Cooking & Kitchen

Jigger

Definition

A jigger is a bartending measure equal to 1.5 US fluid ounces (44.36 mL), used as the standard single shot of spirits in the United States.

Explanation

Most double-ended jiggers have a 1.5 oz (44 mL) side and a 1 oz (30 mL) pony side. Some recipes call for a 'short' jigger of 1 oz or a 'large' jigger of 2 oz, so clarifying is important. The word likely derives from the nautical term for a small rigging tool. Consistent jigger use is the primary factor separating reproducible cocktails from inconsistent pours.

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RELATED TERMS

Cup (Measurement)

A cooking volume unit. The US cup equals 236.588 ml; the metric cup is 250 ml.

Tablespoon

A cooking volume unit. The US tablespoon equals approximately 14.787 ml.

Teaspoon

A cooking volume unit. The US teaspoon equals approximately 4.929 ml.

Fluid Ounce

A fluid ounce is a unit of liquid volume, with the US fluid ounce equal to 29.5735 mL and the imperial (UK) fluid ounce equal to 28.4131 mL.

Dash & Pinch

A dash is an informal culinary measure of approximately 1/8 teaspoon (0.6 mL), and a pinch is approximately 1/16 teaspoon (0.3 mL).