Editorials

The Secrets of Jägermeister

One of the most mysterious alcoholic beverages of all time, the green bottled Jägermeister. The name Jägermeister is a German word which translates to “Master Hunter.” What the heck is this crazy stuff? It is truly a mystery because the recipe which makes up the German Jägermeister is held a secret.

What is its odd taste? It’s a liquor, containing 35% alcohol by volume, which is flavored with a series of herbs. It’s said to be a blend of 56 different herbs, but since we’re talking about a secret recipe we can only guess what which herbs they are talking about. We know the company that creates the product, Mast-Jägermeister AG, has its main facility is located in Wolfenbüttel, Germany so perhaps we can eaves drop on their conversations? Maybe not.

It is suggested that the drink be kept in the freezer, typically -18 °C (0 °F), and “on tap” machines will cool it to between -11 °C to -15 °C (5 °F to 12 °F) (www.jaegermeister.de). I’ve noticed hardcore Jäger drinkers always chill their bottle…here I thought it was done to weaken its potency… nope, but it’s part of the instructions!

This herb liquor, or “Kräuterlikör” in German, is the most widely exported brand. As a matter of fact, very few herb liquors seem to be exported from the country so we’re blessed with the ever famous Jägermeister.

The bottle has a little poem on the side to bring a deeper theme to the Master Hunter and the logo of a stag below a glowing cross.

This is the hunter’s badge of honour,
that he protect and nourish his game,
hunt sportingly, as is proper,
and honour the Creator in the creature.
Or, in German:
Das ist des Jägers Ehrenschild,
daß er beschützt und hegt sein Wild,
weidmännisch jagt, wie sich’s gehört,
den Schöpfer im Geschöpfe ehrt.

Some folks think Jägermeister takes like a medicine, which makes a bit of sense considering it’s used as a herbal remedy in some German homes (or used to be). It was introduced to the public in 1935 and has been used to remedy a cough or assist with digestive problems.

So, what do people say it tastes like? One of the best responses (although a bit negative) has been:

“Imagine you took a black crayon and melted it with some rubber, then added sugar. Finally, mix in some mouthwash flavored like dark purple cough syrup. This is about what it tastes like… very unpleasant. I think you could find many better things to drink. Besides, you don’t actually “drink” Jägermeister. You guzzle it down your pipe as fast as possible so you don’t subject yourself to the nauseating taste any longer than necessary. A much better shot would be peppermint schnapps.” (yahoo.com)

On the positive side, we’ve heard it described as a “delicious, herbal, spicy” and “a wonderful after dinner drink” with “nice aroma, body, appearance, supposed herbal qualities.” Like a red wine, Jägermeister is an acquired taste…or perhaps you’re born with a Jäger gene and those with the gene are crazy about their Jägermeister.

Anyone that’s spent time talking about this beverage with a few drunk friends has no doubt heard the rumor that it contains deer blood. Although the recipe is not disclosed the concept of using deer blood has been disproved on snopes.com:

“Were blood one of the ingredients, Jägermeister would not be able to control the brewing results as accurately as it does. Blood would break down during processing, rendering one batch of formula after another unsuitable for use.”

Whoa, common sense… blood doesn’t brew well. The trick to keeping the rumor alive is the secret recipe that the company hides well but refuses to disprove blood being used (as it helps keep up hype of the product). Think about it this way, what makes you a real man? Drinking deers blood in a ritual sacrifice of course! That will sell a few more bottles of Jägermeister!

I highly suggest trying out a bit of the Jäger and tell us what you think. Do you have the gene?

Fun facts, in Germany, today, the person responsible for a regions hunting regulations is given the title “Jägermeister” which makes more sense than naming the liquor by the same title.

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46 Comments

  • Reply
    pjohn
    November 24, 2008 at 9:42 pm

    Hey ,I tried this drink for the first time. I think it has a strong licorice flavor, I really can taste a high dose of anise. It is an acquired taste. I think it is in a class all by itself. The best thing about liquerors’ the experience of tasting something different and creating a melting pot of cultural flavors using other flavors brings out the Michangelo experience( a creative masterpiece). It is call diversity. Thank God for giving us variety, and colorful experiences, without this gift life would be very drab.

    Give it a try if it is not your cup of tea; a drink believe it or not, is dislike by many people, but there are other options. Live life with courage and an open mind and you surely will find something that tickles your fancy.

  • Reply
    pebo
    December 18, 2008 at 6:33 pm

    Jager tea is a great winter drink. Brew a cup of tea and add a shot of Jagermeister along with a brown sugar cube. First had it in Switzerland after skiing.

