The History of Jägermeister
It’s a favourite in bars and frat parties. It’s often consumed in a shot, or in a bomb with Red Bull. Its dark shade, syrupy consistency, and strong herbal flavours have been around for centuries. It’s the world-famous Jägermeister! Many consume this alcoholic drink without even knowing what it actually is. Its reputation precedes it. Even if you haven’t tried Jägermeister for yourself, you will know it by the iconic green bottle and gothic branding. You may have heard about Jäger bombs too. But what exactly is Jägermeister? Is it really that high in ABV? How did it come to be one of the most popular alcoholic drinks? The brand has a long and complex history behind its renown, and we’re taking a look at how this German liqueur came to be.
What exactly is Jägermeister?
Jägermeister is the best-selling German spirit in the world, and for good reason. With its bold, bittersweet flavor and strong 35% alcohol content, it’s become a favorite among partygoers and spirit enthusiasts alike. What makes Jägermeister stand out is its mysterious recipe—developed back in 1935—which includes a unique blend of 56 fruits, roots, and herbs.
Jägermeister is a brand of herbal liqueur which tastes primarily of anise and black licorice. It contains 35% ABV. While it’s commonly served in shots, Jägermeister is actually a digestif, meaning it’s consumed to help with the digestive system.
Because of the many herbs and spices involved, a shot of Jägermeister, fondly referred to as Jäger, smells pretty medicinal. In English, Jägermeister literally translates to “master of the hunt.” It is said to be named as such because the inventor of the drink was a hunter.
To this day, the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret. The drink itself is best enjoyed ice cold, often served as a shot, with a beer chaser, or even mixed with energy drinks in popular party cocktails like the Jägerbomb. Interestingly, although it’s mostly known for its role in nightlife, Jägermeister is technically a digestif, meant to aid digestion after a meal. Its strong aroma and taste, which many describe as medicinal with hints of anise and black licorice, come from its herbal ingredients.
It all started from vinegar
Judging from the way the drink tastes now, nobody will have guessed that it all began in a vinegar plant.
In 1870, a German entrepreneur named Wilhelm Mast moved to Wolfenbüttel, Germany, to start his own business. He began producing vinegar in his own plant in 1978. Although he was focused on vinegar, Mast also knew quite a bit about fine wines.
In 1918, Wilhelm’s son Curt took over the company and production after he fell ill. The company was facing debt, so Curt decided to shift directions. Instead of vinegar, they began producing wine.
Over the next 20 years or so, Curt was adamant on getting just the right recipe for his special liqueur. Finally, in 1934, the Jägermeister was born.
56 different ingredients
To create his masterpiece, Curt Mast used 56 different roots, herbs, fruits, spices, and seeds.
The brand has been around for 88 years now, but the recipe has been well-guarded. Nobody knows exactly what these ingredients are. Even the global marketing director for Jägermeister admits he isn’t aware of the ingredients in the drink!
Deriving from the taste alone, Jägermeister is believed to contain poppy seeds, juniper berries, star anise, and saffron.
Production process
Great care and measures are taken to produce a bottle of Jägermeister.
Each ingredient is precisely measured out and made into a dry mixture, which is then combined in water and alcohol. This mix is left to sit for a few weeks in the maceration process, during which time the natural oils and flavours from the spices seep out. This results in macerates, which are then mixed in with other basic materials.
Afterwards, the drink is aged in the 455 oak casks in the Wolfenbüttel cellar. Maturation time for Jägermeister takes about a year. Over this period of time, distillers continue to keep an eye on the progress, making sure there is a consistent taste across every cask.
The next step is where the Jäger achieves its sweet, licorice taste. Liquid from the casks are mixed in with alcohol, water, liquid sugar, and caramelised sugar. Then, it’s off to be bottled!
Branding turned into controversy
Because Curt Mast was an avid hunter, he incorporated aspects of hunting into the branding for Jägermeister.
The logo features a haloed deer head with a cross above the antlers. This refers to St. Hubert, believed to be the patron saint of hunters.
Additionally, the German text on the label is a hunting-related poem by Otto von Riesenthal. In English, it roughly translates to:
“This is the hunter’s badge of glory
That he protects and tends his quarry
Hunts with honour, as is due
And through the beast to God is true
So before you go hunting tonight
Make sure you have an ice cold shot of Jägermeister”
While certainly unique, this branding created some controversy. Between the deer head, the poem, and a name that relates to hunting, rumours and stories were spun, believing that the drink was made with deer blood.
