A jigger is a tool to which the bartender measures alcohol for cocktails. The term originated in the 19th century in the United States. Today this measure is equal to one and a half fluid ounces (44 ml).
History
The etymology of the word jigger is not completely clear. According to one version, the name comes from jiggermast – the lowest sail on the fourth mast. According to another version, jigger is an artificially invented word, something like thingamajig.
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 taper equals one shot, the size of the other depends on the type of instrument.
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 of manufacture of the jigger. The volume of a large bowl can be anything.
A fairly popular variation is containers of one and one and a half ounces, respectively.
What Is A Jigger For?
Jigger makes it easy for both the seasoned bartender and the newbie mixing cocktails for a home party. A small glass can measure the conditional “parts” of the cocktail without being tied to a specific volume, or use it to determine the exact amount of a particular ingredient.
Types Of Jiggers
Single (simple measuring cup).
Double (the above-described design is like an hourglass, most often the term “jigger” by default means it).
Styles
Classic
Two cups with bottoms to each other.
Advantage: Inexpensive (less than $5), reliable.
Disadvantages: It looks too simple, the liquid is easy to spill.
Japanese
Narrower and more elongated than classic.
Advantages: it looks elegant, it is convenient for them to measure liquids, drinks do not spill, reliable.
Disadvantages: More expensive than the classic one ($5-10).
Plastic
Advantages: the volume of liquid is clearly visible through the transparent material.
Disadvantages: “cheap” look.
Cubic
An original modern variation, which is a cube with concave edges. A total of 6 “cups” of different volumes from 15 to 66 ml are obtained.
OXO (branded, with graduated marks in both cups and a cloth strip to prevent fingers from sliding on wet metal).
Advantages: attractive appearance, ease of use.
5 Bartender Sets For Creating Cocktails
We know how important tools are for the bartender to create the best cocktails: Cocktail shakers, strainers, mud flaps. As long as they are of higher quality and longer lasting, you will get better results in drinks. These kits have a very good price and guaranteed quality.
Whether you want to work in a bar or create cocktails as an enthusiast, depending on your level of experience, you will find a set that suits you both in price and quantity.
Set with bamboo stand and travel bag
The perfect set, the best on this list at $62. The 23 pieces in this set represent all the tools you need to make cocktails like a pro. It includes three pouring dispensers, six pouring caps, a spray bottle, a jigger and more. The set also includes a velvet cover for travel and transport. The tools are made of stainless steel and fit in the supplied bamboo support.
JILLMO Bartender Travel Set
The JILLMO set includes 11 stainless steel pieces and is ideal for preparing cocktails in the bar or anywhere outside the home. It is also suitable if you are on the move, as it includes a waterproof case that also allows you to store three bottles of alcohol. Available for $63.
Mixology and craft bartender set
For those looking for more style, this kit comes in a stylish brown canvas bag and includes 17 stainless steel tools, from shakers to strainers and jiggers. The bag has 27 pockets and adjustable straps for easy storage of all your tools. Available for $139.
X-Cosrack Bar set, 18-piece stainless steel
Ideal kit for kitchen or bar installation, does not take up much space as all tools are fixed on a 360 degree rotating base. For a very affordable $50, this set includes 18 stainless steel tools as well as reusable eco-friendly straws!
Elite cocktail shaker set – Bartender set from BARILLIO
The cheapest kit on this list is the Barillio Starter Kit. For just under $35, this kit includes what you need if you’re just getting started making cocktails. All six instruments in the set are of good quality and made of stainless steel. Also included is a velvet bag for storage and travel. Plus, it includes a recipe book to get you started making cocktails. Finally, you can choose a specific color for the material: black, gold, pink and silver.
Organize your mini-bar at home
Here we take a look at the most important tools and equipment for preparing mixed drinks bartenders. We’ll start with the basic bartender tools. These are the things that every bartender should have with him whenever he works. They are also good for anyone who enjoys drinking at home.
We then move on to specific cocktail equipment. These are the tools you need to get to practice at home, throw a cocktail party, or just make a good drink for yourself after a hard day at work.
There are several tools that EVERY bartender should carry with him whenever he is at work. If you don’t, it will look unprofessional. So if you are planning on becoming a bartender, do yourself a favor and invest in these things as soon as possible. You cannot (and should not) expect the bar to provide them for you. Also, if you are looking for a bartender job, you should have these things on your trial shift.
Basic Bartender Tools In The Workplace
Folding knife with opener – for quickly opening beer bottles and various other impromptu uses. You never know when it might come in handy.
Sommelier Knife – Used to open cork wine bottles, beer bottles, and various other impromptu uses.
Lighter – Even if you don’t smoke, a lighter will come in handy. For cocktails, they are used to light cocktails with spirits. At the bar, you will use them to light candles or help a smoker who has forgotten his lighter.
Equipment for the production of cocktails
As stated above, you want to practice bartending at home, create your own home bar, or host a cocktail party. So, if you are serious about making cocktails…
Typically, this equipment can be divided into 2 classes. These are essential items and “luxury goods”.
Therefore, you will need some tools to harness the power of ice! First, you’ll need an ice bucket so you don’t run back and forth from the freezer. Second, you need an ice scoop. Try not to use your hands to handle the ice. This is unhygienic. And whatever you do, don’t use a glass! The fragments of this glass may end up first in an ice bucket, and then in someone’s glass. If you don’t have an ice scoop, you can always use the metal shaker lid as a makeshift ice scoop.
Jigger – this is that little measuring device that bartenders use behind the counter. They are used to accurately measure what goes into the cocktail so you can enjoy it in comfort. When you are just starting out, it is highly recommended to use a jigger. Professional bartenders often neglect this detail. But there is a reason why most cocktail bars prefer to use jiggers – this is the most reliable way to accurately measure liquid in a glass.
