Gear: Cocktail Jiggers

Contrary to what film and TV might have us believe, (most) bartenders really do measure their ingredients, and so should you. Just like in cooking or baking, accurately measured ingredients will result in consistent and all-around better-tasting cocktails. That makes cocktail jiggers an essential tool for any home bar. And with styles ranging from classic to utilitarian to opulent, there’s an option to match every aesthetic.

Heavyweight Koriko Jigger

From Cocktail Kingdom’s industry-adored Koriko line, the Heavyweight jigger is both sturdy and sleek. Cast from a single piece of stainless steel, the durable Koriko features standard 1- and 2-ounce cups, with interior markings for precise fractional measures. $27.49, cocktailkingdom.com

Napier Stepped Jigger

The Napier Stepped Jigger, from the designers behind bar tool company Standard Spoon, marries functionality with an appealing vintage style inspired by a 1930s design. Stainless steel and copper-plated, the jigger has stepped 1/2-ounce increments carved on both sides, with interior markings for 1/4 and 3/4 ounce. $30, amazon.com

Hammered Bell Jigger

Founded by bartenders, Portland, Oregon–based barware company Bull in China still likes to bring a little extra style to their tools. This bell-style cocktail jigger is constructed from solid brass and elevated with a polished, hammered finish. Internal markings on the 1-and 2-ounce cups measure 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 ounce. $28, bullinchinapdx.com

The Slim Jigger

Bringing a midcentury aesthetic to the traditional, elongated taper of a Japanese-style jigger, the new Slim Jigger from Piña Barware feels thoroughly modern. Constructed from solid stainless steel in a 1- and 2-ounce capacity, the jigger also has full-circle interior markings at 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 1 1/2 ounces. $14.99, pinabarware.com

Steel Angled Jigger

With easy-to-read interior measurement markings and an angled spout, this utilitarian, stainless steel cocktail jigger from OXO functions more like a mini measuring cup, making it particularly well suited to kitchen-counter mixology. Increments are marked in tablespoons and ounces, and it’s especially helpful with small measurements. $9.99, oxo.com