Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or plan to buy new glass shots for your party, you’ll want to buy the correct ones that will take the moment to the next level.
Intrigued to know what sets these two essential barware items apart?
We will go through the differences between a shot glass and a jigger, what each is, how many ounces are in each, and everything in between.
What’s the difference? – Shot Glass VS Jigger
A shot glass is a tiny vessel serving glass, typically fit for 1-2 ounces, intended to hold alcohol or spirits before being gulped quickly. Jiggers are small barware accessories that are used by mixologists to measure quantities of liquid as they craft beverages.
Not all tiny barware is created equal, and they’re certainly not all used for the same purpose. Notice your bartender measuring a shot into an almost hourglass shape-shaped vessel? You’re likely witnessing the finesse and precision of a jigger.
On the other hand, you might be throwing one back yourself or ordering a round pouring drinks for friends at the bar. Well, chances are, you’ve got a shot glass in hand.
Let’s be honest. A shot of vodka will hit no differently regardless of what it’s served from, but a true cocktail connoisseur knows the difference between their miniature barware vessels.
A Guide to Shot Glasses
Starting with the barware staple that we all know too well: the shot glass. This tiny vessel is typically fit for 1-2 ounces of alcohol or spirits poured, and intended to be easily thrown back (and refilled).
There are two common types of shot glasses that are most commonly used in restaurants and bars: the standard shot glass, and the shooter, let’s elaborate below.
What is a Shot Glass?
The standard shot glass is most commonly used for “taking shots”. It’s a short glass, measuring anywhere from 1 ounce to 1 ½ ounces. The shot glass is intended for straight alcohol without a mixer. Some bars may use “pony shot glasses,” which are specifically single-ounce glasses.
A shooter, however, is a taller, more slender shot glass style that caters well to layered shots or mixed spirits, like a schnapps or coffee liqueur. The shooter typically holds anywhere between two and three liquid ounces, leaving room for a full double shot and a little something mixed in to take the edge of (or not.)
How Many Ounces in a Shot Glass?
In the United States, a standard shot glass is 1.5 ounces. This amount may vary depending on the country or where the shot glass was made, but typically it is 1.5 ounces.
The shot glass size can also affect how much liquor it can hold. Some shot glasses are 2 ounces, while others are 3 ounces. It all depends on the size of the glass and the proper amount of liquor that it can hold.
Shop The Best Shot Glasses
The Original mini copper shot “glass” is an eye-catcher to keep at your home bar or to serve drinks in at your own bar or restaurant. The iconic barrel-shaped copper mug aesthetic is scaled down to a two ounce shot size, and the welded brass handle is the perfect added detail that just might take your mind off whatever spirit you’re tossing back.
The Roosevelt mini copper shot glass, similar to “The Original,” is a must have at the bar. Its smooth finish and modern appeal is versatile, perfect for shots of vodka, espresso and more. The mini copper mugs may also lend themselves well as serveware; fit for bite-sized snacks mixing drinks and appetizers. The Roosevelt mini shot is complete with a welded copper handle.
What is a Jigger?
A basic bar jigger is an essential bar tool acting as a measuring cup for cocktails. It is dual-sided and helps bartenders measure out precise amounts of liquor to ensure that mixed drinks are not overpoured.
Typically, jiggers are hourglass-like in shape, with two sides for different measurements. On the larger side, you’ll find what’s referred to as a “jigger shot,” which is a 1.5 oz. vessel. On the other side, a 1 oz. vessel measures a “pony shot.”
On the other hand, Japanese-style jiggers are a two-sided measuring tool used for making cocktails. A Japanese jigger has two sides, one side with a 1oz (30ml) measurement and the other with a 2oz (60ml) measurement.
The inside of the Japanese jiggers, unlike standard jigger, also features markings for ½oz (15ml), ¾oz (22ml), and 1 ½oz (45ml). This type of jigger is made from 18/8 stainless steel and has a brushed finish. It is designed to be accurate and easy to pour from, making it popular among professional bartenders.
How Many Ounces in a Jigger?
A jigger shot typically measures 1.5 ounces on one side and 1 ounce on the other, with the larger side often referred to as a “jigger shot”. This standard measurement allows for precise measurements when making cocktails, ensuring that each drink tastes just right.
The Jigger
Jiggers are small barware accessories that are used by mixologists to measure quantities of liquid as they craft beverages. This small tool often may be overlooked, as shot glasses themselves are similarly functional and likely more abundant.
The difference may not seem worth the hassle. After all, many bartenders and baristas free-pour their liquids and simply “eyeball it.” However, adding a jigger to your home bar set signifies that you’re no amateur.
Shop The Best Jiggers
The hammered copper jigger ensures the perfect pour when measuring spirits for Moscow Mules and other cocktails. Its hand-hammered finish perfectly compliments our several other styles of hammered copper mugs. While the traditional double-barreled jigger measures both single and 1.5 liquid ounces, our custom copper jigger measures a single and double ounce shot; one on each side of the vessel.
Complete your barware aesthetic with the hammered copper jigger, or opt for the smooth copper jigger depending on your style. Nearly all of our copper mug designs come in both hammered and smooth finishes, allowing you to curate your barware in accordance with your style. Both vessels are identical in product specifications beyond their own distinct finishes.
Shot glasses and jiggers both offer similar purposes – simply put, they’re measuring devices. While jiggers offer a stylistically elite barware accessory fit for precise liquid measurement, there are few “cheers” that take place without a traditional shot glass.
So, congratulations. You’ve read to the point where we confirm you need both.
Is there any more that needs to be said?
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