Best Oxo Good Grips Jigger Alternatives UK 2025

Oxo Good Grips jiggers dominate UK kitchen drawers, but they're not the only measuring tool worth owning. A decent jigger is essential for consistent cocktails—accuracy matters when you're mixing spirits with precision. Whether you've lost yours, want a backup, or simply fancy trying something different, there are dozens of solid alternatives available across the UK market right now.

What is a Jigger?

A jigger is a handheld measuring cup used in bartending to portion spirits and mixers with accuracy. Typically featuring two different volumes (often 50ml and 25ml), it ensures your cocktails taste the same every time you make them. Consistent measurement is the foundation of good home bartending.

Why Look Beyond Oxo?

Oxo Good Grips jiggers work well and are widely available, but they're not perfect for everyone. Some prefer stainless steel over plastic for durability. Others want Japanese-style precision or vintage designs. Budget-conscious home bartenders might fancy something cheaper, while serious enthusiasts sometimes prefer professional-grade equipment.

The right jigger depends on your priorities: cost, material, measurement style, and aesthetic. Let's explore what's actually available on UK shelves and online.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives

If you're after a quick replacement without spending much, several options sit under £10.

• Basic Stainless Steel Jiggers (£5–8): Simple two-sided models from supermarket own-brands often perform perfectly. Tesco and Sainsbury's stock basic versions that last years with no fuss.
• Plastic Measuring Spoons: Not ideal as a primary jigger, but 15ml and 30ml spoons can work in a pinch for smaller serves and cost just a couple of quid.
• Enamelware Vintage Finds: Hunt charity shops and car boot sales for 1960s–80s enamel measures. They're colourful, durable, and often cost 50p–£2.

Stainless Steel Options

Stainless steel jiggers are tougher than plastic and age beautifully in a home bar. They don't stain or retain flavours from strong spirits the way plastic can.

Double-Sided Standard Jiggers remain the most common design. Brands like Riedel, Yukiwa, and several no-name Amazon basics offer solid 50/25ml versions for £8–15. They're stackable, professional-looking, and reliable.

Stepped Jiggers feature multiple measurement lines inside a single conical cup—very precise, favoured by serious bartenders, and typically £12–25. These let you measure 15ml, 25ml, 50ml, and 75ml from the same cup with pinpoint accuracy. Japanese brands like Barfly and Spiegelau excel here.

Premium and Designer Alternatives

If you're building a beautiful home bar, these standout options deserve consideration.

• Riedel Drink Specific Glassware Jiggers: Premium Austrian glass with stainless steel bands. Expensive (£25–40), but visually stunning and incredibly precise. Match them to your Riedel glasses for a cohesive bar.
• Barfly by Mercer Jiggers: Professional-grade stainless steel, used in top UK cocktail bars. Expect £15–30 depending on size and style. Built for daily use and designed to last decades.
• Yukiwa or Cocktail Kingdom Jiggers: Japanese precision engineering. These stepped or Tokyo-style jiggers cost £20–35 but offer unmatched accuracy and a minimalist aesthetic that works beautifully on display.
• Vintage Silverplate: Hunt Etsy or specialist cocktail shops for 1920s–1950s silverplate jiggers. They're conversation pieces, often cost £15–50, and add genuine character to a retro home bar.

Specialty Measuring Tools

Not everyone wants a traditional jigger. These alternatives solve specific bartending problems.

Digital Scales: A few home bartenders now use small digital kitchen scales (accurate to 0.1g) to measure spirits by weight instead of volume. It's slower but incredibly precise, especially useful if you're experimenting with batches or reducing recipes. Expect £15–35 for a good one from Lakeland or Amazon.

Measuring Cups with Pouring Spouts: Designed for the kitchen but work in bars. These sit between a jigger and a full measuring cup, useful if you're mixing large-batch cocktails or batched vodka pitchers for parties. Usually £8–12.

Automeasuring Pourers (Bottle Spouts): Screw onto bottle tops and dispense a preset measure with each pour. Controversial among bartenders (some find them imprecise), but popular in busy home setups. Cost £10–25 for a set of four.

Where to Buy in the UK

UK retailers stock a surprising range of jiggers and measuring tools beyond Oxo.

