Cocktail classification by volume: remember that changing the measures alters the final result. Let’s make an excellent cocktail!
In cocktail making, it is essential to understand the classification of cocktails by measure, especially the equivalences commonly used for convenience and speed behind the bar.
It is important to remember that variations in the measures of the different ingredients used to prepare a cocktail deeply influence and alter the final result. That is why exact combinations and the resulting flavours matter so much. 
In cocktail making, it is essential to understand the classification of cocktails by measure, especially the equivalences commonly used for convenience and speed.
According to the volume of their components, cocktails are classified as follows:
Cocktail classification #1 Short cocktail: volume of 7–10 cl.
Cocktail classification #2 Short cocktail: The short cocktail, or short drink, is commonly divided into pre-dinner cocktails, or aperitifs, and after-dinner cocktails, or digestifs.
Cocktail classification #3 Medium drink: volume of 11–20 cl. (110–200 ml.)
Cocktail classification #4 Long drink: volume of 21–30 cl. The short cocktail or short drink is commonly divided into:
- Pre-dinner cocktail, or aperitif
- After-dinner cocktail, or digestif
Examples: Pisco Sour, Algarrobina Cocktail, Manhattan, Sidecar, Rusty Nail, B & B.
The medium cocktail or medium drink is usually prepared in Highball glasses, double cocktail glasses, flute glasses and, in some cases, Old Fashioned glasses when served “on the rocks”.
Some drinks that fit this category include the Negroni, Old Fashioned, Americano, and others.
The long cocktail or long drink is usually designed to quench thirst. It can be served in a wide variety of glasses. 
Variations in the measures of the different ingredients used in cocktail preparation deeply influence and alter the final result, which is why the exact combination and the resulting flavours are so important, as in examples such as the Singapore Sling, Pisco Collins, Cuba Libre, and others.
This leads to the following classification of cocktails by their specific function:
- Aperitifs: Small in volume, generally dry in flavour and high in alcohol. They stimulate the appetite. They are prepared with clear spirits such as vodka, white rum or gin. Most have citrus fruit flavours. Passion fruit, kiwi, mandarin, orange, lemon, grapefruit, as well as melon and grapes, are typical in these drinks.
- Digestifs: Served in small quantities. They are high in alcohol and very sweet in flavour, usually based on cream liqueurs. Ideal after meals, they are often paired with herbs that aid digestion, such as mint.
- Refreshing drinks: As the name suggests, their purpose is to quench the drinker’s thirst. These are large drinks with less alcohol, or even none at all. Examples include the Cuba Libre or the Piña Colada.
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Measurement equivalences |
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| 1 Cocktail glass | =>5 cl | 1/6 Cocktail | =0.8 cl |
| 1 Whisky measure | =>4 cl | 2/3 Cocktail | =3.3 cl |
| 1 Liqueur glass | =>2 cl | 2/4 Cocktail | =2.5 cl |
| 1 Dash | =>1 drop | 2/5 Cocktail | =2 cl |
| 1 Splash | =>10 drops | 2/6 Cocktail | =1.6 cl |
| 1 Cocktail | =5 cl | 3/4 Cocktail | =3.7 cl |
| 1/2 Cocktail | =2.5 cl | 3/5 Cocktail | =3 cl |
| 1/3 Cocktail | =1.6 cl | 3/6 Cocktail | =2.5 cl |
| 1/4 Cocktail | =1.25 cl | 4/5 Cocktail | =4 cl |
| 1/5 Cocktail | =1 cl | 4/6 Cocktail | =3.3 cl |
The cocktail tool used to measure liquor
The cocktail tool used to measure the liquor added to cocktails or mixed drinks is known as a jigger. It is usually made of stainless steel and consists of two opposing cones of different sizes.
This measuring tool is commonly used by professional bartenders, but today we want to talk about a measure that may soon appear on the market: the ReJigger cocktail measure, designed to bring a new approach to home cocktail making. 
A jigger is the cocktail tool used to measure the liquor added to cocktails or mixed drinks.
Marcus Wang has designed a measure for cocktails that performs several functions, helping avoid the need to buy multiple bar tools such as a shaker or measuring glass. ReJigger is a container with three divided sections that make it possible to measure up to three cocktail ingredients, as many drinks are made with two or three beverage combinations.
Remember that you can buy liqueurs, aperitifs, bitters and cocktail accessories for your drinks in our online store.
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