A jigger is a small double-ended measure that bartenders use so every drink comes out the same. It is useful, but there is nothing magic about it: it holds a known number of ounces, and so do plenty of things already in a kitchen drawer. Measuring spoons, a small measuring cup and a shot glass with lines all do the job, and most of them are more accurate than pouring by eye.
This guide covers the jigger alternative that suits each kind of kitchen, with the conversions you need to use them. For each option we say how well it measures, how fast it is to use, and where it falls short. Measuring matters for more than flavor: it is also how you know how much alcohol is in the glass.
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Why measure without a jigger
- You don’t own one. The margarita recipe says 2 ounces and 1 ounce, and you need a way to measure that tonight.
- You make drinks only now and then. Measuring tools you already use for cooking can handle a cocktail too.
- You want clearer marks. Some jiggers have few markings inside. A measuring beaker or a marked glass shows every step.
If you would rather buy the real thing, our guide to the best jigger compares Japanese, bell and angled styles. This page is for measuring cocktails without a jigger.
Quick verdict: the best jigger alternative
For most kitchens, the best jigger alternative is the OXO Good Grips 7-Piece Measuring Beaker Set: it includes 1-ounce and 2-ounce beakers, the two sizes most cocktail recipes use, plus teaspoon and tablespoon sizes for syrups and juice, and it goes in the dishwasher. If you want one small glass measure, the King Arthur Mini Measure is marked in teaspoons, tablespoons and ounces up to 1 ounce. A True 1.5 oz measuring shot glass pours one standard shot of spirits in one go. Plain RSVP measuring spoons work because a tablespoon is half a fluid ounce, and the Libbey Mixology measuring glass set suits batching a pitcher.
Jigger stand-ins side by side
All five alternatives on this page, one per kind of kitchen, with the details each maker or listing states.
| Alternative | Marked measures | Best for | Largest measure | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
OXO Good Grips 7-Piece Measuring Beaker SetBest overall
|
1 tsp to 1 cup, incl. 1 and 2 oz | Every cocktail ingredient | 1 cup | View on Amazon |
King Arthur Mini Measure Glass, Set of 2Best small glass measure
|
tsp, tbsp and oz lines | Juice, syrup, small pours | 1 oz | View on Amazon |
True Bullseye Measuring Shot Glass, 1.5 ozBest for spirits
|
oz and mL lines | One standard pour of spirits | 1.5 oz | View on Amazon |
| 1/8 tsp to 1 tbsp | Small amounts, bitters, syrup | 1 tbsp (1/2 oz) | View on Amazon | |
Libbey Mixology Measuring Glass Set, 16 oz and 4 ozBest for batching
|
Measurement lines | Pitchers and big batches | 16 oz | View on Amazon |
Jigger conversions you can use with any measure
The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) publishes the kitchen equivalents we use here. Its Metric Kitchen table gives 1 teaspoon as 5 mL, 1 tablespoon as 15 mL or half a fluid ounce, 1 fluid ounce as 30 mL, a quarter cup as 60 mL and 1 cup as 240 mL. Everything below follows from those figures.
| Recipe says | Tablespoons | Teaspoons | Milliliters (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 oz | 1/2 tbsp | 1 1/2 tsp | 7.5 mL |
| 1/2 oz | 1 tbsp | 3 tsp | 15 mL |
| 3/4 oz | 1 1/2 tbsp | 4 1/2 tsp | 22.5 mL |
| 1 oz | 2 tbsp | 6 tsp | 30 mL |
| 1 1/2 oz | 3 tbsp | 9 tsp | 45 mL |
| 2 oz | 4 tbsp (1/4 cup) | 12 tsp | 60 mL |
A practical rule: if a recipe is written in ounces, a tablespoon is your half-ounce measure, and a quarter cup is your 2-ounce measure. Keep the same tool for every ingredient in one drink, so any small error stays in proportion.
How much alcohol is in the glass
The NIAAA, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, counts one standard drink as a 1.5 fluid ounce shot of 80-proof spirits (about 40 percent alcohol), which contains about 0.6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol. A cocktail with more than 1.5 ounces of spirits, counting tequila and orange liqueur together, holds more than one standard drink. Measuring is the simplest way to know.
Our picks for the best jigger alternative
Five alternatives that measure accurately, each from an identifiable maker, all in stock on Amazon with a new offer when we checked.
1. OXO Good Grips 7-Piece Measuring Beaker Set – Every Size a Recipe Needs
Most cocktail recipes are built from three amounts: 2 ounces, 1 ounce and something smaller for syrup or juice. This OXO set covers all of them, and more. According to the listing it includes seven beakers: 1 teaspoon, 1 tablespoon, 1 ounce, 2 ounces, half a cup, two-thirds of a cup and 1 cup.
The 1- and 2-ounce beakers do exactly what the two ends of a standard jigger do. The tablespoon beaker gives you a half-ounce, and the teaspoon handles a dash of syrup. The larger sizes are for batching a pitcher or for cooking. The listing says the beakers have flat, stable bases for setting out ingredients ahead of time, can be read from above, nest for storage, and are dishwasher safe.
