Thimble measures

A thimble measure is a stamped spirit measure that pours an exact legal quantity — in the UK, 25ml or 35ml for spirits, and multiples of those.

  • UK spirit measures are 25ml or 35ml u2014 pick one and use it throughout
  • Trade use requires a stamped measure; unstamped is for home only
  • A dented measure no longer holds its stated volume

Showing all 6 results

Showing all 6 results

Serving spirits by measure is a legal requirement in the UK, not a matter of house style. Gin, rum, vodka and whisky must be sold in 25ml or 35ml quantities or multiples of them, the premises must use one or the other rather than mixing them, and the customer has to be told which. A stamped measure is the evidence that what you poured is what you charged for.

How to choose

What to know

The stamp is the part that matters. A measure carrying a government stamp or CE/UKCA mark has been verified as accurate and is acceptable for trade use; an unstamped one of the same shape is not, however accurately it happens to pour. If you are buying for a bar rather than for home, check for the stamp before you check the price.

What to know

Thimbles are simple and they last, but they do get dropped. A measure that is visibly dented no longer holds its stated volume and should come out of service u2014 the dent is on the inside as well as the outside.

Common questions

Is 25ml or 35ml correct in the UK?

Both are legal, but a premises must choose one and use it consistently for spirits sold by measure, and must make clear to customers which is in use. Doubles are simply two of whichever you have chosen.

What does the stamp on a measure mean?

That it has been verified as pouring its stated volume, which is what makes it acceptable for selling spirits by measure. An unstamped measure is fine at home and not acceptable behind a bar.

Have a look at

Wine & champagne coolersBar equipment