A margarita is a short list of ingredients in a tight balance: tequila, lime, orange liqueur and maybe a little agave syrup. Pour a quarter ounce too much lime and it turns sharp; pour too much tequila and it is a stronger drink than you meant to serve. A jigger is the small, cheap tool that keeps that balance the same from the first round to the last, and it is how a bar makes a paloma taste the same on a Tuesday as it did on Saturday.
Jiggers come in more shapes than you would expect: slim Japanese-style doubles, wide bell jiggers, stepped cups with a handle, angled cups you read from above and even glass. This guide explains what each style does well, names eight worth buying and shows which one suits the way you mix at home.
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Quick verdict: which jigger to buy
For most home bars, the best jigger is the A Bar Above Japanese Style Jigger: it is double-sided, made of 304 stainless steel, engraved inside every quarter ounce up to 2 ounces and dishwasher safe, according to the listing. If you find small lines hard to read, the OXO Steel Angled Jigger lets you read the measure from above. For a wide, steady jigger that is quick to fill, choose the A Bar Above Bell Jigger, and for a classic stepped cup with a handle, the Viski Gunmetal Stepped Jigger.
Here are five standouts side by side, then all eight jiggers reviewed in full.
Five jiggers side by side
One pick for each kind of home bartender, with the style and measures each maker or listing states. All eight jiggers are reviewed in full below.
| Jigger | Best for | Style | Measures (per listing) | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
A Bar Above Japanese Style JiggerBest overall
|
Most home bars | Japanese-style double | Up to 2 oz, marked every ¼ oz | View on Amazon |
OXO Steel Angled JiggerEasiest to read
|
Reading the measure from above | Single cup, angled markings | 2 oz capacity | View on Amazon |
A Bar Above Bell JiggerBest bell jigger
|
Fast, steady pours | Bell double | 1 oz and 2 oz, 10 markings | View on Amazon |
Viski Gunmetal Stepped Jigger with HandleBest step jigger
|
Several measures in one cup | Stepped cup with handle | ½, 1, 1½ and 2 oz | View on Amazon |
OXO Steel Double JiggerBest grip
|
Wet hands, beginners | Double with soft grip | 1 oz and 1½ oz sides | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Measures and materials are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best jigger
These eight jiggers cover every common style: two Japanese-style doubles, two wider bell-type doubles, a stepped cup, an angled cup, a double with a rubber grip and a glass jigger. Each pick lists the measures marked inside, the material and finish, and whether the maker says it can go in the dishwasher, with one honest reason to skip it.
1. A Bar Above Japanese Style Jigger – Every Quarter Ounce Marked
The Japanese-style jigger is the slim, tall double cone you see in most cocktail bars now. A taller, narrower cup makes small differences in volume easier to see than a wide, shallow one, and the slim waist sits comfortably between two fingers. A Bar Above’s version is made of food-grade 304 stainless steel with reinforced welds and a mirrored finish, according to the listing.
What makes it our first pick is the markings. The listing says the inside is engraved every quarter ounce, from a bar-spoon measure up to 2 ounces, which covers almost every line in a margarita, paloma or Ranch Water recipe without a second tool. A rolled lip guides the liquid into the glass, and the listing says the jigger is dishwasher safe, which matters when you are washing up after a party.
The one thing to get used to with any Japanese jigger is the narrow mouth: pour steadily from the bottle and fill it over the shaker tin, not over the counter.
Why we like it
- Engraved markings every ¼ oz up to 2 oz, per the listing
- 304 stainless steel with reinforced welds
- Rolled lip for a cleaner pour
- Dishwasher safe, according to A Bar Above
Key specifications
| Jigger | A Bar Above Japanese Style Jigger, model 1123 |
|---|---|
| Style | Japanese-style double |
| Measures | Double-sided, up to 2 oz |
| Inside markings | Every ¼ oz (10 measurements, per title) |
| Material/finish | 304 stainless steel, mirrored finish |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes (listing) |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who wants one jigger that handles every common cocktail measure and can go in the dishwasher afterward.