  • Reply
    bjorn
    December 28, 2008 at 5:00 pm

    I am a german and i like this drink very much,especally in the winter time.

    If you dont like it pure,it tastes great with orange juice (mixed 3:1) or any other kind of fruits.

  • Reply
    Simona
    December 30, 2008 at 1:27 am

    Jager is the best dring out there. It is not ‘gut rot’ and defiantly is a requried taste but those who drink it, drink it religiously. I refuse to drink any other liquor.

    I have modified the ever popular ‘Jagerbomb’ which is dranken with redbull and created “Jagermonster’ wich is dranken with you guessed it, monster. It is much smoother and cheaper. Try it.

  • Reply
    shane
    February 18, 2009 at 11:26 pm

    I absolutley love YAGER

  • Reply
    Jerry Brendle
    March 17, 2009 at 6:18 am

    I really love Jagermeister and have a couple of shots every night. I have read everything I can find on its production and ingredients to try to understand more about it as well. I have also tried and tried to email Mast Jagermeister and ask them some questions but never receive the courtesy of a reply.

    What I don’t quite understand is why, after going through all this elaborate production technique supposedly involving 56 herbs, spices, barks and woods, that it is supposed to be served so super ice-cold which would just seem to be counterproductive to enjoying the taste of all these aromatic compounds? Is it just that it’s so nasty tasting otherwise it’s unpalatable? Is it just to suppress the high alcohol taste?

  • Reply
    Derrick Schommer
    March 17, 2009 at 10:32 am

    Jerry,

    I’m not sure who says it’s supposed to be served super cold of if that’s what the social circles are doing (and have been for years). I’ve also heard that it should be served super cold, but I’ve also heard it has deer blood in it, which is untrue.

    Personally, my Jager is on the shelf not in the freezer. I drink it at room temperature and love it that way. It’s unique and different, has tons of flavors and aromas that do, indeed, get dulled down upon freezing.

    The cold will destroy a lot of the flavors and ruin the natural tastes of the spirit. I suggest going against what others say and doing your own thing: Drink it as you love it. I’m sure the folks at Jagermeister would tell you the same if they were nice and got back to you (this is a huge problem in general with companies on the internet; they should PAY ATTENTION to their community)

    Chill will suppress the alcohols, a reason people also chill vodka. I’d not put ice in my red wine, I’m not going to put my jager in the freezer. End of story 🙂

  • Reply
    Chelle
    July 8, 2009 at 10:06 pm

    Oh man… I do love the Jager! The first time I ever drank it, the licorice flavor was a bit overwhelming… but somewhere along the line, I acquired a taste for it. It’s now the only alcohol I will drink. I keep my Jager at room temp, as I’ve found it gets thicker when cold and the flavor is muted. On weeknights, I drink it followed by cola or fruit punch. On weekends, I follow it with Rockstar Punched… it REALLY compliments the flavor! (I call it Jagerock) Best alcoholic drink out there, in my opinion!

  • Reply
    Shyro
    September 3, 2009 at 6:48 am

    Once you’ve acquired a taste for Jager, it is difficult to drink anything else – so bizarre, considering how nasty it tasted the first time I tried it. I drink it at night, room temperature and it does seem to act as a digestive remedy. I don’t know what herbs are in it but I agree with the commentor above – it seems to have an anise-type quality.

  • Reply
    Stephen
    November 7, 2009 at 1:23 am

    I’m trying it for the first time tonight, having heard so much about it. Man, I like it. There’s definitely something to it. I don’t know what, but it has something about it. I chilled it for a couple of hours before drinking, just because that’s what I was told to do, but will try it at room temperature for comparison. I like the taste, and in an hour or so I will no doubt be absolutely shit-faced.

  • Reply
    Andrew
    January 26, 2010 at 4:33 pm

    Derrick,

    I agree 100%, my bottle is kept under my bed so its always close instead of locked away in my freezer down stairs, and it tastes so much better at room temp.

  • Reply
    Derek Bradley
    February 27, 2010 at 8:43 pm

    Jagermester is amazing I am sick with a bad cold / headcold and I plan on a few drinks of Jagermester to help me feel top of the world, whether it is the intoxication or the herbal blend the next day I tend to feel great! Cheers to the makers from the bottom of my glass!

  • Reply
    damian
    May 29, 2010 at 1:37 am

    This thing is bomb !!! I tryed it and damn mixed it with this other juice and sure it was good.!

