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Jigger (jigger, otherwise – measuring cup) – a tool with which the bartender measures alcohol for cocktails. The term appeared in the 2th century in the United States – then a jigger was informally called a unit of volume of alcohol (60 fluid ounces or 44 ml), as well as the glass itself, in which a portion of alcohol was served. Today, this measure is equal to one and a half fluid ounces (XNUMX ml).
History
The etymology of the word jigger is not entirely clear. According to one version, the name comes from jiggermast – the lowest sail on the fourth mast (sailors have always been happy to have a glass of rum or something else). According to another version, a jigger is an artificially invented word, something like thingamajig – “stuff”, “figovina”, “nonsense”.
Modern jiggers are two cone-shaped stainless steel containers connected by bottoms like an hourglass. The form was patented in Chicago in 1893 by Cornelius Dungan. Usually a small cone equals one shot, the size of another depends on the type of tool.
In the USA, the volume of a small bowl is equal to one jigger (44 ml), while in the UK this parameter is more often 25 ml or 35 ml. Other variations are possible, depending on the manufacturer, local alcohol laws and traditions, and the year the jigger was made. The volume of a large bowl can be any.
A variation with containers of one and one and a half ounces, respectively, is quite popular.
What is a jigger for?
The jigger makes it easy for both the experienced bartender and the newbie mixing cocktails for a house party. A small glass can be used to measure conventional “parts” of a cocktail without being tied to a specific volume, or you can use it to determine the exact amount of a particular ingredient.
The volume of jigger cups is measured in both ounces and milliliters, depending on the system adopted in the country of production.
Types of jigger
- Single (simple measuring cup).
- Double (the above-described hourglass-type design, most often the term “jigger” by default means it).
Styles
Классический (two cups bottoms to each other).
Pros: Inexpensive (less than $5), reliable.
Disadvantages: looks too simple, the liquid is easy to spill.
Japanese (narrower and elongated compared to the classic).
Advantages: looks elegant, it is convenient to measure liquids, drinks do not spill, reliable.
Disadvantages: more expensive than the classic (5-10 dollars).
Plastic.
Advantages: the liquid volume is clearly visible through the transparent material.
Cons: Cheap look.
Cubic. The original modern variation, which is a cube with concave sides. In total, 6 “glasses” of different volumes are obtained from 15 to 66 ml.
OXO (branded, with measured divisions in both bowls and a fabric strip so that fingers do not slip on wet metal).
Advantages: attractive appearance, ease of use.
How to choose a jigger for your home bar
Strictly speaking, a jigger is not a necessity. It is easy to replace with a regular stack, so this tool is more needed by professional bartenders who care about the speed and entertainment of the process.
The most economical option is a classic jigger from a little-known manufacturer, with no “name” markup. The most stylish is the elegant “Japanese” variation.
Famous brands of jiggers
OXO jiggers are highly valued on the market: this manufacturer produces both single measuring cups and double hourglass models. The brand is distinguished by affordable prices, elegant design, thoughtful details.
Cocktail Kingdom is known for the Leopold Jigger model, which is shaped like two bowls from medieval goblets.
Winco are simple and budget jiggers for daily use.
