Does the Original Jägermeister Contain Coffee?
No, the classic, original Jägermeister does not contain any coffee. For decades, the recipe for the world-famous herbal liqueur has remained unchanged, based on a closely guarded blend of 56 natural ingredients. These include a variety of herbs, roots, fruits, and spices sourced from around the globe, with noted botanicals such as star anise, cinnamon, ginger, citrus peel, and juniper berries. The recipe was developed in 1934 by Curt Mast and has been a German staple ever since, matured in oak barrels to create its distinctive flavor profile.
The confusion likely stems from Jägermeister's dark color and complex, bitter-sweet profile, which some might mistakenly associate with coffee. In reality, the rich, syrupy mouthfeel and notes of licorice, spice, and dark fruit are a result of the intricate maceration and aging process, not the addition of coffee beans.
The Rise of Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee
In January 2020, Jägermeister officially launched a brand new, permanent product to its lineup: Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee. This product is an intentional and unique fusion of the original herbal liqueur and intense, cold-brewed Arabica coffee. The creation was inspired by bartenders and fans who had been combining Jägermeister with coffee for years, recognizing the complementary flavors.
This distinct variant is made by first cold-brewing fair-trade Arabica coffee beans for over 12 hours. The rich cold brew is then blended seamlessly with the original Jägermeister recipe and a hint of cacao. The result is a bold, bittersweet liqueur that offers a rich coffee aroma and chocolate notes alongside the signature herbal complexity. Crucially, unlike the original, this version does contain a small amount of caffeine.
Comparison: Original Jägermeister vs. Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee
To better understand the differences, here is a comparison of the key aspects of these two distinct Jägermeister products.
| Feature | Original Jägermeister | Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | 56 herbs, roots, and spices (e.g., star anise, cinnamon, ginger, citrus peel). | 56 herbs, roots, and spices + cold-brewed Arabica coffee and cacao. |
| Coffee Content | None. | Yes, it contains real, cold-brewed coffee. |
| Caffeine | None. | Yes, it contains a small amount of caffeine. |
| Flavor Profile | Complex blend of bitter and sweet with prominent herbal notes of licorice, spice, and fruit. | Bold coffee flavor upfront with notes of rich chocolate, balanced by the classic Jägermeister herbal essence. |
| ABV | 35% Alc./Vol.. | 33% Alc./Vol.. |
| Best Served | Ice cold, straight from the freezer at -18°C. | Ice cold, straight from the freezer at -18°C, but shake well before serving. |
How to Differentiate Between the Two Products
Given the existence of both a non-coffee and a coffee-infused Jägermeister, it is important for consumers to know how to tell them apart.
- Labeling: The most obvious differentiator is the label. Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee will be clearly marked as such on the bottle, featuring the words 'Cold Brew Coffee' prominently. The original, classic product simply states 'Jägermeister Herbal Liqueur'.
- Bottle Appearance: While both come in the signature green bottle, the cold brew version may have additional visual cues or promotional elements on the label to highlight its coffee blend.
- Serving Suggestion: The cold brew version’s packaging often recommends shaking the bottle before pouring to rouse the natural sediment from the coffee and cacao, a step not required for the original.
Conclusion
While the iconic original Jägermeister herbal liqueur does not have coffee in its centuries-old recipe, the brand expanded its offerings to include a specialized Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee variant in 2020. This newer version is intentionally infused with real, cold-brewed Arabica coffee and cacao to cater to fans of both the liqueur and robust coffee flavors. Therefore, whether you get coffee in your Jägermeister depends entirely on which bottle you pick up. For those seeking the traditional herbal taste, the classic green bottle remains the clear choice. For an invigorating, coffee-infused twist, the cold brew variant offers a unique and modern take on the classic spirit. Master of Malt: Jägermeister Cold Brew Liqueur
What are some of the 56 ingredients in classic Jägermeister?
Some of the 56 herbs, roots, and spices in the original Jägermeister include star anise, cinnamon, ginger root, orange peel, and juniper berries. The exact proportions and full list are a guarded company secret.
The Flavor Profile of Classic Jägermeister
The original Jägermeister has a complex and multi-layered taste profile that is a balance of sweet and bitter. It features notes of black licorice, anise, cola, ginger, cinnamon, and a hint of citrus.
The Role of Oak Barrels
After the ingredients are macerated, the liquid is stored and matured in oak barrels for approximately one year. This aging process is crucial for softening and refining the flavors before bottling.
What gives Jägermeister its dark color?
The characteristic dark color of Jägermeister comes from the caramel coloring that is added during the blending process, after the liquid has been aged in oak barrels.
What is the alcohol content of Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee?
Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee has a slightly lower alcohol by volume (ABV) of 33%, compared to the original Jägermeister's 35% ABV.
Does Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee need to be shaken?
Yes, the official serving instructions for Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee recommend shaking the bottle well before serving. This is to ensure the natural coffee and cacao sediment is mixed thoroughly.
How should Jägermeister be stored?
Jägermeister is best served ice cold, so it should be stored in a freezer at approximately -18°C (0°F). The alcohol content prevents it from freezing solid.
