What is Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee?
Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee is a specific product from the renowned German liqueur brand, not simply a mix of Jägermeister and regular coffee. Launched in 2019, this herbal liqueur is designed to offer a balanced flavor of their signature 56 botanicals, complemented by rich coffee and chocolate notes. It was developed to cater to consumer interest in coffee-infused cocktails and shots.
The Core Ingredients in Jägermeister Cold Brew
1. Jägermeister Herbal Liqueur
The foundation of the Cold Brew variant is the original Jägermeister, with its proprietary blend of 56 botanicals. This mix includes a variety of ingredients sourced from around the world, though the exact recipe remains confidential. Known components derived from taste and industry knowledge include:
- Star Anise: Provides a prominent licorice-like flavor.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy undertone.
- Ginger Roots: Contributes a spicy and pungent kick.
- Saffron: Offers a slight bitterness and unique aromatic notes.
- Licorice: Gives a distinct, bittersweet profile.
- Juniper Berries: A classic botanical used in many herbal spirits, offering a piney flavor.
These botanicals are steeped in a mixture of alcohol and water for several weeks, a process called maceration, to extract their complex flavors. This base is then aged in oak barrels for approximately one year, a crucial step for the spirit's maturation.
2. High-Quality Arabica Coffee
To create the coffee flavor, Jägermeister uses intense cold brew coffee made from 100% Arabica beans. The cold brewing process involves steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, often over 12 hours. This method results in a smoother, less acidic coffee concentrate compared to hot-brewed coffee, allowing it to blend more seamlessly with the herbal notes of the liqueur. The use of high-quality Arabica beans ensures a rich and flavorful coffee component.
3. Cacao
Alongside the coffee, Jägermeister Cold Brew includes a hint of cacao. This adds a subtle chocolatey note that complements both the bitterness of the herbs and the richness of the coffee. The cacao is added during the blending process, just before bottling, to create a smooth and well-rounded finish.
4. Other Additives
In the final stage of production, the aged herbal liqueur and coffee blend is combined with other components before bottling. These include:
- Sugar: Added to balance the bitterness of the herbs and coffee, giving the final product its characteristic sweetness.
- Caramelized Sugar: Contributes to the liqueur's dark color and complex flavor profile.
- Pure Water and Alcohol: Used to standardize the alcohol content to 33% ABV.
Comparison: Jägermeister Cold Brew vs. Classic Jägermeister
| Feature | Jägermeister Cold Brew | Classic Jägermeister |
|---|---|---|
| Core Flavor Profile | Herbal, rich coffee, and subtle chocolate notes. | Primarily herbal, bittersweet, and anise-forward notes. |
| Key Additional Ingredients | 100% Arabica cold brew coffee and cacao. | Does not contain added coffee or cacao. |
| Alcohol by Volume (ABV) | 33% ABV, slightly lower than the classic. | 35% ABV. |
| Best Served | Ice cold as a shot, or in coffee-based cocktails like an Espresso Martini. | Ice cold as a shot, or in mixed drinks like the Jägerbomb. |
| Primary Tasting Notes | Notes of rich coffee, cacao, and the underlying herbal complexity. | Strong notes of anise, licorice, and medicinal herbs. |
Versatile Uses Beyond the Shot
While Jägermeister Cold Brew is marketed as an ice-cold shot, its flavor profile makes it suitable for various mixed drinks. The coffee and chocolate notes provide a new dimension for cocktail enthusiasts to explore. Popular recipes include:
- Jägermeister Espresso Martini: A twist on the classic, replacing traditional coffee liqueur with Jägermeister Cold Brew.
- Jäger Latte: Mixing the liqueur with creamer and coffee liqueur for a sweeter, creamier drink.
- Black Cognac: A sophisticated mix featuring Jägermeister Cold Brew, espresso, cognac, and Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur.
Conclusion
In summary, the ingredients in Jägermeister coffee, or more accurately Jägermeister Cold Brew, are a blend of the traditional 56 botanicals, intense cold-brewed 100% Arabica coffee, and a hint of cacao. This combination creates a new liqueur that is both familiar in its herbal foundation and innovative with its distinct coffee and chocolate flavors. Whether served as a perfectly chilled shot or used in creative coffee cocktails, Jägermeister Cold Brew offers a unique and modern take on the classic herbal spirit.
For more information on the production process and the brand's history, you can visit the official Mast-Jägermeister SE website.
