Pony

Measure

A pony is a bar measure of 1 oz (30 ml), smaller than the standard 1.5 oz (44 ml) US shot.

Also called: pony shot

Pony: 1 oz (30 ml)
Jigger (standard US shot): 1.5 oz (44 ml)
Historic pony: 0.75 to 1 oz (22 to 30 ml)

What pony means

Old recipes that call for a pony mean about 1 oz (30 ml) of spirit, a little under the standard shot. Older bar books list the measure anywhere from 0.75 to 1 oz (22 to 30 ml). Ask for a pony at a bar when you want a smaller pour than usual.

A pony is a size, and a jigger is the tool that measures it. The small cup on a classic jigger holds one pony, while the large cup holds the 1.5 oz (44 ml) standard. Pony glasses and pony beers are small containers, so the word can also point to a glass or a bottle.

Most beginners assume a pony and a jigger are the same thing. They are not. A pony is 1 oz (30 ml), while the standard jigger pour, the usual shot, is 1.5 oz (44 ml). Check the cup size before you pour, since jiggers differ.

How much is a pony, and how to measure it

Use the small side of a jigger, or a spoon, to hit 1 oz (30 ml) exactly.

1.Fill the 1 oz (30 ml) side of a double jigger to its brim.
2.Without a jigger, measure 2 tablespoons, which holds 1 oz (30 ml).
3.Tip the measure into the glass in one smooth pour, so none of it clings to the cup.

Pony compared

ShotAgainst the usual 1.5 oz (44 ml) US shot, a pony is one third less.
JiggerA jigger is the tool that holds both cups, and the small one is the pony.
Pony glassA pony glass is a small glass and a pony beer is a small bottle. The bar measure is still 1 oz (30 ml) of spirit.

Related terms

Put it to use in your next drink

Garçon explains every step as you make the drink.