Jagermeister
Jägermeister is a German herbal liqueur, or Kräuterlikör, known worldwide for its dark color, complex bitter-sweet flavor, and distinctive green bottle with an orange label. Made from a closely guarded recipe of 56 herbs, roots, fruits, and spices, it is bottled at 35% alcohol by volume (70 proof).
The brand's iconic emblem features a stag with a glowing cross between its antlers, referencing the legend of Saint Hubertus, the patron saint of hunters. Traditionally served ice-cold as a chilled shot, Jägermeister has also become a staple in cocktails and party culture around the globe.
Jägermeister is a German herbal liqueur, or Kräuterlikör, known worldwide for its dark color, complex bitter-sweet flavor, and distinctive green bottle with an orange label.
Read more about Jagermeister
Jägermeister is a German herbal liqueur, or Kräuterlikör, known worldwide for its dark color, complex bitter-sweet flavor, and distinctive green bottle with an orange label. Made from a closely guarded recipe of 56 herbs, roots, fruits, and spices, it is bottled at 35% alcohol by volume (70 proof).
The brand's iconic emblem features a stag with a glowing cross between its antlers, referencing the legend of Saint Hubertus, the patron saint of hunters. Traditionally served ice-cold as a chilled shot, Jägermeister has also become a staple in cocktails and party culture around the globe.
History and Origins
Jägermeister was created by Curt Mast, who developed the recipe in the town of Wolfenbüttel, Germany, and first released it in 1935. The name translates roughly to 'master hunter' or 'hunt master,' a term historically tied to German forestry and hunting officials. The Mast family business has remained the producer, and the brand is still headquartered in Wolfenbüttel today.
Following World War II, Jägermeister grew into one of Germany's most successful spirit exports. By the late 20th century it had become a global phenomenon, particularly popular in bars and nightlife scenes, helped in part by its association with rock and metal music culture.
The stag emblem and the surrounding lettering reference Saint Hubertus and Saint Eustace, both linked to the vision of a stag bearing a cross. This heritage imagery reinforces the brand's connection to hunting tradition and the German forests where it originated.
Production and House Style
Jägermeister is made from a blend of 56 botanicals, including herbs, blossoms, roots, and citrus peels, though the exact recipe is kept secret. These ingredients are macerated and combined, then the liqueur is aged in oak casks for an extended period before final blending, filtration, and bottling.
The result is a dark, syrupy liqueur with a layered profile of licorice, anise, citrus, warm spice, and gentle herbal bitterness balanced by sweetness. At 35% ABV, it sits comfortably in the digestif category while remaining approachable for mixing.
The traditional serve is ice-cold, poured straight from a bottle kept in the freezer or served from a chilled tap. At sub-zero temperatures the liqueur becomes thicker and smoother, with its sweetness more pronounced and its bitterness softened.
Range and What to Expect
The flagship expression is the classic Jägermeister herbal liqueur in its familiar dark bottle. Beyond this, the brand has released line extensions such as Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee, which blends the original recipe with coffee and cacao notes, and Jägermeister Manifest, a higher-strength, oak-aged version aimed at sipping.
Seasonal and limited editions have also appeared over the years, along with ready-to-drink and specialty formats in various markets. Bottle sizes commonly range from small 50ml minis and 375ml half-bottles up to standard 750ml and larger 1L and 1.75L formats.
When buying, consider how you plan to use it. The classic bottle is ideal for chilled shots and cocktails like the Jägerbomb, while Jägermeister Manifest is better suited to slow sipping. Always store opened bottles in a cool place, and keep the one you drink most often in the freezer for the authentic ice-cold serve.