Jigger vs. Shot: Differences Between a Jigger and a Shot Glass

A jigger, also known as a double jigger, is a bar tool for measuring and pouring alcohol. You can find jiggers at home bars and in the kits of professional mixologists. Standard jiggers feature two conjoining cups, one larger and one smaller, connecting on the closed ends and having different measurements. The larger cup, known as the jigger shot, has a volume of one and a half ounces, and the smaller cup, known as a pony shot, holds one ounce.

There are different types of jiggers with varying shapes that can hold as much as two ounces of liquid. For example, bell jiggers have an hourglass shape, and Japanese-style jiggers have a narrow, slender shape to facilitate easier pouring.

Typically, the term “shot” refers to a small serving of alcohol in a shot glass. Like a jigger measuring device, the standard size of a shot glass is one and a half ounces. However, shot glasses can hold up to three fluid ounces of spirits, an amount known as a double shot. In reference to cocktails, the term “shot,” specifically “jigger shot,” specifies the exact amount of alcohol for cocktail recipes and mixed drink recipes.

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. Different types of shot glasses can hold varying amounts of alcohol—up to three ounces of liquid—and some jiggers can contain up to two ounces of alcohol.
• Material: Jiggers, like shakers and other barware, are often made of stainless steel. This makes them rust-resistant and durable under the wear and tear of nightly cocktail preparation. Shot glasses, on the other hand, are often made of glass. They are more fragile but benefit from being transparent, allowing drinkers to see the color of the liquor.

Learn more about mixology from award-winning bartenders Lynnette Marrero and Ryan Chetiyawardana. Refine your palate, explore the world of spirits, and shake up the perfect cocktail for your next gathering with the MasterClass Annual Membership.