Skip it if you struggle to read fine engraved lines in low light; an angled jigger you read from above is easier.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fine, complete set of markings
- Dishwasher safe
- Rolled lip limits drips
Cons
- Narrow mouth is slower to fill
- Engraved lines can be hard to see on a mirrored finish
2. OXO Steel Angled Jigger – Read the Measure from Above
OXO’s angled jigger borrows the idea from its angled measuring cups: the markings are on a sloped surface inside the cup, so you can read them by looking straight down instead of crouching to eye level. OXO says this removes the need to fill, check and adjust. It holds up to 2 ounces and is made of stainless steel, according to the listing.
That top-down view is genuinely useful when you are mixing a pitcher of margaritas and measuring several ingredients in a row. It is a single cup rather than a double, so every measure comes from the same side. America’s Test Kitchen names this OXO SteeL jigger a co-winner of its jigger review, alongside OXO’s plastic mini angled cup, and says it is nearly identical to the plastic version and just as easy to use; it notes the steel one has ounce and tablespoon markings only. The listing does not say whether it is dishwasher safe, and the listing title includes the word “Bulk,” which refers to the packaging; it is sold as one jigger.
Why we like it
- Patented angled surface read from above, per OXO
- 2 oz capacity in a single cup
- Stainless steel construction
- OXO satisfaction guarantee, per the listing
Key specifications
| Jigger | OXO Steel Angled Jigger, model 1233080 |
|---|---|
| Style | Single cup with angled interior |
| Measures | Up to 2 oz |
| Inside markings | Ounces and tablespoons, on an angled surface (per America’s Test Kitchen) |
| Material/finish | Stainless steel |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits beginners and anyone who finds traditional jigger lines hard to read, and it is the quickest way to measure accurately without bending down.
Skip it if you want the quick flip of a two-sided jigger; this is one cup.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Readable from above
- A co-winner in America’s Test Kitchen’s review
- Satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Single-sided
- No milliliter markings
- Dishwasher use not stated
3. A Bar Above Bell Jigger – Wide, Stable and Quick to Fill
A bell jigger has rounded, wider cups than a Japanese jigger. The wider mouth is easier to hit when you pour quickly, and the broader base lets it stand up on the counter between drinks. A Bar Above says its bell jigger has a wide mouth and a steady base, stays upright between rounds and has a straight-edge lip to keep drips in the glass.
The markings are the most complete in this guide. According to the listing, the small side holds 1 ounce with lines at ⅛, ¼, ½, ¾ and 1 ounce, and the large side holds 2 ounces with lines at 1, 1¼, 1½, 1¾ and 2 ounces. That ⅛-ounce line is handy for a dash of agave syrup or a splash of mezcal floated on top. It is made of 304 stainless steel with a polished finish. The listing does not say whether it can go in the dishwasher.
Why we like it
- Ten engraved measurements, from ⅛ oz to 2 oz
- Wide mouth and steady base
- Straight-edge lip, per the listing
- 304 stainless steel
Key specifications
| Jigger | A Bar Above Bell Jigger, stainless finish |
|---|---|
| Style | Bell double |
| Measures | 1 oz and 2 oz |
| Inside markings | ⅛, ¼, ½, ¾, 1 oz; 1¼, 1½, 1¾, 2 oz |
| Material/finish | 304 stainless steel, polished |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who mixes several rounds in a row and wants a jigger that is fast to fill and stands up on its own.
Skip it if drawer space is tight; a bell jigger is bulkier than a slim Japanese one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Most markings of any pick
- Easy to pour into
- Stands steady
Cons
- Bulkier shape
- Dishwasher use not stated
4. Cocktail Kingdom Leopold Jigger – A Vintage Design, Copper-Plated
The Leopold is Cocktail Kingdom’s own design, inspired by vintage jiggers of the 1920s and 1930s, according to the listing. It measures 1 ounce on one side and 2 ounces on the other, with ¼, ½, ¾ and 1½ ounce lines on the inside; the listing gives the metric equivalents too.