The trade-off is speed. A jigger is one tool you flip; this is several small cups to fill and rinse. For a drink or two on a weekend that hardly matters, and a set that also measures oil and vinegar earns its place in the drawer.
Why we like it
- Includes 1 oz and 2 oz beakers, the usual jigger sizes (listing).
- Teaspoon and tablespoon beakers for syrups and juice.
- Read from above; flat bases (listing).
- Dishwasher safe and nesting, per the listing.
Key specifications
| Model | 11124400 |
|---|---|
| Type | Nesting measuring beakers |
| Material | Not stated |
| Marked measures | 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, 1 oz, 2 oz, 1/2 cup, 2/3 cup, 1 cup |
| Largest measure | 1 cup |
| Count | 7 beakers |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher safe |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a home cook who wants one set that measures cocktails and cooking liquids, with the jigger sizes included.
Skip it if you make drinks often and want speed; a real jigger is quicker than filling separate beakers.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Every common cocktail amount covered
- Useful for cooking every day
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Seven pieces to rinse
- Material not stated on the listing
2. King Arthur Mini Measure Glass, Set of 2 – Teaspoons to an Ounce
This is a heavy little shot-glass-shaped measure from King Arthur Baking Company, made for bakers but, as the listing itself says, also suited to cocktails and mocktails. It is marked in three scales at once: up to 6 teaspoons, 2 tablespoons and 1 ounce, so you can read a recipe in any of them without converting.
The listing says it is made from heavyweight lead-free glass with permanent markings that won’t fade, and that the weighted base helps reduce tipping. Each measures 2 by 2 by 2.5 inches, and there are two in the set: one for spirits and one for lime juice works well.
Its limit is size. At 1 ounce, it takes two fills for a 2-ounce pour of tequila. That is still quicker than measuring spoons. The listing does not give care instructions in full, so we would wash it by hand. For more on spoons and small measures, see our best measuring spoons guide.
Why we like it
- Teaspoon, tablespoon and ounce marks on one glass (listing).
- Heavyweight lead-free glass, according to the maker’s listing.
- Weighted base resists tipping.
- Set of two for two ingredients.
Key specifications
| Model | 13211KAF/2 |
|---|---|
| Type | Mini measuring glass |
| Material | Heavyweight lead-free glass |
| Marked measures | Up to 6 tsp, 2 tbsp, 1 oz |
| Largest measure | 1 oz |
| Count | 2 glasses, 2 x 2 x 2.5 in each |
| Cleaning | Not stated in full |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a baker who also mixes the occasional margarita and wants a sturdy glass measure with clear, lasting marks.
Skip it if most of your pours are 2 ounces; a 2-ounce beaker or a quarter cup is faster.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Three scales marked on one glass
- Stable and hard to tip
- Two in a set
Cons
- Only 1 oz per fill
- Care not fully stated
3. True Bullseye Measuring Shot Glass, 1.5 oz – One Standard Pour
A plain shot glass is the oldest jigger substitute, but most are not marked, and sizes vary. This one is. True’s listing describes a clear glass shot glass with ounce and milliliter markings and a 1.5-ounce capacity, and says it is meant for measuring liquor into a shaker or mixing glass as well as for serving.
That 1.5-ounce size matches the NIAAA’s standard drink of 80-proof spirits, so a full glass of tequila is one standard drink. The lines let you pour smaller amounts, such as an ounce of orange liqueur, without a second tool. The listing says it has a heavy base and is dishwasher safe.
Two cautions. Filling a shot glass to the brim makes it easy to spill, so pour over the shaker. And at 1.5 ounces, a 2-ounce pour needs a top-up to the half-ounce line. If you want a whole set for serving, see our best shot glasses guide.
Why we like it
- Ounce and milliliter lines (listing).
- 1.5 oz, one standard drink of 80-proof spirits per the NIAAA.
- Heavy base; dishwasher safe (listing).
- Measures and serves.
Key specifications
| Model | 0400 |
|---|---|
| Type | Measuring shot glass |
| Material | Clear glass, heavy base |
| Marked measures | Ounces and milliliters |
| Largest measure | 1.5 oz |
| Count | 1 glass |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher safe |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who wants a single, familiar tool that measures spirits by the standard pour.
Skip it if you need to measure small amounts of syrup or juice precisely; spoons or a beaker are finer.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Marked in two scales
- Standard-drink size
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Easy to spill when full
- Sold singly
4. RSVP Endurance Round Measuring Spoons, 5-Piece – Half an Ounce per Tablespoon
Measuring spoons are the jigger alternative almost every kitchen already owns, and they are accurate because their sizes are defined. NIST puts a tablespoon at half a fluid ounce, so two level tablespoons are 1 ounce and four are 2 ounces. This RSVP set has, according to the listing, a tablespoon, a teaspoon, and half, quarter and eighth teaspoons, all in stainless steel with rounded bottoms.
Spoons shine for small amounts: a quarter ounce of agave syrup is half a tablespoon, a dash of bitters is well under a teaspoon. For full spirit pours they are slow, since a 2-ounce pour is four level tablespoons, and liquids spill easily from a shallow spoon. Hold the spoon over the shaker as you pour so any overflow goes into the drink rather than onto the counter.
