If you’re on the hunt for the best jigger for mixing your drinks, the most important factors to consider are a jigger’s capacity and design. It’s also essential to get one that’s easy to use. To help you shop, I’ve found the best jiggers that cocktail enthusiasts and professional bartenders swear by. I’ve also outlined a handy buying guide, as well as reviews to further help you find the ideal jigger to mix your drinks.
Mixing drinks is an art and a science. It takes precision and practice to create the perfect cocktail, whether it has alcohol or not. A jigger is used by bartenders around the world to measure out liquids for their drinks, especially when replicating cocktails over and over again. A jigger will help with consistency, and your bar tool kit won’t be complete without one.
My Top Picks for the Best Cocktail Jigger
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Where Did Jiggers Come From?
According to a few stories I’ve read, the origins of this bar tool are vague. Some say it’s a shortened version of the term “jiggermast,” which refers to the smallest mast on a sailing boat. Or, as what a British sailor in the navy called his daily ration of booze 18th and 19th centuries.
The jigger became known as a part of booze weighing approximately 2.5 ounces in the early 19th century. However, the modern double-ended version, which has two varied-sized cones, was patented in Chicago in 1893 by an inventor named Cornelius Dungan. And ever since patented, it’s been a jigger that we know today.
Reviews: The Best Cocktail Jiggers
Shopping for the best cocktail jigger doesn’t have to be hard. Jiggers aren’t expensive, but there are a lot of options to choose from. I have only included the most useful jiggers, while still being attractive.
All listed jiggers have various measuring lines to remove any guesswork from the measurement process. Precision will make the best mocktail every time! Keep reading to find which of these jiggers will fit best in your home bar setup.
Best Overall
OXO Steel Angled Measuring Cup
The best jigger for drinks is actually a measuring cup: OXO Steel Angled Measuring Cup. This jigger is made of durable stainless steel material and features an angled surface. This makes it easy for users to see the etched measurements.
This OXO jigger is easily every bartender’s favorite, and has similar features as the plastic version that I also love. The main differences are material and measurement units. This one is made of stainless steel, which is more durable and looks nicer. For measurements you can select between a model that offers tablespoons and ounces, or tablespoons and milliliters. The pour spout offers mess-free measuring into your favorite shaker or mixing glass.
This jigger is a great blend of functionality and style. And when you’re done using it, you can simply toss it in a dishwasher.
Pros:
- Durable stainless steel
- Clear etched measurements
- Has a pour spout for easy pouring
- 2 models that offer imperial or metric measurements
- Dishwasher-safe
- Budget-friendly
- Great for all kitchen measuring
Cons:
- Measurement may easily fade
- Angled design may not stack well in some dishwashers
Best Double Jigger
OXO Steel Double Jigger
Another OXO product you should check out is the OXO Steel Double Jigger. This cocktail jigger features the double bowl style found in most traditional jiggers. But it also includes very clearly delineated measuring lines inside each cup.
This OXO cocktail jigger is made of stainless steel and has a nylon grip, both of which are known to be sturdy and long-lasting. Its non-slip grip helps to reduce spills and mishaps when handling this tool. Also, each side of the jigger measures 1oz and 1.5oz, respectively. It’s dishwasher-safe, so cleaning the jigger will be a breeze.
Pros:
- Durable stainless steel
- Easy to use
- Non-slip grip offers a secure grip
- Budget-friendly
- Attractive but functional design
Cons:
- Reviews suggest the lines that indicate the liquid level aren’t consistent
Best Japanese Style Jigger
Homestia Japanese Style Jigger
If you want to try out a Japanese style jigger, the Homestia Japanese Style Jigger is a great choice. If you want to read more about this style, read the buying guide below. This jigger is made with durable and high-quality stainless steel. It includes two measurement markings on its exterior and interior, and one side is up to 1oz the other up 2oz. This jigger is also weighted, so pouring will feel a little more luxe.
Homestia’s stylish design comes in four gorgeous finishes, allowing you to pick one that matches the aesthetics of your bar. I especially appreciate the rolled edges, which gives this jigger a traditional touch. The measurement markings are also very easy to read. This jigger is also conveniently dishwasher-safe.
Pros:
- Clear measurement markings
- Stylish design
- Comes in different finishes
- Dishwasher-safe
- Budget-friendly
- Durable stainless steel
Cons:
- Inside markings are hard to see in bright light
- The tin finish may wash away easily
Best Bell Jigger
A Bar Above Bar Jigger
Looking for the best bell jigger? Check out the A Bar Above Bar Jigger. Its goblet design makes this cocktail jigger an easy tool to work with. It’s made of 304 grade stainless steel material and has measurements engraved inside it. This ergonomically designed bar jigger will drastically improve your performance as it rests easily between your fingers. It also comes in 2 attractive finishes, copper and polished stainless steel.