The version on this listing is copper-plated and hand wash only, so it is a jigger you rinse and dry by hand rather than drop in the dishwasher. If you would rather have plain steel, Cocktail Kingdom also sells a metric Leopold in 18/8 stainless steel that it says is dishwasher safe; it measures 30 and 60 milliliters with 10, 15, 20 and 40 milliliter lines, which suits recipes written in metric. Check which finish you are ordering, because the Leopold comes in several.
Why we like it
- 1 oz and 2 oz with the four most-used inside lines
- Designed by Cocktail Kingdom, per the listing
- Metric markings given alongside ounces
Key specifications
| Jigger | Cocktail Kingdom Leopold 1 oz/2 oz, part JIG-LEO-0102C |
|---|---|
| Style | Vintage-inspired double |
| Measures | 1 oz (30 ml) and 2 oz (60 ml) |
| Inside markings | ¼, ½, ¾ and 1½ oz |
| Material/finish | Copper-plated |
| Dishwasher-safe | No, hand wash only |
Why we recommend it
It suits a home bar where looks matter as much as the measure and the four classic lines are all you need.
Skip it if everything in your kitchen goes in the dishwasher; this copper-plated version is hand wash only.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Classic proportions and the key markings
- Ounce and metric figures on the listing
- Stainless metric version available
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Fewer lines than the A Bar Above jiggers
5. Barfly Japanese Style Jigger – Marked Outside and In
Barfly’s Japanese-style jigger is a plain, practical one. It holds 1 ounce on one side and 2 ounces on the other, with internal lines at ¼, ½, ¾ and 1½ ounces, according to the listing. It also has external markings, so you can tell at a glance which end is the 1-ounce side without turning it over, a small help when you are moving quickly.
It has a stainless steel core and a satin-finished interior that Barfly says helps hide wear. The elongated shape is meant for smooth pouring. On care, Barfly recommends hand washing with mild soap and warm water but says all of its stainless steel products are dishwasher safe; avoid detergents with bleach or heavy chlorine.
Why we like it
- External markings identify each side
- Inside lines at ¼, ½, ¾ and 1½ oz
- Satin interior hides wear, per Barfly
- Dishwasher safe, though hand washing is recommended
Key specifications
| Jigger | Barfly Japanese Style Jigger, model M37005 |
|---|---|
| Style | Japanese-style double |
| Measures | 1 oz and 2 oz |
| Inside markings | ¼, ½, ¾ and 1½ oz |
| Material/finish | Stainless steel, satin interior |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes; hand washing recommended |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who wants a no-fuss Japanese jigger and likes being able to tell the sides apart instantly.
Skip it if you need eighth-ounce or 1¼-ounce lines; the bell jigger above has more.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Sides marked on the outside
- Satin interior
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Fewer inside lines
- Avoid bleach-based detergents
6. Viski Gunmetal Stepped Jigger with Handle – Four Measures, One Cup
A step jigger is a single cup built in stacked tiers, each step marking a measure, with a handle so you hold it like a tiny saucepan. Viski says its version is based on the stepped jigger that Napier popularized in the 1930s. It has external markings at ½, 1, 1½ and 2 ounces, according to the listing, so you fill to the step you need.
The handle keeps your fingers out of the drink and makes pouring from the cup steady, and the steps are easy to see because they are part of the shape rather than fine engraved lines. It is stainless steel with a gunmetal black finish. The listing does not mention dishwasher use; with a dark finish, hand washing is the safer habit until you confirm with Viski.
Why we like it
- Four measures in one cup: ½, 1, 1½ and 2 oz
- Handle for a steady pour
- Stepped shape is easy to see, per Viski
Key specifications
| Jigger | Viski Gunmetal Stepped Jigger, model 12400 |
|---|---|
| Style | Stepped cup with handle |
| Measures | Up to 2 oz |
| Inside markings | Steps at ½, 1, 1½, 2 oz (external markings) |
| Material/finish | Stainless steel, gunmetal black |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who wants several measures without flipping a jigger, and who likes a vintage-style tool on the bar cart.
