Let's be honest, the jigger is not the glamorous part of bartending. Nobody posts a photo of their jigger on Instagram. Nobody brags about it at a din
Let’s be honest, the jigger is not the glamorous part of bartending. Nobody posts a photo of their jigger on Instagram. Nobody brags about it at a dinner party. And yet, out of everything on your home bar, it’s probably the tool that most directly determines whether your cocktails taste great or just… fine. Finding the best jiggers is easier then you think with a little research.
A jigger is a measuring tool. That’s it. But in cocktail making, measurement is everything. The difference between a well-balanced Margarita and one that tastes like you poured tequila into some lime juice is almost always a ratio problem. A ratio problem is a measurement problem. Get the jigger right and everything else gets easier.
Here’s what you actually need to know, and the best options at every budget.
Do you really need a jigger?
Short answer: yes, if you want consistent cocktails.
The alternative is free-pouring, just tipping the bottle and counting to yourself. Some bartenders swear by it. Most home bartenders who try it end up making inconsistently strong drinks, burning through bottles faster than expected, and wondering why their Negroni tastes different every time. Cocktail recipes are ratios. A jigger keeps those ratios honest.
The other thing a jigger does is slow you down just enough. That two-second pause to measure is also when you double-check you grabbed the right bottle, that you haven’t already added that ingredient, and that you know what’s going in next. It’s a small built-in checkpoint that makes you a more deliberate, better bartender.
What to look for in a jigger
Shape — The two main styles are the hourglass (double-sided, classic bartender look) and the Japanese-style (tall, conical, single cup). The Japanese style is more accurate for small measurements because the cone shape means small changes in volume produce big changes in height easier to read precisely. The hourglass is faster to flip between measures.
Markings — This matters more than most people realise. Cheap jiggers often have exterior markings that wear off, or interior markings that are hard to read when the liquid is in there. Look for clearly etched or laser-engraved interior lines at ¼ oz increments minimum. Some premium jiggers go down to ⅛ oz, which is genuinely useful for bitters and syrups.
Capacity — A standard double jigger measures 1 oz on the small side and 2 oz on the large side. A Japanese jigger typically does the same. Some have a 1.5 oz / 0.75 oz split instead, which is useful if most of your recipes call for a standard shot. Knowing which you’re buying matters.
Stability — You will at some point fill a jigger and then have to put it down to grab something else. A stable base that doesn’t tip easily is underrated. Weighted bases on Japanese jiggers solve this nicely.
The best jiggers to buy right now
Best overall: A Bar Above Japanese Cocktail Jigger
This is the one most serious home bartenders end up with, and for good reason. The A Bar Above Japanese jigger is tall, conical, and weighted at the base so it sits rock-solid on your bar. The interior measurement lines are clearly etched in both ml and oz, ¼ oz increments all the way down, with lines for ½ oz, ¾ oz, 1 oz, 1½ oz, and 2 oz. No squinting, no guessing.
The 18/8 stainless steel construction means it’s genuinely built to last. No coating to chip, no markings to fade. A Bar Above was founded by a working bartender frustrated with the quality of tools available to home mixologists, and it shows , the weight, the balance, and the precision all feel considered rather than manufactured to a price point.
Capacity: 1 oz / 2 oz with interior markings at ¼ oz increments Who it’s for: Anyone serious about home bartending who wants to buy once and be done
→ Buy the A Bar Above Japanese Jigger on Amazon
Best for beginners: OXO Steel Double Jigger
OXO makes tools for people who aren’t yet sure how serious they’re going to get about something. They consistently nail the brief. The OXO Steel Double Jigger is the hourglass style — 1.5 oz on one side, 0.75 oz on the other. With a slightly rubberised grip around the middle that makes it genuinely easier to hold when your hands are wet or cold.
The markings are stamped into the interior of each cup at clearly readable intervals. It won’t win any awards for elegance but it’s honest, accurate, and comfortable to use. If you’re just getting started and don’t want to spend $30 on a jigger before you’re sure cocktail making is going to stick, this is the right call.
Capacity: 1.5 oz / 0.75 oz with interior markings Who it’s for: Beginners and casual home bartenders who want simplicity and reliability
Best premium: Cocktail Kingdom Leopold Jigger
If you want the jigger that actual bar professionals reach for, the Cocktail Kingdom Leopold is it. It’s the classic bell-shaped hourglass design with a wide mouth that makes it easy to pour into without spilling, and a flared lip on each cup that helps you level-pour cleanly.
The markings are deep, clear, and go down to ¼ oz on both sides. It’s heavier than it looks, sits well in the hand, and pours cleanly into a shaker or mixing glass without dribbling down the side. The 1 oz / 2 oz version is the most versatile. There’s also a 0.5 oz / 1 oz version for recipes that lean on small precise measurements — useful if you make a lot of spirit-forward stirred drinks where ¼ oz of vermouth actually matters.
Capacity: 1 oz / 2 oz (also available in 0.5 oz / 1 oz) Who it’s for: Enthusiasts who want professional-grade tools and don’t mind paying for them
Best budget: Homestia Double Cocktail Jigger Set
If you want to spend under $15 and just get measuring, the Homestia set gives you two jiggers . A 0.5 oz / 1.5 oz and a 1 oz / 2 oz all in one purchase. So you have both common measuring ranges covered immediately. The stainless steel is basic but functional. The markings are etched rather than printed, and for a beginner kit it does exactly what it needs to do.
Don’t expect the weight or precision of the A Bar Above or Cocktail Kingdom. Do expect something that accurately measures your spirits, doesn’t rust, and won’t make you feel like you’ve wasted money if you eventually upgrade. A solid starter option.
Capacity: 0.5 oz / 1.5 oz + 1 oz / 2 oz (two jiggers) Who it’s for: Absolute beginners, gift buyers, or anyone who wants a spare jigger without spending much.
Which jigger should you actually buy?
If you’re setting up a home bar properly and want one tool that’ll serve you for years. Then buy the A Bar Above Japanese jigger. The precision, durability, and ease of reading interior measurements at a glance makes it worth the price over any cheaper alternative.
If you’re just getting started and want to keep costs down. Then the OXO is the safest beginner pick, it’s widely available. Also well-made for the price, and comfortable to use.
If you already have a jigger and you’re looking to upgrade because you’ve caught the cocktail bug properly. Then its the Cocktail Kingdom Leopold is what you’re looking for.
Whatever you pick, the most important thing is that you use it consistently. Measuring every pour — even when you’ve made the same cocktail a hundred times — is the single habit that separates people who make good cocktails reliably from people who make good cocktails occasionally.
A quick note on cleaning
Jiggers are easy to clean but often neglected mid-session. Sticky liqueur residue left in a jigger between cocktails will contaminate the next drink. A jigger that had Chambord (French Martini recipe) in it. That wasn’t rinsed before you measure vodka will make your vodka taste faintly of raspberry.
Give it a quick rinse under cold water between different ingredients, and a proper wash with warm soapy water after your session. All of the jiggers above are top-rack dishwasher safe, though hand washing will keep the markings sharper for longer.
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