What Type Of Alcohol Is Jägermeister?

Jägermeister's syrupy texture and intense fusion of flavors make it a really divisive beverage. For most people, you either love it or you hate it. But what exactly is in it in the first place? Well, at its most basic, Jägermeister is an herbal liqueur in the same realm as other liqueurs like Aperol and Campari. Also a well-known digestif and Kräuterlikör, its name roughly translates to "master hunter" in German (it's produced in Wolfenbüttel, Germany). 

Kräuterlikör, also known as a half-bitter, is a term associated with a few herb-based European liqueurs, mostly German, including Jägermeister, Underberg, Hungarian Unicum, and more. True to the name, these herbaceous libations are bitter-sweet. While each herbal liqueur is different, most come from neutral grain alcohol or vodka because those base spirits are a perfect canvas to infuse with other flavors. 

This particular 70-proof spirit comes from 56 different herbs, fruits, and roots that are ground and steeped together with water and alcohol, then filtered and left to mature for a year in oak barrels. After a year is up, the drink is filtered for purity and sweetened with additions like sugar and caramel, then bottled and shipped around the world for imbibers to enjoy. While the actual recipe for Jägermeister is a closely guarded secret, we do know that some prominent additions include licorice, citrus peel, ginger, and anise — and the recipe is 100% vegan.

Because of its super secret recipe (only six people in the world are privy to that information), it's hard to say exactly what's in Jägermeister. (Although its elusive nature does entice us to sip it all the more.) The drink is often consumed chilled as a shot (which is why it has a loose reputation as a college drink), but the wonderfully complex flavors within those emerald green bottles are worth slowly savoring. 

To get a true taste of Jägermeister, sip on it as a digestif or aperitif to let those deep amber hues and herbaceous flavors blossom and shine. Its flavorful richness also makes it a great addition to elevate other drinks. Mix it with seltzer in a cold glass, or try it as a swap for whiskey in a whiskey sour (also known as a Jäger sour). Next, try it in a refreshing Mint Julep, or if you fancy a margarita, try a Jägerita. You could even swap it out for Aperol for your next spritz.

With its rich abundance of botanicals, Jägermeister is a much more versatile choice than you might think, as it can pair with a truly diverse lineup of drinks. For all the Jäger skeptics out there, it's worth giving this silly beverage another try in one of these unique forms.