Measuring Spoons
A set of small spoons designed for accurately measuring very small liquid and dry quantities. Used when precision is required beyond what a jigger can provide.
Essential Equipment
Recommended for every home bar
Price Guide
Alternatives
Budget Alternative
Standard stainless steel kitchen measuring spoons (£2–4) can be used if they are metal and accurately sized, though they are often bulkier and less precise than bar-specific sets.
Premium Option
Japanese-style stainless steel measuring spoon sets (£12–15) offer slimmer profiles, better balance, and more consistent accuracy for professional cocktail work.
Care & Maintenance
Care Instructions
- Rinse immediately after use, especially after syrups or saline.
- Wash by hand with mild detergent.
- Dry thoroughly to prevent spotting.
- Store together to avoid losing individual sizes.
Expected Lifespan
- •Premium stainless steel: 15+ years, effectively permanent in both professional and home use
- •Standard stainless steel: 5–10 years before engraved markings fade or edges wear
- •Budget or plastic: 1–2 years before warping, cracking, or loss of measurement accuracy
Pro Tip
If a recipe calls for “a bar spoon” of syrup, measure it once — then decide if guessing is ever worth the risk.
Usage
Used for measuring syrups, bitters, absinthe, saline, and other ingredients added in small, controlled quantities.
What to Look For
- Slim metal construction rather than plastic or silicone.
- Clearly defined spoon sizes with engraved markings that won’t wear off.
- Shallow bowls that allow accurate leveling.
- Handles long enough to reach into narrow bottles and containers.
- Ring connector - Keep set together but removable for use
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Substituting teaspoons from cutlery sets, which vary widely in size.
- Using baking-style measuring spoons with thick handles and deep bowls.
- Guessing small quantities instead of measuring consistently.
- Allowing sticky syrups to dry on spoons, affecting accuracy.
Professional Tips
- Use measuring spoons for syrups and modifiers that can easily overpower a drink.
- Wipe spoons between ingredients to prevent flavour carryover.
- Hold the spoon level when measuring to ensure consistent results.
- Reserve one spoon exclusively for bitters or saline to avoid contamination.
Specifications
Material
Stainless steel
Capacity
Common sizes: ¼ teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, 1 teaspoon
Details
Slim-handled spoons with small, shallow bowls designed for accuracy rather than volume.
History & Context
As cocktail recipes became more precise in the late 20th century, bartenders began adopting measuring spoons from culinary practice to control small but powerful ingredients. Their use reflects a shift toward repeatability and balance, where even a quarter teaspoon can define the final profile of a drink.