Jägermeister, it’s that seminal spirit that brings flashbacks of college nights filed with shots and Red Bull. But, as we’ve grown up, so too have our drinking habits, and chances are, if you have a bottle of Jägermeister it’s been sitting on that shelf reminding you of those early days and not much else.
But here’s the thing, Jäger doesn’t have to be restricted to those wild nights; after all we’re talking about a herbal liqueur that has existed since 1934 with 56 different ingredients, and has a much more robust application that you might expect. Which ultimately means that there are some creative cocktail opportunities Jäger can present that no other spirit can.
So, for all the adults out there, break out that bottle of Jäger and try out these five unique cocktails:
SUMMER SANGRIA
Tossing Jägermeister into a sangria recipe adds an interesting herbaceous note to an already very drinkable sangria.
8 parts Jägermeister
1 bottle Rose Wine
4 parts Mango or Pineapple Juice
4 parts Orange Juice
2 parts Grapefruit Juice
4 parts Simple Syrup
Combine all ingredients except simple syrup in a large reseal-able container. Add simple syrup to a point of balance. Allow to sit for two hours. Serve in a pitcher with slices of orange, grapefruit and apple.
JAGER OLD FASHIONED
This twist on the traditional Old Fashioned replaces the bitter and sugar with Jägermeister, which adds some interesting complexity to the classic cocktail.
1 ½ parts Jägermeister
1 ½ parts Rye Whiskey
Combine ingredients in a mixing glass and stir to chill. Pour into rocks glass.
Garnish with an orange peel.
JAGERITA
Yes, Jägermeister while German, can even replace Tequila for a creative twist on a Margarita. Jäger goes surprisingly well with Orange Liqueur.
2 parts Jägermeister
½ part Premium Orange Liqueur
1 part Fresh Lime Juice or Sour Mix
Combine ingredients in a shaker glass, shake & serve over rocks or blended with ice in a Margarita glass.
Garnish rim with Salt (optional) and slice of lime.
CALIFORNIA SURFER
For those summer months, this makes for a refreshing and spicier take on cocktails like Blue Hawaiians.
1 ½ parts Jägermeister
1 ½ parts Coconut Rum
5 parts Pineapple Juice
Combine all ingredients in a shaker glass with ice, shake well and strain into a tall glass with ice.
Garnish with a slice of orange.
BERLIN MULE
Jäger and ginger is a natural fit, and so this riff on a classic Moscow Mule is a perfect pairing.
2 parts Jägermeister
3 parts Ginger Beer
Squeeze of Lemon
Pour Jägermeister and lemon juice in a rocks glass with ice, stir gently and top with ginger beer.
Garnish with a slice of lime.
Ale/Sessions 