Classic double-sided jigger with hourglass bell shape, typically measuring 1oz and 2oz. Timeless design favored for its elegant simplicity and vintage appeal.

The bell jigger is where it all started—the iconic hourglass shape that defined cocktail measuring for over a century. Its elegant, symmetrical design is instantly recognizable: two cone-shaped cups joined at their points, creating a bell-like silhouette that's as beautiful as it is functional. Typically featuring 1oz on one side and 2oz on the other (though variations exist), the bell jigger embodies the classic three-ingredient cocktail era when recipes were simple ratios: 2oz spirit, 1oz citrus, 0.75oz sweetener. This design emerged in the early 20th century and became synonymous with mid-century American bar culture.

What makes the bell jigger enduringly popular is its pure simplicity—there's nothing to break, no moving parts, just solid stainless steel shaped with purpose. The flared rim makes pouring easy and clean, while the polished surface catches light beautifully, making it a decorative element as much as a tool. In vintage bars and speakeasy-style establishments, bell jiggers are often the only measuring tool you'll see, honoring the golden age of cocktails when bartenders memorized recipes and measured by feel as much as sight.

Historically, the bell jigger was standard issue in every bar from dive taverns to luxury hotels. Legendary bartenders like Harry Craddock at the Savoy used bell jiggers exclusively, and they appear in countless vintage cocktail photographs from the 1920s through 1960s. The tool's association with classic cocktail culture gives it romantic appeal—using a bell jigger connects you directly to bartending history. Modern craft bartenders often keep bell jiggers on display even if they primarily use Japanese-style jiggers for precision, appreciating them as both functional tools and aesthetic objects.

Practical note: the bell jigger's simplicity has a trade-off. You can only measure the two specific volumes it offers (typically 1oz and 2oz), meaning recipes requiring 0.75oz or 1.5oz need either a different jigger or estimation. The fill-to-the-brim requirement also demands a steady hand—surface tension can make exact measurements tricky, and beginners often under-pour to avoid spills. Still, for classic cocktails with standard ratios, the bell jigger is perfectly suited and deeply satisfying to use. Choose a weighted version with a polished finish—it should feel substantial in hand, like a tool that could last generations.

Tall, slim stainless steel jigger with precise internal measurement markings from 0.5oz to 2oz. The gold standard for accuracy and professional bartending.

The Japanese jigger represents the pinnacle of measuring precision in cocktail culture. Its distinctive tall, cylindrical design emerged from Tokyo's meticulous bar scene, where accuracy isn't just preferred—it's mandatory. Unlike bell jiggers that require filling to the brim, the Japanese style features clear measurement lines etched inside, allowing you to measure any increment from a half-ounce to two ounces with single-glance accuracy. This flexibility is invaluable when recipes call for 0.75oz or 1.25oz measurements, which are increasingly common in modern craft cocktails.

What makes the Japanese jigger beloved by professionals is its weighted feel and balanced pour. The substantial stainless steel construction gives it heft that communicates quality in hand, while the straight walls prevent liquid from climbing (unlike bell jiggers where surface tension can make exact measures tricky). Pour with confidence, check the measurement line, and adjust—the process becomes second nature remarkably quickly. The measurement lines are typically both etched and filled with contrasting paint, remaining visible even in dim bar lighting.

In Tokyo's legendary cocktail bars like Bar High Five and Star Bar, you'll see bartenders exclusively using Japanese jiggers, treating each measurement as a meditative act of precision. Master bartender Hidetsugu Ueno, known for his exacting standards, insists that proper cocktail balance starts with proper measuring—and the Japanese jigger is his tool of choice. This philosophy spread globally during the 2010s craft cocktail boom, and now Japanese-style jiggers are standard issue in serious cocktail programs worldwide.

For home bartenders, investing in a quality Japanese jigger transforms your cocktail-making immediately. The clear markings eliminate guesswork, and the elegant design makes measuring feel intentional rather than tedious. Pro tip: hold the jigger over your mixing vessel while measuring so any overflow goes directly into your cocktail, not on the bar. Brands like Cocktail Kingdom and Koriko make beautifully weighted versions that will last decades—this is a buy-it-for-life tool that elevates every drink you make.

Ergonomic measuring jigger with angled interior and clear plastic body. Measurement lines visible from above for easy, accurate pouring without bending to eye level.

The OXO angled jigger is a brilliant example of thoughtful design solving a common bartending problem: trying to read measurement lines while pouring. Traditional jiggers require you to bend down to eye level or hold them up to the light, but OXO's patented angled interior means the measurement markings face upward—you can see exactly how much liquid you've poured simply by looking down into the jigger. This seemingly small innovation makes a huge difference in speed and ergonomics, especially when making multiple drinks or working in cramped home kitchens.

The clear plastic construction reinforces the visibility advantage. While purists might prefer stainless steel aesthetics, there's no denying the practical benefit of seeing your ingredient from all angles. The black rubber grip provides excellent control even with wet hands, and the wider base prevents tipping. The angled design also creates a natural pouring spout, reducing drips and mess. For home bartenders who find traditional jiggers awkward or are just starting to practice measured pours, the OXO removes barriers and builds confidence.

Interestingly, the OXO jigger has found strong acceptance in both home kitchens and professional environments where speed matters more than tradition. Busy bars making high volumes of simple drinks appreciate the efficiency—no need to slow down and peer at tiny lines. America's Test Kitchen, known for rigorous equipment testing, rated the OXO highly for consistent accuracy and ease of use, particularly for people new to cocktails or with mobility considerations.

Practical considerations: the plastic construction means it's top-rack dishwasher safe and won't dent if dropped (unlike stainless jiggers that can deform). However, the markings can fade over time with heavy use and harsh detergents, so hand-washing extends its life. The measurement increments are typically 0.5oz, 1oz, 1.5oz, and 2oz—covering most standard cocktail needs. While it might not have the romance of a vintage bell jigger or the gravitas of a Japanese design, the OXO jigger is unfailingly functional and genuinely makes measuring easier, which is ultimately what matters most.