Jägermeister is a popular German liqueur that has been around for more than 80 years. As one of the most well-known alcoholic beverages in the world, many people assume it is either whiskey or rum.
Surprisingly, Jägermeister is neither whiskey nor rum. So what exactly is it? While Jägermeister is technically a liquor, it has its own unique flavor that sets it apart from whiskey and rum.
Jägermeister is not whiskey or rum, but rather an herbal liqueur. It has a unique low alcohol content of 35% ABV, 7-10 percentage points lower than either whiskey or rum.
It is made using 56 different herbs, fruits, roots, and spices. These ingredients are all steeped in alcohol for as long as two months before the mixture is distilled into a potent spirit with its unique flavor.
While many people enjoy Jägermeister, it is often used as a mixer in cocktails. One popular cocktail made with Jägermeister is the Jäggernaut, which combines the liqueur with bourbon whiskey and ginger ale over ice.
The low ABV also means that Jagermeister can be safely enjoyed for more extended periods and in higher quantities than other spirits, allowing for a subtler yet complex flavor profile to be appreciated by all.
History of Jägermeister?
Jägermeister is an herbal liqueur made in Germany and first released in 1934 [1]. It is made using 56 different botanicals including citrus peel, licorice root, juniper berries, cinnamon bark, and ginseng root.
While it was popular among hunters and outdoorsmen in Germany for its supposed digestif benefits, it gained notoriety in the U.S. as a popular choice among loud crowds looking to get drunk.
Louisiana college students began drinking it as a joke in the 1980s, and importing titan Sidney Frank saw an opportunity. His smart marketing campaign elevated its success to new heights – making it one of the most renowned drinks in the world.
Despite its grassroots origins, Jägermeister is now a sought-after spirit that has inspired countless cocktail recipes and can be found on the back bars of some of the most exclusive establishments around the globe.
From college parties to high-end nightlife, Jägermeister continues to appeal to people of all backgrounds and ages today.
Why Do People Think It’s Whisky or Rum?
The confusion between Jägermeister and whisky/rum likely stems from the fact that it looks like whisky when poured into a glass – its dark brown color makes it appear similar to whiskey or bourbon.
Some bottles of Jägermeister also feature images of antlers or deer on their labels which could lead people to believe it was a type of whisky because of its name (in German ‘Meister’ translates to ‘master’).
As for why some people might confuse it with rum, this may be due to the popularity of the cocktail ‘Jagerbomb’ which combines Red Bull energy drink with the liqueur. Red Bull is typically mixed with rum rather than whiskey so this could lead to confusion between the two spirits.
Jägermeister Original Use
Jägermeister has certainly come into its own in the modern day. It was originally brewed for a much different purpose than what it is now famed for, as a digestif meant to follow dinner and help with digestion.
Nowadays, you’re just as likely to find Jägermeister at a college party or dinner party as served after dinner.
You might not realize that this strong drink may offer some health benefits albeit in small quantities.
This German liquor made with 56 herbs, blossoms, roots, and fruits is said to have anti-inflammatory properties, possibly due to the many antioxidants in its ingredients.
Those same properties also make it a possible remedy for headaches and insomnia. Apart from being a delicious indulgence on special occasions, Jägermeister can be a modern way of taking advantage of the health benefits many herbal drinks bring.
Whether you’re sipping on Jägermeister for digestion or for health benefits, one thing is clear – this unique spirit has become a global phenomenon with no signs of slowing down.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – despite appearances, Jägermeister isn’t whisky or rum but in fact, an herbal liqueur made using 56 different botanicals including citrus peel, licorice root, and ginseng root.
It has been around since 1934 and while its flavor profile may not be for everyone, its popularity continues to grow yearly as more people try this unique spirit for themselves.
If you’re looking for a new drink to try then why not give Jägermeister a go – I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
Additional Reading
- I Finally Found the Words to Describe Jägermeister – (Link)
