Slowly but surely, Jägermeister has working to shed its party reputation. Sother Teague, well known mixologist at Cienfuegos and ex-chef for Alton Brown, spent some time earlier in 2015 showing that the herbs and spices used to make this liqueur can mix with things other than energy drinks. The results were impressive, considering no one is really using it for that purpose. They are delightful and well crafted cocktails, nothing less than what you expect from someone of his pedigree. All it would take is a change of venue. Look how far spirits like tequila and the wide variety of bitters and cordials out there have come. How many bars would have even one bottle of sweet and dry vermouth, let alone a selection of them? And sherry? Are you kidding me?
Formed banker turned cocktail writer Warren Boborow is another advocate for herbal liqueurs. Not just Jägermeister, but any of the array of liqueurs produced in the Alpine region of Europe. In his first book, Apothecary Cocktails, Mr. Boborow dives into the world of cocktails from the unique perspective of using them as a cure for what ails you. From something to cheer you up to something to help chase away a cold or flu, the drinks inside are not typical menu items. He uses a blend of modern medicine, traditional cures, and tasty flavor profiles to make concoctions to lift the spirits. It is definitely a unique and worth addition to your bar tending library. Jägermeister is just one of many liqueurs out there that contains traditional herbs used for a variety of medicinal purposes.
Guaranteed to send you off to visit Morpheus.
German Relaxation (by Warren Bobrow in Apothecary Cocktails)
3 oz./ 90 mL Alpine herbal elixir (Jägermeister is suggested)
6 oz./ 180 mL boiling water
1 oz./ 30 mL honey simple syrup (1:1 ratio of honey to water)
Glass: Mug
Garnish: None
Ice: None
Heat the mug by filling it with boiling water. Dump out the mug when warmed, then add the Alpine herbal elixir and honey simple syrup. Top them off with the rest of the boiling water, then stir and serve.
Who thinks of a late night Jägermeister cocktail as a sleep aid? It works. Heating water is not difficult, and even if you keep you Jägermeister cold, the hot water warms it right up. The honey is to taste, so toss in a little more hot water to make a custom batch of honey syrup. Even if you are not a huge fan of this herbal liqueur, there may be others in your arsenal that you can add. It drinks like a hot tea with all the kick you'd expect to gt out of it. Don't make it TOO strong, or use it as a nightcap after a long night of drinking. Too much alcohol may send you off to sleep, but not a quality sleep. This is just a nip at the end of a busy day. Prost!