The A Bar Above’s polished steel does not have any extra finish or color. Which I appreciate because this means the jigger won’t chip or rust. The wide mouth in this style design lets you pour liquids more easily from different angles. Its broad base also prevents the jigger from sliding or tipping over while in use. Like the other jiggers, this bell jigger is also dishwasher safe.
Pros:
- Ergonomic design
- Precise measurement engravings
- Durable stainless steel
- Dishwasher-safe
- 2 attractive finishes
Cons:
- Welded build might break the vessels apart
- On the pricey side
Most Useful Jigger
OXO Good Grips Angled Jigger
If you find yourself drawn to the first OXO angled measuring cup on the list, you may also love the OXO Good Grips Angled Jigger. This one is slightly cheaper than its stainless steel twin. It has the same angled surface, with very clearly marked measurements, but this jigger also shows milliliters, and you can see the measurements from any – even through the clear plastic.
This OXO jigger also features a pour spout that makes it easy for you to pour your liquids into your shakers or mixing glasses. With all the various measurements it can take, this measuring cup is more useful in the kitchen and bar than any other jigger on the list.
Pros:
- Clearly marked measurements
- Has a pour spout for easy pouring
- Includes standard and metric measurements
- BPA-free and dishwasher-safe
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Lightweight; can make pouring a bit unsteady
- Less attractive plastic (a drawer item)
- Prone to cracking
A Buyer’s Guide in Choosing the Best Cocktail Jigger
Before investing in a new cocktail jigger, make sure you consider all factors that make the tool useful in mixing your drinks. Is the capacity sufficient for the servings you intend to pour? How about the design and cleanability? Do you want stainless steel or plastic material? These are just some of the things you may want to ask yourself to make sure you find a jigger that suits your style.
Functionality
Always keep in mind that a good cocktail jigger must be capable of performing its intended purpose. And that is to measure. Measurement markings should be easily readable. All jiggers picked on the list have various markings, so you will never have to “wing it.”
Pick a cocktail jigger with imperial or metric units or both, depending on preference. To avoid spills, your jigger should also pour smoothly. And it should preferably have a little weight to it so it doesn’t tip over when pouring liquid into it.
Durability and Material: Stainless Steel
You want a tool that will serve you for years to come. Most jiggers are made with stainless steel, which is often regarded as one of the most durable materials for kitchen use. This means they are made to last long. Always pick a jigger that’s made of high-quality stainless steel (304 stainless) rather than a low-cost material, as the latter may not last as long.
Your jigger’s design should reflect both your aesthetic style and bartending style. For me, it’s always best to pick the most functional one, because how you measure ingredients can make or break a mocktail. Luckily there are jiggers that are both functional and fit many styles.
There are also a few cocktail jiggers that are made of plastic material. If you opt for such a material in a jigger, make sure to get one that’s BPA-free.
How many ounces in a jigger?
Jiggers are designed for bartenders to reliably and quickly measure liquids without using measuring cups. They were traditionally designed to hold the standard volumes of liquid. These are either 1oz and 2oz or .75oz and 1.5oz, depending on the style.
Today, these sizes can vary widely and a lot of jiggers have additional measures for smaller amounts, which is really useful.
Ease of Use
Measuring with a cocktail jigger should be easy. The jigger should be comfortable to hold, sit on a table easily, and feel good in your hand.
For those with larger hands and who tend to be a bit clumsy, bell jiggers are the perfect tool for you. A bell jigger sits well on the bar top and has an ergonomic design that will perfectly fit in your palm.
A dishwasher safe jigger makes cleaning a breeze, and stainless steel is a great option.
Design: Which Jigger Should You Get?
The most fun part about shopping for cocktail jiggers is that there are lots of designs and styles to choose from. But the not-so-fun part is being confused about which tool will suit your bartending style.
If you’re a newbie in the world of mixology, you can start by getting to know the different jigger designs. You can pick from the classic double jiggers to the Japanese-style jiggers. There are also single jiggers as well as bell jiggers, and several more.
Classic Double Jiggers
Classic double jiggers are dual-sided and assist bartenders in minimizing over pouring and maintaining consistency when crafting cocktails. These are available in two sizes: 1 ounce and ½ ounces, or 1 ounce and ¾ ounce. These types of cocktail jiggers are long-lasting and practical. And you can easily sit them between your fingers for stable pouring.