Bottle dispensers – these are long spout corks that you see in a bar. They can help you control the flow of alcohol from the bottle and help speed up the preparation process. At home, you can easily measure the amount of alcohol using a simple jigger, but if you plan to become a professional bartender, then you better learn how to use the dispenser in advance.
Boston Shaker – this is a basic two-piece cocktail mixing set. It has an airtight seal and one part is smaller than the other, so you can shake it vigorously without splashing the contents. Almost every bartender on the planet uses a Boston shaker as their primary shaking tool. They are compact, easy to use, and easy to open. Although there are models that have a glass lid (which allows you to control the mixing process), we recommend purchasing an all-steel model first.
Shaker strainer – this will be your most used tool along with the Boston shaker. It prevents pulp, fruit puree and/or ice from getting into the glass, making the drink more enjoyable to consume.
Tea or Coffee Paper Filter – Double filtering with a strainer and paper filter is often necessary to prevent the ingress of fine pulp, seeds, ice debris, etc. into a glass. A strainer and a fine filter are the perfect combination to adequately filter your cocktails and give them a great look.
Bar spoons – these are used to stir cocktails (such as martinis), layering drinks, roast ingredients (such as sugar), and sometimes measure a small amount of liquid (5 ml). Needless to say, the bar spoon is an indispensable tool in both commercial and home bars. When choosing a bar spoon, we recommend choosing a spoon with a spiral handle and a flat round back. This makes stratification of drinks much easier, especially when using a deep glass.
Muddler – this is used to crush fruit and sugar in smoothies that require mixing, such as mojitos. It also works well as an impromptu ice crusher. Just put cube ice in your Boston shaker’s tin can and crush the ice! There are several options when choosing a mudguard. First, you can choose a ceramic or flat bottom. A corrugated bottom is best for crushing fruit as it will draw out the peel oils as well as the juice. A flat bottom is best for stirring sugar. In terms of material, wood is often a good choice.
A fruit and citrus press – this is a simple and inexpensive tool that makes getting fresh juice from citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges, etc.) and other fruits extremely easy. Even if you have a juicer, a press comes in handy when you need to make one or two shakes. And you don’t have to worry about going into the closet and blowing the dust off the juicer.
The bare essentials are the tools and equipment for the bar, which you must invest as quickly as possible. With these tools, you can make a huge variety of delicious cocktails, even if it’s a minimalistic list.
Non-essential “luxury goods” are tools that can be “pleasant to use” that can be replaced by essentials. They are not needed when you start.
Essentials Elements
Knife and cutting board – A good knife will be part of any professional bartending kit. You will constantly use it to slice side dishes, lemons and limes, and any type of fruit and vegetable that is automatically in your shake. There is nothing worse than trying to use a dull, flimsy knife, so invest in a good one. The cutting board should be lightweight and easy to clean. Vertical fiber boards are great for this.
Ice accessories – For aspiring bartenders, ice is the last thing on their minds. Usually it is taken for granted and you never wonder – where does it come from? But ice is one of the most important ingredients in cocktails. It chills booze and dilutes alcohol – essential aspects of an appetizing cocktail.
Non-essential Luxury Items And Tools For The Bartender
If you are looking to take your craft to the next level, there are some “luxury” items you can buy and use. Some of these tools can help you make cocktails faster or better. While others just look cool and highlight your status as a professional.
Japanese glass – this is for mixing drinks. Not only does it look amazing, but it is really useful. The Japanese mixing glass makes shaking and mixing cocktails an absolute pleasure.
Ice tongs – at home or at a cocktail party with friends, you don’t need this tool – you can easily grab an ice cube with your hands and throw it into a glass. However, if it comes to the fact that you are planning to develop professionally as a bartender, then the skill of owning this tool is simply necessary for you.
Citrus knife – If you’re not into advanced mixology, then you won’t need this joke. A regular grater is great for grating foods such as nutmeg, chocolate, or thin lemon zest over a smoothie. However, a special peel knife allows you to create nice and delicate spirals.
Funnel sets – When you get really serious about playing cocktails, you’ll be pre-mixing tinctures, making your own syrups, and making cocktail mixes. The funnel is very useful for quickly filling liquids in and out of bottles.
Shoe shaker – If you have a Boston Shaker, then a Shoe Shaker (also called a 3-Piece Shaker Set) is completely unnecessary. This is the old school mixing iron that we see in the James Bond movies. This is one of those bar tools that is “nice to have” because it looks cool, but you will probably never use it.
Blender – If you don’t have a blender in your kitchen, then of course, you shouldn’t buy one as the main tool for your home bar. But its presence greatly expands your possibilities for creating a cocktail picture.
Skewers – for decorating glasses. Decorating cocktails is a common practice. The cocktail will look much more appetizing if it is beautifully decorated with skewers, umbrellas and other stylish gizmos.
Canned food opener – Why should you have a can opener among your bar tools? Because from time to time you will want to access some of the ingredients that are sold in cans. For example, coconut cream (for Pina Colada) or pineapple juice (canned pineapple juice is usually better than bottled pineapple juice). The can opener will give you a little more freedom when making these kinds of cocktails.
A Few Tips Before Buying Bar Tools
Start your shopping with a sommelier knife, a regular knife, and a cutting board.
Once you’ve closed that niche, make a list of essentials and buy all of the items in order of priority. Do not buy tools from the “luxury” segment until you have fully mastered the basic set of tools.
If you don’t have any equipment at all, it might be worth considering purchasing a cocktail set. A well-chosen set will contain most of the basic items and possibly some “luxury” items.
When investing in these bar tools and equipment, choose quality products from well-known brands. These tools will last a lifetime if you handle them with care. And quality bartending equipment looks cool and stylish, plus you feel more comfortable using it.