This post may include affiliate links; see our disclosure policy.
What is Jagermeister? This German liqueur is not just for shots or college parties. Here’s more about it and the best cocktails to make!
The word Jägermeister might conjure up the chaos of a college frat party, but here’s the thing — this German liqueur is working on its reputation. Jagermeister is a legit herbal digestif liqueur that’s ready for a comeback.
Honestly, it has more in common with an Italian amaro than a lowbrow party drink. It’s great as a shot, but even more interesting mixed into cocktails like the Negroni or Old Fashioned. Here’s what you need to know!
What is Jagermeister?
Jägermeister is 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. Curt Mast, the son of a vinegar manufacturer, invented it. 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 Jägermeister. In the 1980s, 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 it taste like?
Jagermeister tastes herbal and complex. It’s thick and syrupy, with strong anise or black licorice notes on the finish. It resembles 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 I 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.
How much does it cost?
Compared to other liquors, Jagermeister is mid-priced. A 750 ml bottle costs about $18 to $20.
Best Jagermeister cocktails
Jagermeister is traditionally consumed as a shot, but it works in cocktails 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 cocktails:
First up, a cocktail that's better with Jager: the Jagermeister Negroni! The German liqueur adds an intriguing anise flavor to this bold cocktail, 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
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
Cousin of the ubiquitous Aperol Spritz, the Jagermeister Spritz 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
Here's one of our top modern cocktails, 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
Jagermeister is 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
A favorite way to drink Jagermeister around 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
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
Last up in our Jagermeister cocktails: the Screwdriver! Also known as Jagermeister and 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!)
The Jagermeister Negroni is an intriguing spin on the classic featuring this German liqueur! It gives it a bittersweet anise flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 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 cocktail 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
More cocktail guides
Need more liquor guides? I’ve got them! Here’s all you need to know about home bartending:
- All you need to know about these Italian liqueurs: Aperol and Campari.
- Here’s what you should know about Bitters, an essential cocktail ingredient.
- Galliano Guide: Is this bright yellow liqueur worth buying?
- Grenadine Guide is mistaken for cherry juice, but this bright syrup has a secret.
- Here’s why people love the Italian bitter, Fernet Branca.
- Hpnotiq Guide: What’s the deal with this blue liqueur from the 2000s?
- Learn about Kahlua, a popular Mexican coffee liqueur.
- What you need to know about Limoncello, an Italian citrus liqueur.
- Peanut Butter Whiskey Guide: All about the uniquely nutty Skrewball.
- More about the anise-flavored liqueur, Pernod.
Educative content..iam helped
lol
Let us know if you have any questions!