I Bought This Giant Measuring Cup After Watching Ina Garten Use It on Instagram
I do whatever Ina Garten tells me to, and haven’t regretted it yet. If there’s any professional cook I trust to steer me in the right direction, it’s Ina. Her fun, lighthearted demeanor and cool-as-a-cucumber approach to cooking and entertaining has inspired loads of home cooks, including myself. Plus, you’ve got to admit, the woman does cocktail hour in style.
Which brings me to the point at hand. I bought a totally simple kitchen tool after watching Ina use it on Instagram, and it has been incredibly useful in a *very* unexpected way. The tool at hand is a 1-quart glass measuring cup made by Pyrex. I know what you might be thinking: “Big deal.” You may even have one or two at home. (I had sadly lost mine in a breakup years ago, so I was due for a replacement.) But here’s why this size, in particular, is a must for every kitchen … even if you never cook.
In the IG video, Ina uses her measuring cup to mix up cocktails. Yep. Cocktails! In fact, the video, which is a blooper compilation, features Ina using multiple Pyrex measuring cups — in plenty of different sizes. As any mixologist will tell you, the difference between a Cosmopolitan and a glass of vodka and cranberry juice is the proportions. (Okay, and the Cointreau. But I digress.) See, creating bar-worthy cocktails at home is about precision, and the recipes really matter. No wonder my DIY negronis always tasted so weird: I always eyeballed the ingredients.
Note: Ina’s favorite pepper mill also sits front and center in this Instagram video!
My measuring cup allows me to measure in 1/3-cup increments or ounces, which is really helpful, especially for large-format cocktails, such as when I’m making a batch of drinks for friends. Another sneaky reason this measuring cup is so great? There’s a narrow pour spout, so I don’t spill a drop as I transfer the liquids to my shaker. Best of all, it’s made from thick, Pyrex-quality glass with an ergonomic handle, so it can hold hot liquids. (Hot Toddy Season will be back before you know it.)
I can’t believe it took me so long to replace my big glass measuring cup, but now that I’ve unlocked this smart use for it, I’ll never let it out of my sight again — especially when the clock starts nearing 5 p.m.
Do you use a measuring cup for cocktails, or do you eyeball the ingredients?