Do You Use Jiggers?

After years of pouring drinks bartenders can eyeball an exact shot of liquor and the long pour is a spectacular bar sight, but what about the careful measuring of cocktail ingredients, is that so important? There are benefits to using a jigger (or other measuring device) for mixing drinks. Many bars ask their tenders to use them to control the amount of liquor being poured (and control profits) and to ensure drinks are consistent inside the establishment. If you're mixing up drinks for a private occasion and you're partaking, using a jigger is smart. Have you ever noticed your free pour shots getting larger as the night goes on? Well, it's likely they do because your perception has been impaired and your drinks may be getting tougher than you bargained for. Then, there's the occasion of the finely balanced cocktail. Not talking about mixed drinks here, but those French Martinis, Monkey Glands and Tuxedos, which are sensitive to over and under pours of one ingredient or another.

Some bartenders swear by the jigger, some feel restricted by the control. Last week a story by Jeff Burkhart for the Marin Independent Journal titled Barfly: Jiggers are bane of bartender's routine tells one story about the "Great Jigger Debate."

Poll: Do you use a jigger to measure out ingredients?

• Everytime - it's the only way to get the perfect drink.
• Occasionally - for certain drinks only.
• Only when learning a new drink.
• Only when the manager's looking.
• Never, it's an unnecessary tool.
• What's a jigger?

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