Skip it if your recipes call for ¼ or ¾ ounce often; it has no steps for those.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Four measures, no flipping
- Handle keeps fingers dry
- Distinctive design
Cons
- No ¼ or ¾ oz step
- Dishwasher use not stated
7. OXO Steel Double Jigger – A Soft Grip for Wet Hands
OXO’s double jigger is the familiar two-sided shape with one practical change: a soft, non-slip grip around the middle. With lime juice on your fingers, a bare steel jigger can slip; the grip makes it easier to hold and flip. America’s Test Kitchen recommends it as a good conventional option with wide openings, though it notes that, as with any double-ended jigger, it drips when you use one end after the other.
The sizes are slightly different from most doubles. According to the listing, one side measures up to 1½ ounces, with lines at ⅓ and ¾ ounce, and the other side measures up to 1 ounce, with lines at ¼ and ½ ounce. The 1½-ounce side is a useful size to have: the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism counts 1.5 fluid ounces of 40 percent spirits as one standard drink in the United States. The listing describes it as corrosion-resistant steel and does not say whether it is dishwasher safe.
Why we like it
- Soft, non-slip grip
- 1½ oz and 1 oz sides with inside lines
- OXO satisfaction guarantee, per the listing
Key specifications
| Jigger | OXO Steel Double Jigger, model 3105000 |
|---|---|
| Style | Double with soft grip |
| Measures | 1 oz and 1½ oz |
| Inside markings | ⅓, ¾, 1½ oz; ¼, ½, 1 oz |
| Material/finish | Corrosion-resistant steel, non-slip grip |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits beginners and anyone who wants a jigger that will not slip, with a 1½-ounce side that matches a standard pour of spirits.
Skip it if your recipes call for a full 2 ounces; neither side holds that much.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Secure grip
- Useful 1½ oz side
- Recommended by America’s Test Kitchen
Cons
- No 2 oz measure
- Can drip when you switch ends, per America’s Test Kitchen
8. Viski Glass Makoto Jigger – See the Pour Through the Glass
A glass jigger solves the readability problem a different way: you can see the liquid level from the side as you pour. Viski’s Makoto is a double jigger hand-blown from borosilicate glass, according to the listing, with 1-ounce and 2-ounce sides and extra markings at ¼ and ½ ounce.
It looks good on an open shelf, and it arrives in a hanging gift box, which makes it an easy present for someone who already owns the basic tools. The trade-off is that it is glass: it can chip or break if it is knocked into a steel shaker tin or dropped in the sink, so it is better for a calm home bar than a crowded party. The listing does not give care instructions.
Why we like it
- Clear glass shows the liquid level
- Hand-blown borosilicate glass, per Viski
- 1 oz and 2 oz with ¼ and ½ oz markings
Key specifications
| Jigger | Viski Glass Makoto Jigger, model 12604 |
|---|---|
| Style | Double, glass |
| Measures | 1 oz and 2 oz |
| Inside markings | ¼ and ½ oz |
| Material/finish | Hand-blown borosilicate glass, clear |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a home bartender who wants to see exactly how much is in the jigger, or a gift for someone with a well-stocked bar cart.
Skip it if your bar gets busy and crowded; steel is the safer material around shaker tins and ice.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Liquid level visible from the side
- Gift-boxed
- Distinctive look
Cons
- Can chip or break
- No ¾ oz line listed
- No care instructions on the listing
Japanese, bell, stepped or angled: which jigger style is best?
Japanese-style jiggers are tall and slim. The narrow cups make small differences in volume easier to see, and they are comfortable to hold between two fingers. They are slower to fill, because the mouth is small.
Bell jiggers have wider, rounder cups and a broader base. They are quick to pour into and stand up on their own, which is why many busy bars like them. They take more room in a drawer.
Step jiggers are a single cup with tiers and a handle. You read the measure from the shape, and you never have to flip anything. They usually offer fewer measures than a well-marked double.
Angled jiggers, like OXO’s, put the markings on a slope you read from above. They are the easiest for beginners and anyone with tired eyes.
The classic straight-sided double jigger, like OXO’s gripped model, is still perfectly good. There is no single best type of jigger; there is the one whose markings match your recipes and that you can read in your own kitchen light.
