In the United States, Jagermeister has a bit of a reputation as a party drink. It isn't surprising, really. Not only was it originally marketed that way, but with a 35% ABV, it is one of the liquors with the highest alcohol content. Perfect for parties!
But, what does Jagermeister taste like? How can you use Jagermeister in your cocktails? Read on.
What Does Jagermeister Taste Like?
The taste of Jagermeister is complex. When I say complex, I mean it is seriously complex. Over 50 different herbs and plants go into the formulation of this drink. As a result, it is very syrupy and thick in texture. Many people have likened it to a medicine, albeit one that you probably won't mind downing!
Where there are a few complicated notes in Jagermeister, the predominant taste is that of aniseed or licorice. It has a very bitter taste. Honestly, if you aren't a fan of licorice, then you probably won't be a fan of Jagermeister.
One of the exciting things about Jagermeister is that complexity. It makes it a beautiful drink when you drink it neat. However, pair it with a few other flavors, and you can end up with a rather unique cocktail.
Jagerbomb
I want to start with the most classic Jager cocktail of them all. The Jagerbomb. The one that I have no doubt many of you have downed many of. It is the ultimate party cocktail. You don't have to shake anything. You don't need many ingredients, nor do you even need a set glass.
All you need to do is dump one shot of Jagermeister in a glass of energy drink (Red Bull is the typical drink) and you are ready to roll.
It is somewhat of an odd combination. The fruitiness of the energy drink cuts through the bitterness of the Jagermeister. Oh, and you get that energy burst so you can dance the night away.
California Surfer
I think the California Surfer is one of my favorite Jager-focused cocktails. This is because it shows just how you can really make the complex flavors of the Jagermeister work.
The California Surfer, with its coconut rum and pineapple juice, really has a tropical vibe to it. Throw in some ice and Jagermeister and you have a drink like no other.
The California Surfer is perfect for drinking on those hot, summer days. Make sure you serve it in an old-fashioned glass.
Jager Martini
Gin and Jagermeister are both complicated herbal drinks. This means that they are often substituted for one another in certain recipes. So, why not substitute the gin for a Jager in the classic Martini?
i know that there are some people that are pretty precious about their Martini. They will say that the only true Martini is a gin with a small amount of dry vermouth. It isn't. There have been hundreds of variations of the martini over the years, and using Jager is just another one of them.
A Jager Martini has a much more complicated taste than a gin-based Martini. You still get the tang from the dry vermouth, but the flavor is much more herbal. If you aren't a fan of the bitterness of neat Jagermeister, then this may be right up your alley.
The beauty of a Jager Martini is that there is no 'right time' to drink one. Drink it whenever the mood is right (or you can't find another cocktail to fill that void). Just make sure you drink it in a martini glass.
Bed of Roses
I have some more fruitiness for you with the Bed of Roses cocktail. The base of the Bed of Roses cocktail is lemon juice, lime juice, and a whole heap of grenadine. All ingredients that somebody serious about cocktail-making will have sitting around their home.
The citrus flavors will help to cut through that bitterness. Honestly, the Bed of Roses ends up tasting like very fruity licorice.
German Vacation
If you want one of the more complicated Jagermeister-focused cocktails, then the German Vacation is perfect.
Despite the name, this was not invented in Germany. It was likely invented somewhere in New York City. Chances are that it was at Amor y Amargo.
One of the things I love about this drink is the 'journey' it takes you on. Obviously, you have the hints of Germany in the Jagermeister. However, you also have the Mediterranean flavors (with the lime and lemon juice), touches of Africa with orgeat, and even dashes of the Caribbean with hints of rum and ginger. Honestly, German Vacation is a very apt name for this cocktail. It will take you on a tour of the world.
It isn't an easy cocktail to make by any stretch of the imagination, and it is one that you are probably going to be saving for special events. Serve in a tall glass with lots of crushed ice.
Friday Night in the Grove
I love cocktails that feature tequila. You can get pretty experimental with them. You have earthy tequilas, fruity tequilas, and tequilas that you will probably want to spit out the second they touch your tongue (there is a reason why you use salt with a tequila!)
Mixing tequila with Jagermeister is a wonderful pairing. You can switch up the tequila to create a whole host of different flavors. Don't like the bitterness of Jagermeister? Throw in a sweet tequila. Want more bitterness? Say hello to a tequila that errs on the earthy side. You can create a drink just for yourself.
The drink is rounded out with a dash of grapefruit, syrup, and a sprinkling of salt.
You don't need many ingredients for Friday Night In The Grove, and the ones that you do need, you likely have sitting around your home anyway. It is a great way to put those old bottles of tequila to use.
This drink was created by the team at Jagermeister too, so you know it is going to put their drink in the best light.