• Lakeland: The go-to for home bar equipment. Broad selection, good quality control, and reliable shipping.
• John Lewis & Waitrose Homeware: Stock premium brands like Riedel and Barfly. Pricier but consistent quality and easy returns.
• Amazon UK: Huge selection, fast delivery, but check reviews carefully. Many unmarked Chinese brands flood the market.
• Master of Malt: Specialist drinks retailer stocking professional-grade jiggers and bar tools. Prices reflect quality, and their selection is genuinely impressive.
• Ebay & Etsy: Best for vintage finds, silverplate, and collectible pieces. Budget extra time for delivery and inspect photos carefully.
• Independent Cocktail Bars & Bottle Shops: Many now sell their own branded equipment or stock specialist brands. Supporting local venues is always worthwhile.

How to Choose the Right Alternative

Consider these factors before you buy:

• Material: Plastic (lightweight, budget), stainless steel (durable, professional), or glass (visual appeal, fragile).
• Measurement Style: Double-sided (traditional, two separate measures), stepped (precise, single cup), or weighted (unusual but very accurate).
• Size & Fit: Standard jiggers (25/50ml) suit most cocktails. Smaller (10/20ml) for testing recipes or building skilled pours. Larger (50/75ml) if you prefer generous serves.
• Frequency of Use: Daily bartenders should invest in stainless steel. Occasional home mixers can get away with plastic or basic models.
• Aesthetics: Will it live on display or in a drawer? Pretty vintage pieces deserve a place on open shelves; disposable-looking models can hide away.

Top Measurements for Classic Cocktails

Most UK home bartenders work with just two measurements consistently:

• 50ml Spirit / 25ml Modifier: The foundation of cocktails like the Margarita, Daiquiri, and Gin & Tonic variants.
• 30ml Spirit / 15ml Modifier: Smaller serves for lighter drinks or when you're making multiple rounds.
• 75ml Spirit Measure: For long drinks, Collinses, or if you prefer a generous pour.

A good stepped jigger handles all three. A double-sided 50/25ml covers 80% of your needs. You rarely need more than one primary jigger unless you're running a busy house party.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a jigger really necessary for home cocktails?

Yes. Without measurement, your cocktails will taste inconsistent—the difference between a brilliant Margarita and a mediocre one often comes down to proportion. Freepouring looks impressive but requires practice. A jigger removes guesswork and lets you refine recipes with confidence.

Can I use a regular measuring spoon instead?

Kitchen measuring spoons (5ml, 15ml, 30ml) work for small quantities, but they're slow and awkward when pouring spirits. A proper jigger is shaped for quick, stable pours and prevents splashing. It's worth the small investment.

What's the difference between a jigger and a shot glass?

Shot glasses are drinking vessels with thick walls, designed to hold spirits temporarily. Jiggers are measuring tools with precision markings, designed for accurate pouring. Never use a shot glass to measure—volumes vary wildly between manufacturers.

Are expensive jiggers worth the money?

If you're mixing cocktails several times a week, yes. Premium stainless steel lasts decades without denting or staining. If you use a jigger once a month, a basic £8 model works perfectly. The best jigger is the one you'll actually use.

What size jigger should I buy if I'm a beginner?

Start with a standard double-sided 50/25ml jigger. It covers 95% of classic recipes. Once you're comfortable, you can add a stepped jigger or smaller model for exploration. Don't overcomplicate things early on.

Do I need a different jigger for measuring non-alcoholic ingredients?

No—one jigger works for spirits, juices, syrups, and mixers. Just rinse between different ingredients if flavours might clash. Stainless steel rinses cleaner than plastic if you're concerned about residual taste.

Where can I find a vintage Oxo jigger as an alternative?

Ebay, Etsy, and UK charity shops occasionally stock older Oxo models in avocado or white plastic. If you love the original design, hunting a vintage version is often cheaper and more sustainable than buying new. Combine this search with exploring our cocktail guides and tips for a deeper dive into classic home bartending.

Build Your Home Bar Setup

The jigger is just the start. Once you've chosen your measuring tool, you'll want good glassware, a bar spoon, a mixing glass, and a quality bottle opener. If you're building from scratch, our AI cocktail recipe generator can help you explore what drinks suit your spirit collection before you invest in more equipment.

Whether you go for another Oxo, upgrade to stainless steel, or hunt a vintage find, the important thing is choosing a tool you'll use regularly. Consistent measurement beats fancy equipment every time. Explore what's available, read reviews, and pick something that fits your budget and style. Your cocktails will thank you.

Try the cocktail generator

Tick what's on your shelf and get three recipes on The Cocktail Pub.