The term jigger in the sense of a small cup or measure of spirits or wine originates in the U.S. in the early 19th century.

[3][4] The style of double-ended jigger common today, made of stainless steel with two unequal sized opposing cones in an hourglass shape, was patented in 1893 by Cornelius Dungan of Chicago.

[5] Typically, one cone measures a regulation single shot, and the other some fraction or multiple—with the actual sizes depending on local laws and customs.

Many jiggers may also have fractional markings on the inside of the bowl, to facilitate smaller measures of liquid.

A measuring shot glass is graduated in smaller units such as half-ounces, teaspoons, tablespoons, or millilitres.