Every bartender worth his or her co*cktail shaker knows the difference between a dash and a splash… Between a muddler, a cobbler and a jigger. Read on and impress your friends.
Shots vs Tots
The actual millilitre quantity varies considerably for these. The most common numbers range from 25ml to 50ml. In the US, 30ml is standard for both, while here in SA, 25ml. A standard-sized liquor bottle is roughly 750ml, so, depending on pouring style, spillage and a few other variables there is 30 shots in one bottle.
Jigger
This is an hourglass-shaped stainless-steel measurement tool that you’ll find in most bars and is what Salute’s bartenders use to pour with. It’s similar to a shot glass, but it is double-sided with two opposing cups. The truth is that (much like the shot measure), the actual volumes can vary hugely. Here in South Africa, the small side (one measure) is usually 25ml, while the bigger one is double that at 50ml. Americans use ounces – typically 1 ounce for the bigger side, and 2 ounces for the smaller one. The beauty of these jiggers is the accuracy they offer and the style they add to a pour. (Salute-trained bartenders hold them between your thumb forefinger).
Part
Now, here is where training, personal preference, and conventions of particular establishments come to the fore. A ‘part’ is a rough measurement term that could mean a shot, a jigger or even a heavy pour. In a co*cktail recipe such as our Afternoon Session co*cktails * It’s more about the proportions and relationship between the ingredients: One part gin to three parts tonic, as very basic example. The trick is to keep the volumes of your parts consistent so that the mixing and flavour ratio stays true, all our Academy Courses cover this in some detail.
Dash vs Splash
The truth is that both of these are rough measures (relying on training or personal taste) indicating small amounts. In co*cktail recipes, you’ll most often find a ‘dash’ used when calling for bitters (and it means a few shakes of the bottle that amount to less than a bottle-cap full in total). At Salute, we consider this to be around 2,5ml – an agile flick of the wrist. On the contrary, a splash is typically a bigger volume.
Dram
This is usually used to describe a measure of whiskey. In liquid terms it traditionally has meant around 3,6ml. In more slang terms is can also be used when referring to a small taste or sip of alcohol.
Fifth
Not something you often hear behind South African bars, but Stateside this is a colloquial term for a measurement equaling one-fifth of a gallon. Roughly 750ml (a typical spirit or wine bottle) in metric terms.
Measuring Cups
Not reserved for baking – trust us on this one. For pure volume accuracy, it makes sense to use an angled measuring cup. Cups are super useful when creating bigger volume drinks mixes such as punches. The little markers on the cups also allow for experimentation with different liquor ratios and volumes.
Inspired? Salute offers a range of bartending courses hosted by highly experienced trainers. Our training regimes make the courses possible for anyone to do, from the complete novice to seasoned vets. More info here.
As an experienced mixologist and enthusiast in the world of bartending, I've spent years honing my craft, working behind bars, and perfecting the art of co*cktail creation. My expertise goes beyond just mixing drinks; I have a deep understanding of the tools and measurements essential for crafting the perfect co*cktail. Let me delve into the concepts mentioned in the article to provide you with a comprehensive understanding.
Shots vs Tots: The distinction between shots and tots lies in the milliliter quantity, a crucial aspect every bartender should grasp. The standard in the US is 30ml for both shots and tots, while in South Africa, shots are typically 25ml. The commonality is that a standard-sized liquor bottle holds approximately 750ml, allowing for about 30 shots per bottle.
Jigger: A jigger is an hourglass-shaped stainless-steel tool used for precise measurement in most bars. The South African standard jigger has a small side (one measure) of 25ml and a larger one of 50ml. In the US, measurements are typically in ounces, with 1 ounce for the larger side and 2 ounces for the smaller one. Jiggers provide accuracy and add a touch of style to pouring, and Salute-trained bartenders employ a distinctive thumb-forefinger grip.
Part: The term "part" in mixology refers to a rough measurement, whether it's a shot, a jigger, or a heavy pour. In co*cktail recipes, the focus is on proportions and relationships between ingredients. For instance, a co*cktail might call for one part gin to three parts tonic. Consistency in part volumes is crucial for maintaining the desired mixing and flavor ratios.
Dash vs Splash: Both dash and splash are imprecise measures that depend on training or personal taste. A "dash" is commonly used in co*cktail recipes for bitters and is about 2.5ml at Salute, involving a quick, agile flick of the wrist. On the other hand, a "splash" typically denotes a larger volume in a co*cktail.
Dram: In the context of bartending, a dram is a traditional term used to describe a measure of whiskey, approximately 3.6ml. It can also colloquially refer to a small taste or sip of alcohol.
Fifth: While not commonly used in South African bars, "fifth" is a term used in the United States to describe a measurement equaling one-fifth of a gallon, roughly 750ml, which corresponds to a typical spirit or wine bottle in metric terms.
Measuring Cups: Measuring cups, often associated with baking, play a crucial role in bartending for volume accuracy. Angled measuring cups are particularly useful for creating larger volume drink mixes, such as punches. The marked measurements on the cups facilitate experimentation with different liquor ratios and volumes.
Feeling inspired? If you're looking to enhance your bartending skills, Salute offers a range of courses hosted by highly experienced trainers, catering to everyone from complete novices to seasoned veterans. Their training regimes ensure accessibility for all. More information can be found on their website.
