Guest Author - Melinda Thompson

Cocktail measurements are very important to understand when making mixed drinks. The majority of cocktails are only 3 - 4 ounces and the even the smallest change in a measurement can alter the entire drink. Understanding bar measurements and general measurement terminology can help you to make the perfect cocktail.

General Bar Measurements

• 1 dash = 4 to 5 drops (I often use ½ teaspoon to measure a dash or splash)
• 1 teaspoon = 1/8 ounce
• 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon
• 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons
• 1 pony = 1 ounce
• 1 jigger = 1 1/2 ounce
• 1 cup = 8 ounce
• 1/2 fresh lime = 1/2 ounce
• 1/2 fresh lemon = 1/2 to 3/4 ounce
• 1 wine glass = 4 ounces
• 1 cup = 8 ounces
• 1 shot glass = 1 ½ ounces

The majority of the best bartenders use jiggers to measure their ingredients. Professional bartenders know how important it is to make cocktails with accurate measurements. The smallest change to an ingredient in a cocktail can alter the taste.

A jigger is an essential bartending tool that allows bar enthusiasts and professionals to correctly measure the liquid ingredients in a cocktail. The traditional jigger is double sided with a larger measuring cup on one side and a smaller measuring cup on the other side. The larger measuring side is usually 1 ½ ounces and the smaller measuring side is usually 1 ounce. The 1 ½ measuring side is called a jigger and the 1 ounce is called a pony. Jiggers may vary in size. I recommend purchasing the jigger with these measurements.

I have a few recommendations for bar measurement tools that are essential to making cocktails. I prefer the Multi Level Jigger for measuring my cocktails because this fun tool allows for many measurements in one jigger. This jigger measures in ounces and millileters and measures 0.5oz, 1.0oz, 1.5oz, 2.0oz and 2.5ounces.

I also believe that every bar enthusiasts should keep a set of Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons handy. Cocktail measurements are crucial to balancing drinks properly. It is safer to accurately measure the teaspoons and ½ tablespoon then it is to take a guess.