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Why is it called a jigger?

Author

Daniel Moore

Published Jan 21, 2026

Derived from the name of the smallest mast on a ship, the jiggermast, a jigger was used to refer to a sailor's daily ration of rum and the metal cup it was served in. The term gained popularity in the US in the 19th century when jiggers of whiskey were given to the Irish immigrants constructing canals in New York.

What is the difference between a shot and a jigger?

Although jiggers and shot glasses are often the same size in terms of volume of alcohol, there are a few key differences between the two: Usage: A jigger is a measuring tool, and a shot glass typically refers to small glassware for serving alcohol. Volume: The standard shot and jigger volume is one and a half ounces.

Who created the jigger?

We do know this: In the early 19th century, the jigger came to be known as a portion of hooch approximately two-and-a-half ounces. But the double-ended version we see today, which consists of two unequally sized conical vessels, was patented in Chicago in 1893 by inventor Cornelius Dungan.

Why is it called a Japanese jigger?

In 1884, Edward Huack of Brooklyn patented the three-piece cobbler shaker; half a decade later, Cornelius Dungan of Chicago filed a patent for a double-sided conical jigger—a design often referred to today as “Japanese-style.”

Is a jigger two shots?

And, finally, a “jigger” equals 1 1/2 fluid ounces. But the term “jigger” is also used to refer to the double-barreled measuring vessel itself, which, like a shot glass, can vary in size.

34 related questions found

Why are bar spoons so long?

A bar spoon will typically be 12 inches long though some varieties are even longer. Their length ensures they can reach the bottom of any vessel so they can properly combine all the ingredients inside.

What does bruising mean in bartending?

So what is “bruising” (the gin, or vodka or rum…)? Bruising simply refers to diluting the liquor with the melted ice (water) thus making the drink weaker. Those who prefer their cocktails shaken like this because it makes for a more smooth drink. Diluted alcohol means less burn in the throat.

What does neat mean when ordering a drink?

A whiskey served “neat” just means it's served straight up, with nothing else in the glass. A neat pour lets you appreciate the true flavor of the whiskey—for better, or for worse. If you're sipping something lackluster, you'll find yourself quickly reaching for the ice and/or your favorite cocktail book.

What does neat mean bar?

Neat is the least confusing of cocktail terms. This means that a spirit is directly poured into a glass (preferably a NEAT Glass). It's similar to a shot, but the glass makes a huge difference in the sipping experience.

What is a cocktail jigger for?

A cocktail jigger is a shot or cocktail measuring cup for bartenders, ranging in sizes of 0.5-2.5 oz. For ease of use, many jiggers have fill lines on the inside or outside with oft-used cocktail or shot glass measurements. The word jigger can also be used as a unit of measurement in cocktail recipes.

Why is a Boston Shaker called a Boston Shaker?

Before this, cocktails were mixed by “rolling” the mixture between two cups. The theory is that one day someone put these two vessels, which would've been different sizes, together and shook the contents, probably for dramatic effect.

What do you call a cocktail shaker?

While you sometimes hear people call it a martini shaker, the piece of equipment most commonly used for making mixed drinks is actually called a cocktail shaker. If you plan to make alcoholic beverages, it's important to understand how to use the cocktail shaker effectively.

Which side of jigger is an ounce?

The Jigger

One side measures 1.5 ounces and is known as the “jigger shot.” The other side measures 1 ounce, known as the “pony shot,” given its smaller capacity.

Why are shot glasses called that?

A shot glass is a glass originally designed to hold or measure spirits or liquor, which is either imbibed straight from the glass ("a shot") or poured into a cocktail ("a drink").

Why do they call it a shot of whiskey?

The post reads: “In the old west a . 45 cartridge for a six-gun cost 12 cents, so did a glass of whiskey. If a cowhand was low on cash he would often give the bartender a cartridge in exchange for a drink. This became known as a “shot” of whiskey.”

How did the shot glass get its name?

In early America when we still hunted our meals regularly, a small glass would be left on dinner tables at each table setting in which guests could place the lead shot or buckshot that may still be in their meals, eventually leading to the coining of the term "shot glass."

What is whiskey with water called?

Yield: 1 drink. It does not get much easier than this mixed drink. Really, the name says it all: it's bourbon and water. It's also often called "bourbon and branch," referring to either the stream of water that flows into your bar glass or the branch of a river near a distillery.

What does whisky on the rocks mean?

“On the rocks” means serving an alcoholic beverage in a cocktail glass with ice. Adding ice to a drink affects a drink primarily by keeping it cold and slightly diluting it over time.

What is Stoli on the rocks?

WHAT IS A STOLI DOLI? This drink is basically Stolichnaya vodka that is poured over sliced, fresh Dole pineapple – hence the Stoli Doli name. Our server said to place the pineapple in a jug, pour a bottle of vodka over it to cover the pineapple, and then let it sit for about 12 days.

Why do bars charge for rocks?

"It's a charge for on-the-rocks. When you order a drink on the rocks, we give you more booze. So there's a charge for that." I contacted other bartenders in town, who said it's pretty standard practice.

What does dirty mean in a drink?

The term 'dirty' means that olive brine, usually from a jar of cocktail olives, has been added to the drink. An olive garnish is typically assumed, too. Most bars add equal parts vermouth and brine, though you can specify 'extra dirty' or 'filthy' if you prefer more brine.

What does a martini straight up mean?

Asking for a drink served “up” or “straight up” simply means that you want the drink shaken or stirred over ice, and then strained and served sans ice in a cocktail glass. Classic cocktails that are almost always served up include the Martini and the Daiquiri.

What does 86 mean in bartending?

86 is a commonly used term in restaurants that indicates an item is out of stock or no longer available to be served to guests.

What is whiskey dirty?

Bailey's Irish Cream in one part. Jameson irish whiskey is one part. Pour the mix into a mixing cup filled with ice. Shake well.

Why do you Stir gin and not shake it?

So when you agitate gin — say by shaking it for a martini — you're causing the top notes to dissipate. Those bits of pine and botanicals that you look forward to start breaking down and become dull. The end result: A cocktail that's nowhere near as crisp as it should be. “This is what we call bruising,” Stewart said.