Why Countries Use Different Jigger Capacities (30/60 ml vs 25/50 ml)
Main Reasons:
Legal Standards and Regulations: Many countries have official definitions for a “standard drink” or shot, which directly influence jigger sizes. For example, the UK and much of Europe use 25/50 ml jiggers due to metric regulations, while Australia commonly uses 30/60 ml, and the US uses 1 oz (30 ml) and 1.5 oz (44 ml) jiggers.
Measurement Systems: Countries using the metric system (milliliters) often standardize jiggers at 25/50 ml or 30/60 ml, while those using the imperial system (ounces) have different standards, leading to variations in jigger sizes.
Historical and Cultural Preferences: Traditional serving sizes, local drinking customs, and historical practices also play a role. For instance, in some countries, a “single” or “double” shot has been culturally set at 25 ml or 30 ml, and jigger sizes reflect these norms.
Bar and Brand Preferences: Some bars or brands may choose specific jigger sizes for consistency with their recipes or to align with international cocktail standardstml
Comparison Table
Country/Region Common Jigger Size(s) Measurement System
UK/Europe:25/50 ml-Metric
Australia:30/60 ml-Metric
US:1 oz (30 ml) / 1.5 oz (44 ml)-Imperial/Metric
Japan:30/60 ml-Metric
