Shake Like a Pro – Learn the Techniques Behind Great Cocktails & Confident Flair

How to Use a Jigger – Level 1, 2, 3

Welcome back to The Shaking & Mixing Guide — the series where we break down essential bartending skills into simple, visual steps you can master at home or behind the bar.

In this edition, we’re focusing on a tool that’s all about precision: the jigger. It’s a staple of professional bartending for a reason — every great cocktail starts with the right pour.

To demonstrate how to handle a jigger like a pro, we’ve once again teamed up with @inkedoz — UK-based bartender trainer and flair specialist. In this short video, he walks us through three levels of jigger control, from steady pours to smooth, performance-worthy moves.

Why Use a Jigger?

A jigger ensures accuracy and consistency in every pour. When you're building cocktails, especially those with multiple components, even a small variance can throw off the flavour balance. Measuring spirits and mixers correctly not only improves the taste — it also saves waste, especially when batching or serving guests.

Jiggers are typically used to pour spirits into a shaker tin or mixing glass, creating the perfect base for shaken, stirred, or built cocktails. Whether you're making a classic Margarita, a Negroni, or a Daiquiri, starting with accurate measurements is key.

And with a bit of technique, a jigger can become more than just a measuring tool — it can be part of your showmanship.

Level 1: The Pour & Twist

Hold the jigger between your index and middle fingers. After measuring your ingredient, pour it into your shaker or glass, finishing with a clean forward twist of the wrist to empty the jigger completely.

Perfect for building consistency and control — and ideal for cocktails like:

• Margarita – balance is everything
• Whiskey Sour – measure both spirit and citrus precisely
• Mojito (built) – great for batching or prepping individual servings

Level 2: Rotation Control

Start again with the jigger between your index and middle fingers. This time, rotate your hand inward toward yourself while bringing your ring finger into play to help guide the motion.

The result is a cleaner, more controlled rotation that begins to build style into your movements — smooth and professional, perfect for working in front of guests or a camera.

Level 3: The Swing & Thumb Roll

This level is all about finesse and performance. Begin with your palm facing up, holding the jigger just firmly enough that it doesn't fall — but loosely enough that it can swing.

Swing the jigger from right to left, then turn your hand over and swing again. To finish, add a thumb roll: hold the jigger at its base and flick it so it rolls over your thumb and back into your hand. It’s not a throw — the key is keeping the jigger connected to your thumb throughout the movement.

When executed correctly, it’s fluid, stylish, and impressive — making it a perfect move for cocktail competitions, social content, or entertaining guests at home.

Cocktails That Rely on a Good Jigger Pour

Here are a few classics where precision makes all the difference:

• Espresso Martini – equal parts vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso
• French 75 – balanced bubbles need accurate gin and lemon
• Mai Tai – precision in the split rum base is essential
• Tom Collins – build with confidence in your sugar, lemon, and gin

Watch It in Action

In the video above, @inkedoz demonstrates each jigger level with clarity and flair. It’s a quick guide to improving both your technique and your presentation — no matter your current skill level.

Tools to Get You Started

Ready to measure like a mixologist? Explore our curated barware:

• Shop Jiggers
• Browse Shakers

Follow @inkedoz on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube for more flair bartending inspiration, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes content.

If you found this guide useful, share it with a friend and help more people discover the joy of confident cocktail-making. Stay tuned for the next chapter in The Shaking & Mixing Guide.