  • Reply
    Bryan
    July 2, 2010 at 4:44 pm

    I have had a shot of Jager every evening after dinner for 3 month’s! And It truly dose help with Digestion.
    I have suffered with IBS-C for years and this old Herbal brew is the only thing that works!!!!!
    I have stopped taking all my harsh Laxatives and as a Big plus no Aspirin or pain relievers for my arthritides

  • Reply
    sick in philadelphia
    July 24, 2010 at 7:15 pm

    I detest liquorice, but really enjoy the flavor of this. I hate ALL anise flavored liquors I’ve tried in my life – but this I enjoyed upon first sip. Which really surprises people who know me, because all I drink is Seagrams 7. I won’t touch anything else. I have a cold, and thought this might help. BOY DID IT HIT THE SPOT! I feel so much better. Great for a scratchy throat? Remains to be seen how I feel tomorrow.

  • Reply
    Jagermeister Does Not Contain Deer Blood « Broken Secrets
    October 15, 2010 at 4:01 am

    […] The Bitter Truth, Everyday Drinkers, Snopes, Wikipedia […]

  • Reply
    Steffe
    October 19, 2010 at 3:08 am

    jaeger is awesome .. it feels like it was the only thing that could make the pain in my stomach go away when i had problems with it , but ofc with all the herbs there cant be any bad things happening, 1 shot a day REALLY keeps the doctor away 😉

  • Reply
    Jinxy
    March 5, 2011 at 9:22 am

    I’ve always loved Jager. If anyone asks me what my favorite drink is the word is already out of my mouth.
    Tip: don’t take twelve shots within 30 minutes, my friend was trying it for the first time and got carried away.

  • Reply
    Steph
    December 24, 2011 at 5:24 pm

    my friend absolutely loves Jager. he drinks it all the time. me on the other hand, not so keen. i tried it once and almost threw it back up. it’s definitely an acquired taste and it seems to be a sort of marmite love or hate taste. people seem to much prefer the ‘Jagerbomb’ mix of red bull and Jager for a less offensive taste, although even i would argue it tastes much better straight. there are just many pros and cons to this drink and everyone seems to have a different opinion..

  • Reply
    Bryce
    January 17, 2012 at 7:41 am

    fennel would have to be one of the herbs

  • Reply
    danielle
    April 8, 2012 at 12:10 am

    tastes really great with redbull.i usually don’t do “jagerbombs” if i am gonna take a shot of jager i take it straight. but if i want a mixed drink.i will just get me a tall glass.put a couple shots of jager in it, and add some redbull and sip on it.another good drink is the “redheaded slut” it has jager, peach schnapps and cranberry juice

  • Reply
    ari
    June 17, 2012 at 1:37 am

    Does anyone know whether or not Germans actually drink Jagermeister themselves?

  • Reply
    BubbaT
    July 10, 2012 at 7:04 pm

    Never cared much for Jager. Being that it’s only 70 proof I’m still amazed it’s as popular as it is. It tastes like death. It doesn’t make you horny or give you visions so whats the point?

  • Reply
    AnonD
    August 9, 2012 at 2:04 pm

    > pebo
    > December 18, 2008 at 6:33 pm
    > Jager tea is a great winter drink.

    Jäger tea is made with rum, not Jägermeister.

  • Reply
    lindsee
    September 25, 2012 at 2:37 am

    im pretty sure i was born loving jager. as a matter of fact i have a cute little 200ml bottle sitting next to me right now. i most always do.

  • Reply
    spyk3
    October 1, 2012 at 3:37 am

    seems to be clearing up my cold at the moment. mmmm mediciney. kinda reminds me of dr pepper, however with a whole herbal twist to it.

  • Reply
    travis
    October 22, 2012 at 1:52 am

    jagermeister is the best drink behind 10 year old scotch i love it and for the ones that say its nasty its suposta be chelled to 0 degrees ferenhite so grow a pare and learn how to drink

    • Reply
      dschommer
      October 24, 2012 at 9:17 pm

      supposed to be? I think that’s more a matter of opinion 🙂 Yes, I already contacted Jager on this topic and there isn’t any hard and fast rule that says you have to chill it.

