How to Choose the Right Measuring Glass for Cocktails
By Herzlich Willkommen bei Westmark | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: Buying Guides
Learn how to pick the perfect measuring glass for cocktails, from size to material. Our guide covers key factors and trade-offs to help you measure like a pro.
Quick answer
For most home cocktail making, choose a measuring glass that holds 30–60 ml and has clear, etched markings. The Westmark 18 Shorty 40 ml is a compact, affordable option that doubles as a jigger alternative.
Size matters: matching capacity to your usual pours
Cocktail recipes often call for small amounts—15 ml (½ oz), 30 ml (1 oz), or 45 ml (1½ oz). A measuring glass with a 40 ml capacity, like the Shorty, covers the most common single-shot pours. If you frequently make larger batches or double recipes, a 60 ml or 100 ml measure gives you more headroom without needing to refill.
Material and readability: glass vs. plastic
Glass measuring cups are durable, dishwasher-safe, and won't absorb odors or stains. Plastic versions are lighter and unbreakable, but they can scratch over time, making markings harder to read. Look for etched or molded markings rather than printed ones—they last longer and stay legible through years of use.
Jigger alternative: when a measuring glass makes sense
A traditional jigger has two conical cups (usually 30 ml and 45 ml). A small measuring glass like the Shorty gives you a single vessel with a straight wall and a spout, which some find easier to pour without spilling. The trade-off: you have to watch the level rather than rely on a fixed fill line. If you value speed over flexibility, a jigger might still be your tool.
Decision rules for picking your cocktail measuring glass
- Check the markings: Choose a glass with clear, etched measurement lines (ml and/or oz). Printed markings fade over time, especially with frequent washing.
- Match capacity to your most-used pour: If you mostly make single drinks, a 40 ml glass covers 30 ml and 45 ml pours. For larger batches, go with 60 ml or 100 ml. For most home bartenders, 40 ml is the sweet spot.
- Consider the spout design: A good spout lets you pour cleanly without drips. Look for a sharp, narrow spout—not a rounded rim. Test the spout by pouring water; if it dribbles, look for another glass.
- Think about storage: Compact designs like the Shorty store easily in a drawer or on a shelf. Taller glasses may not fit in a standard cabinet.
Product spotlight
- 18 Measuring glass »Shorty«, 40 ml: The Westmark 18 Measuring Glass »Shorty« has a 40 ml capacity and a compact design for easy storage. Its small size makes it ideal for measuring cocktail ingredients like spirits and syrups, and it fits neatly in a home bar drawer.
18 Measuring glass »Shorty«, 40 ml
Who should buy what
Best for
- Home bartenders who want one simple, accurate tool for measuring spirits and syrups
- Anyone looking for a jigger alternative that is easier to pour from
Not for
- Professional bartenders who need speed and multiple fixed-volume measures
- People who prefer two-sided jiggers for rapid-fire cocktail making
