a jigger that can measure liquids precisely. Look for a jigger with clear markings that are easy to read, and make sure that the measurements are accurate. A jigger that is off by even a small amount can affect the taste of your cocktail.
Cleaning
Finally, consider how easy the jigger is to clean. Look for a jigger that is dishwasher safe or can be easily cleaned by hand. Some jiggers have a polished finish that can be prone to scratches, so you may want to choose a jigger with a brushed finish that is more resistant to wear and tear.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a jigger that meets your needs and helps you make the perfect cocktail every time.
Here are a few different and fun jiggers that are not standard, but are really cool.
