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What is Jagermeister? This German liqueur is not just for shots or college parties. Here’s more about it and the best co*cktails to make!
The word Jägermeistermight conjure up the chaos of a college frat party, but here’s the thing: this German liqueur is working on its reputation. Jagermeisteris a legit herbal digestif liqueur that’s ready for a comeback. Honestly, it’s got more in common with an Italian amaro than a crappy party drink. It’s great as a shot, but even more interesting mixed into co*cktails like the Negroni or Old Fashioned. Here’s what you need to know!
What is Jagermeister?
Jägermeisteris a German digestif liqueur made with 56 different herbs and botanicals, invented in 1934. It’s 35% ABV, which is relatively high alcohol for a liqueur. It was invented by the son of a vinegar manufacturer, Curt Mast, who was passionate about hunting. He aptly named his creation “Hunting Master,” the term for a German official in charge of hunting and gaming.
So how did it go from German liqueur to college party drink of choice? An American marketing genius. A man named Sidney Frank ran the liquor importing company that imported Jagermeister. In the 1980’s, he promoted the drink to students as a party drink and it caught on. So without Frank, Jager would still be a drink for middle-aged Germans.
Popularity of the drink in the US has slowed lately, probably due to its retro college partier status. But try it anew, and it has a complex, intriguing flavor that’s much more than its reputation would suggest.
How to pronounce Jagermeister?It’s German, so say it “YAY-gurr-mai-ster.”
What does Jagermeister taste like?
Jagermeister tastes herbal and complex: it’s thick and syrupy, with strong anise or black licorice notes on the finish. It’s most similar to an Italian amaro (bitter liqueur) like Amaro Nonino.
How much alcohol is in Jagermeister?It is 35% ABV (alcohol by volume), so it has a high alcohol content for a liqueur.
Why we like it
Jager is for so much more than a Jagerbomb (aka Jagermeister and Red Bull). Treat it like a German version of an Italian amaro. It’s fun to sip on chilled after a meal, or add to drinks like a Spritzer, Negroni, Mule or Old Fashioned.
What is the price of Jagermeister?
Compared to other liquors, Jagermeister ismid-priced. A 750 ml bottle costs about $18 to 20.
Best Jagermeister co*cktails
Jagermeister is traditionally consumed as a shot, but it works in co*cktails too! It’s best known for mixing with Red Bull as the popular party drink, a Jagerbomb. But this liqueur is much more interesting than that! Here are a few great Jagermeister co*cktails:
JagermeisterNegroni
First up, a co*cktail that's better with Jager: the Jagermeister Negroni! The German liqueur adds an intriguing anise flavor to this bold co*cktail, pairing it with gin and sweet vermouth. It's complex and even more interesting than the classic. (Sub it for Cynar in the linked recipe.)
Ingredients: Jagermeister, gin, sweet vermouth
Jagermeister Old Fashioned
This unique Jagermeister drink is a sophisticated spin on everyone's favorite: the Old Fashioned. Mix it with rye whiskey and add ice: you’ll notice the black licorice essence on the finish.
Ingredients: Jagermeister, rye whiskey, bitters, sugar
Jagermeister Spritz
Cousin of the ubiquitousAperol Spritz, the JagermeisterSpritz is the perfect way to drink this liqueur! It’s got a nuance in flavor that’s much more intriguing than the sweet, citrusy orange standard. (Sub it for Cynar in the linked recipe.)
Ingredients: Jagermeister, sparkling wine, club soda
JagermeisterPaper Plane
Here's one of our top modern co*cktails, redone: the Paper Plane! This one is a brilliant study in balance and contrast. It’s bitter, sweet and tangy all at once, hitting a magical synergy between the bourbon and amaro. Because Jagermeister tastes a lot like Amaro Nonino, it's a perfect swap here. (Sub it for Amaro Nonino in the linked recipe.)
Ingredients: Bourbon whiskey, Aperol, Jagermeister, lemon juice
JagermeisterMule
Jagermeisteris surprisingly good in a Moscow Mule! The bold flavor of Jager melds well into the assertive ginger beer. It's oddly refreshing and a great use for this German liqueur. (Sub it for vodka in the linked recipe.)
Ingredients: Jagermeister, ginger beer, lime
JagermeisterHighball
A favorite way to drink Jagermeisteraround here? With club soda! Just add bubbles and it tastes beautifully effervescent: almost like cola! It's a quick and easy way to make it sippable. (Sub it for whiskey in the linked recipe.)
Ingredients: Jagermeister, club soda
Jagermeisterand Ginger Ale
Another great mixer for Jagermeister? Ginger ale! The sweet, bubbly ale melds seamlessly with the bitter, herbal liqueur. This one's a little smoother than the Mule above. (Sub it for tequila in the linked recipe.)
Ingredients: Jagermeister, ginger ale
JagermeisterScrewdriver
Last up in our Jagermeister co*cktails: the Screwdriver! Also known as Jagermeisterand orange juice, it's a seamless pairing: bitter, herbal liqueur and sweet tart juice. (Sub it for vodka in the linked recipe.)
Ingredients: Jagermeister, orange juice
Jagermeister Negroni (& More!)
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5 from 1 review
- Author: Sonja Overhiser
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
The Jagermeister Negroni is an intriguing spin on the classic featuring this German liqueur! It gives it a bittersweet anise flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ounce* gin
- 1 ounce sweet or semi-sweet red vermouth
- 1 ounce Jägermeister
- Ice, for serving (try clear ice!)
- For the garnish: Lemon peel
Instructions
- Combine the gin, sweet vermouth, and Jägermeister in a co*cktail mixing glass (or any other type of glass). Fill the mixing glass with 1 handful ice and stir continuously for 30 seconds.
- Add ice to a lowball glass, and strain the drink into the glass.
- Use a knife to remove a 1″ wide strip of the lemon peel. Squeeze the lemon peel into the drink to release the oils. Gently run the peel around the edge of the glass, then place it in the glass and serve.
Notes
*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: co*cktails
- Diet: Vegan
More co*cktail guides
Need moreliquor guides? We’ve got them! Here’s all you need to know about home bartending:
- Aperol GuideandCampari GuideAll you need to know about these Italian liqueurs.
- Bitters Guide Here’s what to know about this essential co*cktail ingredient
- Galliano GuideIs this bright yellow liqueur worth buying?
- Grenadine GuideIt’s mistaken as cherry, but this bright syrup has a secret.
- Fernet Branca GuideHere’s why people love this Italian bitter.
- Hpnotiq GuideWhat’s the deal with this blue liqueur from the 2000’s?
- Kahlua GuideLearn about this popular Mexican coffee liqueur
- LimoncelloWhat you need to know about this Italian citrus liqueur
- Peanut Butter Whiskey GuideAll about the uniquely nutty Skrewball
- PernodMore about this anise-flavored liqueur
Published on / Last updated on
Categorized In:
- Drink Recipes
- Liquor Guides
- Recipes
About the authors
Sonja & Alex
Hi, we’re Alex and Sonja Overhiser, married cookbook authors, food bloggers, and recipe developers. We founded A Couple Cooks to share fresh, seasonal recipes for memorable kitchen moments! Our recipes are made by two real people and work every time.
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