what measuring cup is a shot

An intro to jiggers, measuring cups, and why theyre essential to crafting better cocktails. Trending Videos

Lets take a look at measurers: the jiggers, cups, and other tools you use to measure out ingredients for a cocktail.

Most shot glasses hold around 1.25 oz. to 1.5 oz., but there is no official standard size for a shot. Some shot glasses can be less than an ounce and others can be over 3 ounces, with the most common size being 1.5 oz.

Measuring Cups

Really, though, its rare that a home bartender needs to worry about speed. A professional bartender in a high-capacity bar needs to work lightning fast, obviously, but for the home schlub mixing a pre-dinner daiquiri, its just not necessary.

At home, I almost never use a jigger, unless I just want to practice my jiggering. First of all, not all jiggers are equal: Some that might appear to measure a true jigger actually measure 1 1/4 ounces instead of 1 1/2. (The model with the handle, in the picture at the top, is one such miscreant.) If I want accuracy in my measuring (and I do), I dont want to have to second-guess the capacity of my tools. My measurer of choice is the OXO mini angled measuring cup.

I love this darned thing and I use it daily. I even preferred it during my stint as a pro bartender. I only have one problem with it: Theres no mark for 3/4 ounces. I usually eyeball it, or if I need more precision, I measure 1/2 and then 1/4 ounces.

I should note, too, that some bartenders dont like measuring amounts as small as 1/4 ounce in these cups. To explain why, I need to mention something called a meniscus. Its the curve in the upper surface of a liquid thats in a container. The reason some people see this as a problem is that the curve can make it difficult to accurately read how close you are to the 1/4-oz. mark.

I have to say Im not convinced its always a problem. At most were looking at a couple of drops of liquids difference between an accurate measure and an inaccurate measure. If youre measuring a strongly flavored ingredient, such as absinthe or Fernet Branca, a couple of extra drops could affect a cocktail. But for milder tasting ingredients such as lemon juice or simple syrup, its not going to make a huge difference.

Jiggers

Jiggers are the basic hourglass-shaped stainless-steel measuring device youve seen in many a bar. These are cheap and easy to find in most housewares stores, or online. Typically, the larger cup measures out exactly one jigger, or 1 1/2 ounces. The smaller cup is normally one half jigger, or 3/4 ounces. Be careful—a number of other sizes exist, and you should know what units youre working in.

Many professional bartenders have built up strong proficiency with using these in settings where speed is of an essence. The way to use a jigger most efficiently is to hold it between thumb and forefinger, or between your first and second fingers, like so.

Hold the jigger steady, and fill it brim-full with your liquid of choice; and then its easy to quickly tip the contents into a shaker or mixing glass.

Another type of jigger is similar to the hourglass model, but its mounted on a rod, like the one pictured at top. These are a bit harder to find (but of course, available online.)

6 Creative Ways to Measure a Shot Without a Shot Glass

FAQ

What size cup is a shot?

What measure is a shot?

Is a shot glass 2 tablespoons?

How much is one shot measuring cup?

How do you measure a shot in a measuring cup?

Measuring cups have various units of measurement printed on them to accurately measure ml or grams. To measure a shot, you need to know how much liquid you need. For one shot, you need 1.5 ounces or 44.36 ml (about 45 ml). The numbers on the measuring cups are usually in increments of 5 or 10.

How accurate is a shot measuring cup?

You’re looking to pour 1.5 ounces or 44 milliliters for a shot, so if your measuring cup has both measurements printed on it, you can get down to the nitty gritty as far as accuracy. Other than an actual shot glass, this is probably the most accurate way to measure other than maybe a Jigger. 3. Tablespoon

What is a jigger measuring cup?

A jigger is just a metal measuring cup that normally has two sizes in one cup. The top and bottom are usually a 1.5 ounce shot measure and the other is a half shot measure. Other than a shot glass this would be also perfect as it is made for the bar and meant to be used to measure out drink ingredients just like a shot glass. 2. Measuring Cup

How do you measure a shot with a teaspoon?

Just pour in your favorite whiskey or rum on the spoon and transfer it to the glass. If by any means a tablespoon is not available, its smaller version aka the teaspoon can also be used to measure a shot. The conversion shows that a teaspoon can hold a third of what a tablespoon can.