  • Reply
    jp
    December 18, 2012 at 12:14 am

    it is all a matter of opinion chilled hot room temp whatever jäger is jus great straight or with redbull/monster I love it only thing I like to drink aside from beer an not budlight or bs like that rogue beer best but also irrelevant cause talking bout jäger but is a acquired taste no doubt may not be 100 proof or more but makes for good time an if ur that concerned bout getting wasted jus drink more or not jäger an as far as blood goes idc but it would be hard to make it work with blood unless the plasma was removed even then still not sure how it would work simply put tho if u don’t like it u dont like it but if u love it u love it an there’s nothing like it thank u jäger

  • Reply
    jack fawcett
    January 16, 2013 at 7:22 am

    44 years ago i arrived in hameln as a young soldier, it was my first trip abroad and fell in love with germany at first sight. on day 2 i had my first beer followed by my first jagermeister and have been drinking it ever since. ie a wineglass full as a nightcap every night. i am now 66, still working full time and as fit as the proverbial “butchers dog”. long live jagermeister.

  • Reply
    j r
    February 2, 2013 at 3:43 am

    I always drink jager and cola .most people i know go on about jager bombs but it really is lovely mixed with cola.i really hate it if i go to a bar and they don’t have jager .

  • Reply
    Susan
    August 4, 2013 at 12:19 am

    Love Jagermeister. I think it tastes like licorice.

    I prefer to make Jager bombs with chilled Jager and green Monster.

  • Reply
    Breeden Joshua l
    September 9, 2013 at 12:20 am

    I drink it daily i was born with the gene love it chilled warm as long as its straight up no mix just jager

  • Reply
    Shultz
    December 12, 2013 at 1:48 am

    I knew nothing of it’s history or legend or “secret recipe”, but I tried it and LOVED it! My husband laughed at me and said- “there’s no way you actually liked it!” then continued to claim that it tastes horrible like a cough syrup yada. I swore up-and-down that I had no problem with the taste and even enjoyed the flavor…where upon I realized, not only is it a German drink, but is also herbal. I am German, and LOVE anything herbal. THUS! Mystery solved. it’s an AWESOME liquor!!! (for German Herbalists!)

  • Reply
    Chesterman
    March 13, 2014 at 12:55 pm

    I didn’t try this drink properly until about a year ago, when some friends convinced me to have a shot. I have been almost addicted to the stuff every since, and I have a large bottle sat by me right now, to ward off bad moods. It has the habit of cheering me up greatly. It’s beautiful, with a strong aniseed tang being the first thing you taste, moving through a more herbal stage to finish on an almost nutty flavour being left on the palate as something to savour. The smell is quite strong, and almost medicinal. Basically, whether you have it with orange juice, energy drink, or straight, it is the perfect drink.

  • Reply
    Mitchell Betz
    April 24, 2014 at 10:06 am

    Ive drank jager ever since i was 15 and i will not turn to any other drink it may by pricey but its good to have. I got all of my friends drinking it to.

  • Reply
    Levi Graf
    July 29, 2014 at 6:17 pm

    I drink jagermeister every day love the taste its wonderful

  • Reply
    aric wagner
    September 12, 2014 at 9:26 pm

    I’m am almost full blood German so I guess that is why I love jägermeister I will drink a fifth just by it self no chaser I think there is no other way to drink it jäger is my choice Alchol

  • Reply
    Kevin
    November 27, 2014 at 7:38 pm

    I love Jager ice cold or warm. Try chasing it with any gatorade.gatormeister it tastes great.

  • Reply
    Marie
    November 30, 2014 at 10:19 am

    I love Jäger. I tried it on a dare and fell in love with its unique taste. I have a bottle in my freezer at all times. When I feel sick I have a double shot and go to bed. I have not had a cold hang on long when I follow that routine. The times a cold has found me Jägerless have been terrible. I also drink it with friends who like to have tequila shots. Tequila definitely is an acquired taste so we have a round of tequila shots with one jäger for me! Cheers.

  • Reply
    james
    December 26, 2014 at 10:27 pm

    a good shot

  • Reply
    Lou
    March 23, 2015 at 12:18 am

    I have figured out four of the ingredients:
    1. Brandy
    2. Star Anise
    3. Whole Clove corns
    4. Honey
    5. There is a bark of a tree in the taste. It may be Birch.

    Now if someone else can figure out the rest, good luck.

  • Reply
    carson
    June 5, 2015 at 5:14 pm

    Love it! Love the taste the thickness the smell its literally the only liqueur I drink in shots its strong smooth and best when ice cold

  • Reply
    Tudor
    January 2, 2019 at 12:28 pm

    Jager is the fucking bomb man..i tell you.Peace! 2019 !!!!!

  • Reply
    jager42
    April 17, 2021 at 7:48 pm

    fekin love it. give me the jager baby

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