Cleaning Your Jigger: A Bartender’s Surprising Truth

You won’t believe this unconventional jigger cleaning tip I discovered! Join me in exploring the best way to keep your bar tools sanitary.

The Surprising Reality of Jigger Cleaning

As a bartender, you might think that the best way to keep your jigger clean is simply to rinse it with water. But what if I told you there’s more to it? Recently, a post on Reddit caught my attention. A bartender shared their unique method of cleaning jiggers by soaking them in club soda instead of rinsing with water. Intrigued yet skeptical, I wanted to dive deeper into this technique and understand its implications.

In my years behind the bar, I’ve learned that cleanliness is crucial. Each shift can get chaotic, and having streamlined processes keeps everything flowing smoothly. When I first read about using club soda, I chuckled at the idea. However, it sparked a debate among fellow bartenders—some found it bizarre while others seemed curious about its effectiveness.

The Debate Heats Up

The Reddit thread exploded with responses. Many seasoned bartenders shared their practices, often dismissing the club soda method as ineffective or unnecessary. One user humorously questioned what could possibly stick to a jigger that a simple rinse wouldn’t solve. This back-and-forth made me reflect on my own experiences.

I remember one night when I was experimenting with various spirits for a new cocktail menu. After several rounds of mixing, my jigger became caked with sticky residue from liqueurs like Campari and coffee-infused spirits. In that moment, I realized the importance of keeping my tools clean but also recognized how easy it was to overlook this amidst busy service.

Expert Insights on Proper Techniques

To gain clarity on the matter, I consulted Trey Sanford, bar manager at Anchorage’s South Restaurant + Coffeehouse. His take? Rinsing is key. “Soaking in soda seems like a bozo move,” he quipped before explaining that jiggers should be rinsed as needed but don’t require obsessive cleaning between each use.

Sanford emphasized that food safety standards are met since no lips touch these tools during normal operations. He recommended being mindful of strong flavors—ingredients like Fernet or coffee liqueurs do indeed linger and require more thorough rinsing. This practical advice reaffirmed what many experienced bartenders already knew: sometimes simplicity is best.

FAQs About Jigger Cleaning

Why not just rinse with water?

Rinsing with water is usually effective for most spirits; however, some ingredients require special attention due to their strong flavors.

Is soaking in club soda really effective?

While some swear by it for preventing residue buildup, it’s generally better practice to rinse regularly instead.

How often should I clean my jigger?

A quick rinse between different spirits is usually sufficient unless you’re working with particularly pungent ingredients.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Cleanliness and Efficiency

In the world of bartending, cleanliness matters just as much as creativity and efficiency. While unconventional techniques like soaking in club soda may intrigue some bartenders looking for shortcuts, it’s essential to prioritize effective cleaning practices that ensure quality drinks without compromising sanitation.

This experience has reminded me that even small changes in our routine can spark fascinating discussions within our community—who knew a jigger could ignite such curiosity? So next time you’re at the bar or mixing cocktails at home, consider how you clean your tools and whether there might be a better way.

Photo by James Jeremy Beckers on Unsplash