How to choose a jigger for margaritas and palomas
Check the inside markings against your recipes. Most margarita and paloma recipes are written in ounces and fractions of an ounce: 2, 1½, 1, ¾, ½ and sometimes ¼. A jigger with lines for all of those means one tool instead of two. If you use metric recipes, look for milliliter markings or a metric model such as the stainless Leopold.
Make sure you can read it. Engraved lines on a polished jigger can disappear under kitchen lights. Satin interiors, external markings, stepped shapes, angled surfaces and clear glass all solve that in different ways.
Choose a size that fits your hand and your tins. Bell jiggers are wide and steady; Japanese jiggers are slim and nimble. If your hands are often wet with lime juice, a grip like OXO’s helps.
Think about cleaning. Plain stainless steel from Barfly and A Bar Above is dishwasher safe by the makers’ own account. Plated or dark finishes, like the copper-plated Leopold, are often hand wash only, so check before you buy.
Measure to pour responsibly, too. A jigger is not only about flavor. It is how you know what is in the glass. The NIAAA’s standard drink guide counts 1.5 ounces of 40 percent spirits as one drink, so a cocktail with 2 ounces of tequila plus orange liqueur contains more than one. Measure, serve water alongside and plan how everyone gets home.
The jigger is one part of a home margarita setup. For the rest, see our guides to the best cocktail shaker, citrus juicers for fresh lime and margarita glasses.
How we chose these eight jiggers
We started from what a working bar asks of a jigger: clear markings for the measures that recipes actually use, a shape that pours cleanly, a material that stands up to daily washing and a size that fits the hand. We then looked at jiggers sold on Amazon in the United States by identifiable barware makers, checked that each was in stock when we wrote this and took every specification from the maker’s listing. We included one of each common style rather than several near-identical doubles, and we left out unbranded multipacks. For outside views we read America’s Test Kitchen’s jigger review and the NIAAA’s standard drink definition. We have not used these products ourselves; where a listing does not say something, such as dishwasher safety, we say so rather than guess.
Jigger questions, answered
What is the best type of jigger?
For most people, a double jigger with clear markings inside every quarter ounce, such as the A Bar Above Japanese Style Jigger. If you find fine lines hard to read, an angled or stepped jigger is easier.
Which jigger brand is best?
There is no single best brand. Cocktail Kingdom, A Bar Above, Barfly, OXO and Viski all make well-specified jiggers; choose by markings, style and care instructions rather than the name.
What is the difference between a Japanese jigger and a bell jigger?
A Japanese jigger is tall and slim, which makes small measures easy to see. A bell jigger has wider, rounder cups that are quicker to fill and a base that stands steadier on the counter.
How many ounces is a jigger?
It depends on the jigger. The most common double measures 1 ounce on one side and 2 ounces on the other; OXO’s double measures 1 and 1½ ounces. Check the listing for the exact sizes and markings.
Is a stainless steel jigger dishwasher safe?
Some are. Barfly and A Bar Above say their stainless jiggers can go in the dishwasher, while plated or coated finishes are often hand wash only. Follow the maker’s instructions for your jigger.
What do I need besides a jigger for margaritas?
A shaker, a citrus press and good tequila. Our home margarita bar guide covers the full kit, and tequila vs. mezcal explains which spirit to measure.
The jigger we would keep by the shaker
Buy the A Bar Above Japanese Style Jigger if you want one jigger for every recipe that goes in the dishwasher, the OXO Steel Angled Jigger if reading the lines is the hard part, and the A Bar Above Bell Jigger if you pour round after round. Choose the Viski stepped jigger for a vintage look, and the Leopold if you like a vintage-inspired double. Whichever you pick, measuring is what makes the second margarita taste like the first.
More home-bar guides: whiskey glasses, beer glasses, muddlers.
Prefer the slim Japanese shape? See our guide to the best Japanese jiggers.
Related guide: Jigger alternative.
If you would rather someone else made the margaritas tonight, see our drinks and the menu, or call to order.