However, this didn’t seem to impact much on Jägermeister’s reputation. If anything, the controversy may have made the drink that much more attractive.
Despite this story being a rumour, the company has very recently come forward saying that their drink is entirely vegan.
Vegan alcohol = healthy?
Because Jägermeister is vegan and made of a blend of herbs and spices, it only makes sense for the public to form the opinion that Jäger is healthy. However, as it is with any kind of alcohol, too much can lead to health damage.
There are several health benefits in Jägermeister if consumed moderately.
1. Reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases
Jägermeister joins a list of other alcoholic beverages which have the potential to reduce the risk of heart diseases like strokes.
Studies up to this point have suggested that when consumed moderately, Jäger helps stop arteries in the human brain from narrowing.
2. Lowered risk of inflammation
Ingredients in Jägermeister, particularly anise and cloves, are rich in eugenol, an anti-inflammatory compound.
Eugenol has the ability to prevent inflammatory responses in the body. Additionally, clove oils in the drink may potentially prevent arthritis and heart diseases.
3. Cold shots
Because of the drink’s complex herbal taste, it’s highly recommended to serve Jäger cold. And not just any kind of cold—super cold!
The company recommends consuming Jäger shots that are -18 degrees Celcius in temperature! The cold brings out more of the sweetness and flavours of the drink.
Potential Risks of Jagermeister
But just because it’s made from herbs doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Like any alcoholic drink, there are some risks that come with drinking Jägermeister, especially if it’s not consumed in moderation.
1. High Alcohol Content = Quick Intoxication
Jägermeister contains 35% alcohol by volume (ABV). That’s quite strong, and it can lead to quick intoxication, especially when consumed in shots or in large amounts over a short period.
Several risks include:
- Slurred speech
- Impaired judgment
- Risky behavior
- Alcohol poisoning (if consumed excessively)
2. Mixing It with Energy Drinks = Dangerous Combo
Many people mix Jägermeister with energy drinks like Red Bull to make a popular party drink known as a “Jägerbomb.” While this combo might seem fun and give you a temporary boost of energy, it’s actually a risky mix.
That’s because alcohol is a depressant (it slows your body down), while energy drinks are stimulants (they speed things up). This can confuse your body. You might feel alert and awake, but you’re still intoxicated. This can lead to drinking more than your body can handle, increasing the risk of heart problems, alcohol poisoning, or risky behavior like driving under the influence.
3. Can Contribute to Liver Damage
Your liver is the organ that breaks down alcohol, and when you drink too much or too often, it can get overworked. Jägermeister, like any alcoholic beverage, can contribute to liver damage if consumed in excess over time.
Problems such as fatty liver disease, inflammation, or even serious conditions like cirrhosis can develop. These health issues don’t happen overnight, but regular heavy drinking increases the risk significantly. If you enjoy Jägermeister, the best thing you can do is keep your intake occasional and moderate to help protect your liver in the long run.
4. Not for People with Certain Health Conditions
People with certain medical conditions need to be extra careful with alcohol, including Jägermeister. For example, if you have diabetes, the sugars and alcohol can affect your blood sugar levels in unpredictable ways. If you have high blood pressure or heart problems, alcohol can make these conditions worse.
On top of that, alcohol can interfere with many types of medication. So if you have a health issue or you’re on prescription drugs, it’s always smart to check with your doctor before drinking.
5. Addiction Risk
Because Jägermeister is often consumed in social and party settings, it can be easy to fall into the habit of drinking it frequently. It has a strong flavor, but it’s also smooth when served cold, making it appealing to some people as a regular go-to.
Over time, regular drinking can build up your tolerance and lead to dependency. You might start to feel like you need a drink to relax, have fun, or feel confident. If you notice that you’re drinking more often or relying on alcohol to cope, it’s a good idea to pause and seek support if needed. Prevention is always better than dealing with a serious alcohol problem later on.
As you explore the fascinating history and unique flavor profile of Jägermeister and other exceptional liquors, Red & White is your premier destination for quality libations. Our extensive selection includes this iconic herbal liqueur and a diverse range of spirits and liquors. Visit our nearby liquor store to discover the world of Jägermeister and find the perfect drink for your social gatherings and occasions. Cheers to savoring the complexity and heritage of this renowned drink and to exploring a wide array of libations that cater to every taste.