The listing says the set is dishwasher safe.
Why we like it
- Tablespoon equals half an ounce, per NIST.
- Five sizes from 1/8 tsp to 1 tbsp (listing).
- Stainless steel, dishwasher safe (listing).
- Best tool here for small amounts.
Key specifications
| Model | 8010 |
|---|---|
| Type | Round measuring spoons |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Marked measures | 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1 tsp; 1 tbsp |
| Largest measure | 1 tbsp (1/2 oz) |
| Count | 5 spoons |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher safe |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who wants precise small measures for syrups, juice and bitters, and who doesn’t mind counting tablespoons for the spirits.
Skip it if you make several drinks at once; four tablespoons per 2-ounce pour adds up quickly.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Defined, accurate sizes
- Great for small amounts
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Slow for full spirit pours
- Shallow bowls spill easily
5. Libbey Mixology Measuring Glass Set, 16 oz and 4 oz – Measure a Pitcher
When you make margaritas by the pitcher, measuring each ounce is slow. Two marked glasses make it faster. Libbey’s Mixology set includes a 16-ounce and a 4-ounce glass, each with measurement lines, according to the listing, and they double as mixing glasses for stirred drinks.
For a batch, multiply the recipe and measure each ingredient in the large glass: a recipe calling for 2 ounces of tequila becomes 8 ounces for four drinks. The 4-ounce glass handles the smaller parts. The listing says both glasses are dishwasher safe.
The listing does not detail which units or steps the lines mark, so check them when the set arrives; for small amounts, use the spoons or beakers above. Libbey also appears in the CPSC recall database for other products (milk bottles, bourbon and cocktail glasses, and glass bowls); none of those recalls covers this set. Our home margarita bar guide covers pitchers and the rest of the kit.
Why we like it
- 16 oz and 4 oz glasses with measurement lines (listing).
- Large enough to measure for a pitcher.
- Double as mixing glasses.
- Dishwasher safe, per the listing.
Key specifications
| Model | 101963 |
|---|---|
| Type | Measuring and mixing glasses |
| Material | Glass |
| Marked measures | Measurement lines; steps not stated |
| Largest measure | 16 oz |
| Count | 2 glasses (16 oz and 4 oz) |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher safe |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a host who batches margaritas or palomas for a group and wants to measure each ingredient once.
Skip it if you make one drink at a time; the lines on a 16-ounce glass are too coarse for half-ounce pours.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fast for big batches
- Doubles as a mixing glass
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Line steps not detailed in the listing
- Too coarse for small amounts
How to choose a measure for your drinks
Match the tool to the amount
Spirits come in 1- to 2-ounce pours, so a 1- or 2-ounce beaker or a marked shot glass suits them. Syrups and juice often come in quarter- and half-ounces, which is where tablespoons and teaspoons are most accurate. For a pitcher, measure in a large marked glass.
Use level measures
Fill spoons and beakers to the line or the brim, not over. Pour over the shaker, not over the sink, so a slip ends up in the drink.
Think about cleanup
Every pick here except the King Arthur glass is listed as dishwasher safe. Rinse between sticky ingredients like agave syrup and spirits, or measure the spirits first.
How we chose these five alternatives
We kept only tools with marked, known measures, and built the conversions from NIST’s Metric Kitchen equivalents. Alcohol amounts come from the NIAAA’s standard drink page. Product facts come from the Amazon listings and are labeled. Every pick was in stock with a new offer from an identifiable maker, and none repeats a product from our jigger, measuring spoon, measuring cup or shot glass guides. We searched the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall database for each brand and found no recall covering these products. We did not test these products, and we don’t state prices or ratings.
Jigger alternative questions, answered
How can I measure cocktails without a jigger?
Use measuring spoons, a small measuring beaker or a marked shot glass. NIST puts a tablespoon at half a fluid ounce, so 1 ounce is 2 tablespoons and 2 ounces is a quarter cup.
How many tablespoons are in a jigger?
It depends on the jigger. The doubles in our jigger guide include 1-and-2-ounce and 1-and-1.5-ounce versions, according to their listings. Using NIST’s half-ounce tablespoon, 1 ounce is 2 tablespoons, 1.5 ounces is 3 and 2 ounces is 4. Go by the amount in the recipe rather than the word jigger.
Is a shot glass the same as a jigger?
Not always. Shot glasses vary in size and many have no marks. A marked 1.5-ounce glass like the True one above measures the same amount as a 1.5-ounce jigger.
How much is a standard drink of tequila?
The NIAAA counts 1.5 fluid ounces of 80-proof spirits as one standard drink. A margarita with 2 ounces of tequila plus orange liqueur contains more than one.
Can I use a medicine cup to measure a cocktail?
A marked cup measures liquid, but we would keep medicine cups for medicine and use a kitchen measure for food and drink.
Our final word on measuring without a jigger
A set of measuring beakers covers every cocktail amount and earns its drawer space in cooking. A marked shot glass is the quickest single tool for spirits, and measuring spoons handle the small parts. Measure every drink: it keeps the recipe balanced and tells you how much alcohol is in the glass. Never drink and drive.
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