Why You Might Need to Measure a Cocktail
Measuring your ingredients is essential to create a balanced cocktail. Too much or too little of any particular ingredient can drastically alter the taste of your cocktail. But what if you don’t have a jigger or any other measuring tool on hand?
Alternative Tools for Measuring Cocktails
One common household item that can be used to measure liquids is a tablespoon. One tablespoon is equivalent to 1/2 fluid ounce or roughly 15 milliliters. You can also use a shot glass to measure a single shot of liquor, which is typically 1.5 fluid ounces or 45 milliliters. Another option is to use a kitchen scale, which can be handy for measuring larger quantities of ingredients.
Estimating with Common Pour Sizes
If you don’t have any measuring tools available, you can try estimating your pour sizes. One technique is to use your count as a guide. For example, you can count “one Mississippi, two Mississippi” as you pour a liquid. A count of four typically equals one fluid ounce. You can also estimate using pour spouts with different sizes. A pour spout with a wider opening will pour faster, while a narrower spout will pour slower.
Why Accurate Measurements are Important in Cocktails
Accurately measuring your ingredients is crucial to creating a well-balanced cocktail. Inconsistent measurements can lead to an unbalanced flavor and a less enjoyable drinking experience. This is especially important if you’re making multiple servings of the same cocktail, as each drink should taste the same.
Practice Makes Perfect
While using a jigger or other measuring tool is the most accurate way to measure ingredients, with practice and experience, it’s possible to accurately measure a cocktail using alternative methods. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different measurement techniques until you find what works best for you.
