Dashes & splashes… some important measurements

This isn’t the most exciting post, but it’s one that’ll prove useful.  A lot of times, a recipe will call for a measurement other than an ounce or 1/4 of an ounce… like a dash or a splash, or an older recipe might even call for a pony, a cocktail glass or a wine glass of an ingredient.  I thought it’d be helpful for myself to have a one-stop source of what all these measurements mean.  So maybe this post’ll be helpful for others as well, but it’ll at least be a nice and easy reference for myself when mixing up a drink.  Here’s a list of all the slightly unusual measurements you might come across when looking for cocktail recipes, along with another very handy recipe to have… simple syrup.

Measurements:

Dash = 6 drops

Teaspoon = 1/8 ounce

Splash = 1/2 ounce

Tablespoon = 1/2 ounce

Pony = 1 ounce

Cordial = 1 ounce

Pousse-cafe glass = 1.5 ounces

Jigger = 1.5 ounces

Shot = 1.5 ounces

Cocktail glass = 2 ounces

Wineglass = 4 ounces

Cup = 8 ounces

Small tumbler = 8 ounces

Large tumbler = 16 ounces

Mixing glass = 16 ounces

Fifth = 750 ml = 25.4 ounces

Making simple syrup…

Equal parts sugar & water (1:1 ratio)

Combine the sugar & water in a small sauce pan and bring to a simmer.  Continue simmering, stirring until the sugar dissolves.  This will only take a few minutes.  Remove pan from the heat, and let it sit to cool down to room temperature.  After it’s cooled down, go ahead and transfer it to a container.   You can store the simple syrup in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Pretty simple, right?  Simple syrup’s so easy to make, and you can just make enough for what you’ll most likely need in a month’s time, it’s definitely worth making and having on hand.  You’ll be glad you have it, when you need it.