One of the most commonly used bar tools, a jigger is an hourglass-shaped measuring device, usually stainless steel, with uneven cones at each end for portioning out spirits. Though some mixologists are tempted to pour spirits freehand, guesswork can easily throw off the balance of a cocktail, which is why jiggers are prized for their accuracy. A standard-sized jigger contains 1.5 ounces on the jigger side, as much as a shot glass. The other, smaller end holds one ounce of liquor, or a pony shot. Beloved by bartenders and even more so by bar owners monitoring alcohol sales, jiggers are an easy way to use exact measurements when making cocktails.

Like many great pieces of cocktail history, the term jigger was gifted to us by the Royal British Navy. 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. The hourglass design that jiggers are still modeled on today was patented in 1893 by Cornelius Dungan, an inventor from Chicago.

There are several types of jiggers, and they mainly vary by the system of measurement. Jiggers sold to the American market adhere to the US system of measurement and come in singles or doubles of 1 ½ ounces on the large end, like a standard shot. UK jiggers, which are used in much of the rest of the world, adhere to metric measurements, with a single containing 25ml and a double holding 50ml. A third type is the Japanese-style jigger, a refined, streamlined model crafted with deeper cups on each end. In addition to having an appealing aesthetic, Japanese jiggers are marked with both systems of measurement for ease of use.

The form of the jigger is undeniably functional and it is designed for heavy use. While it’s hard to improve on the traditional model, which does the job just fine, there are plenty of innovations on the market. Bell-shaped jiggers often feature a rubber grip to aid in pouring, while others keep the classic shape but add a handle. Enterprising barware makers have crafted a variety of styles that range from fun novelty pieces–like a tiny gold jigger shaped like a championship drinking trophy–to sleek, high-end designs made from materials like silver and hammered copper. We don’t need anything that fancy, but we’d be happy to give it.