Bar Drink Measurements

About Bar Drink Measurements

Cocktails are typically prepared one or perhaps two drinks at a time.  Bar measurements mostly equate to small increments and don't include our usual cooking measurements like teaspoons, tablespoons and cups. Our chart of bar drink measurements displays (drops, jiggers, teaspoons, pints, fifths, quarts) and their equivalents in ounces.

Measuring In Parts

Many drink recipes refer to quantities in "parts". This simply means to use equal measures (parts) of each ingredient. As an example, lets say our "part" is ounces.  In this case if the recipe calls for 1 part Tequila, that would be 1 ounce.  If it calls for 2 parts lime juice, that would be 2 ounces of lime juice.  Your "part" may also be a "jigger" for example.  See this recipe: Chipotle Pineapple Rickey here is what the ingredient list would look like in ounces:

• 1 1/2 jiggers (ri)1 Whiskey
• 1/2 jigger freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 jiggers fresh extracted pineapple juice (substitute Dole pineapple juice)
• 3/4 jigger simple syrup
• 1/2 tsp chipotle tincture or Tabasco® chipotle sauce
• 1 jigger club soda

The Most Indispensable Bar Tools

Setting up your home bar does not require a lot of specialized equipment but there are a few must-have tools.

• The cocktail shaker.  This is typically a 3-piece affair made out of stainless steel. The body of the shaker holds the ingredients and the top acts as a cover to seal the container as well as a strainer.  The third part is a little cap that seals off the strainer while shaking.
• The bar strainer is a handy little gadget with a wire coil that fits directly over the edge of a cocktail shaker or mixing glass.  The coil strains out excess ice or bits of ingredients you don't want in the final drink.
• The long handled bar spoon, usually also stainless steel used to stir ingredients placed in a mixing glass.
• A double ended bar measure; one end holds 1 ounce (pony) and the other holds 1 1/2 to 2 ounces and that's your (jigger).
• A mixing glass can be a simple as a tall, wide mount 16 oz glass OR if you want one like the pros use, buy a mixing glass imprinted with measurements along the side.
• Finally, get a good, simple drink blender.  The blender should be able to crush ice, and blend frozen drinks. Personally, I own a Blendtec Blender I purchased at Costco several years ago. This is a terrific product for making everything from smoothies to soups, dressings and more.  It's the best ice crusher I've ever used.

Where To Buy Bar Tools

There are countless other gadgets, lemon juicers, zesters, graters and so on.  The best place to find all these fun tools is a large Liquor store.  If you happen to  have a Bevmo in your area, they are a great source.  If not, you can also purchase online.

Our Favorite Bar Tools