For this type of cocktail jigger, I recommend the OXO Steel Double Jigger. It looks like a standard double jigger, though it has two distinct features. One, it has a rubber grip in the center which offers a comfy hold. Two, it has increments marked inside on the stainless steel. I think the only disadvantage of this cocktail jigger is that it isn’t as attractive as other options.
Japanese Jiggers
Japanese jiggers are tall and narrow in design. They are convenient to pour from due to this design, but they’re also tricky to pour liquor or syrup into. Japanese jiggers typically include several etchings inside that allow you to measure various quantities.
Much like the classic double jigger, a Japanese jigger is dual-sided. This allows bartenders to easily mix drinks by using both sides. A good Japanese double jigger should be taller than it is wide. With a smaller total diameter at the top. You’ll get a more precise measurement of your liquid if the diameter of the jigger is smaller.
I recommend the Homestia Japanese-Style Jigger for this category because it has the perfect proportion for a Japanese jigger. It features outside markings for 1 ounce and 2 ounces. As well as measurement markings for ¾ ounces, ½ ounces, and 1.5ounces.
Single Jiggers
A single jigger is a simplistic drink measure that includes a single bowl to hold the liquid. Such jiggers could range from a simple shot glass to one with numerous measurements, allowing more precision. I recommend the OXO Steel Angled Measuring Cup and the OXO Good Grips Angled Jigger. They are pretty similar in features, but they differ in construction and price.
Bell Jiggers
If you think the Japanese Jigger rests well between fingers, wait until you get your hands on a bell jigger. This type of jigger rests more easily rests between your fingers than its Japanese counterpart. Simply fill it up, flip it, and put it on the table, and it will glide right through your fingers without resistance.
For this type of jigger, I recommend the A Bar Above Bar Jigger. It has the typical wide mouth that a bell jigger has, and it features a sleek design. It has precision-engraved markings that have every measurement line you will need in mixing cocktails, and it’s looks great too!
How to Use a Jigger:
Most professional bartenders have honed their skills in using jiggers in situations in which speed is critical. If you’re new to using these tools, the most effective method is to hold it between your thumb and forefinger. You can also hold it in between your first and second fingers.
As the jigger sits comfortably in your hand, fill it up to its brim with your preferred liquid. Then, tip the contents into a shaker or mixing glass, right away. Make sure to refer to the measurement markings to get the right proportions. If you are using the measuring cup, pour into it while it sits on the counter.
Best Jigger FAQs
Who makes the best jigger?
OXO makes some of the best jiggers that professional bartenders have come to love. The OXO Steel Angled Measuring Cup and the OXO Good Grips Angled Jigger are two of their most popular jiggers in their angled measuring cup series. The OXO Steel Double Jigger is also a cult favorite.
How do I choose a jigger?
As much as possible, a jigger should be easy to read. This will help you measure quickly and in turn, be drinking your mocktail more quickly. Pick one that matches the finish of your other bar tools. It’s always nice to have matching sets. Stainless steel is always a go-to finish, durability and cleanability.
What is the difference between a jigger and a shot?
When the term “jigger” is being used alone to indicate a measurement, it usually refers to 1.5 ounces. This can refer to a multitude of measurements, but the most popular is 1.5 ounces. The word ” shot” is a more colloquial term for a small amount of plain alcohol served in a shot glass.
Conclusion
My top pick for best jigger goes to the stainless steel jigger OXO Steel Angled Measuring Cup because it’s affordable, durable, and has an easy pour spout. But if you’re looking for an even more useful version, then the OXO Good Grips Angled Jigger may be a good choice. Both share the same features, except that the plastic version is slightly cheaper and less attractive.
If you’re in the market for the best double jigger, then check out the OXO Steel Double Jigger. It’s durable, easy to use, and has a non-slip grip which offers a secure grip. This jigger is one of the most attractive ones I’ve seen, and it’s budget-friendly, too!
The Homestia Japanese-Style Jigger may also be a great choice if you want to switch to a narrower jigger. It’s another durable option that comes in a stylish design with different finishes. And it’s affordable. If you’re looking for a bell jigger, the A Bar Above Bar Jigger could be an excellent option. This jigger features an ergonomic design that makes it easy to use. This stainless steel jigger is durable and rust-resistant — all thanks to its uncoated polish. It looks great too.
I hope you’ve found the right cocktail jigger for your home bar. Good luck and happy mocktail mixing!
