Jägerbomb
 | This article possibly contains original research. |
| Cocktail | |
|---|---|
| File:Jeger.jpg An example of a jägerbomb after the Jägermeister has been dropped into the glass | |
| Type | Mixed drink |
| Served | Neat: undiluted and without ice |
| Standard drinkware | A pub glass and a shot glass..svg) .svg) |
| Commonly used ingredients | one can or one half can of Red Bull, and one shot (1 part) of Jägermeister |
| Preparation | see the article |
The Jägerbomb, or occasionally Jagbomb, is a cocktail combining one shot of Jägermeister dropped into a glass of an energy drink, usually Red Bull. It is commonly held that if any other brand of energy drink is used, the resulting beverage is not truly a Jägerbomb. It is referred to as a "Jäger-Bull" in German speaking countries, as well as in English Bar chain Wetherspoon's. In Austria it is called "Flying Hirsch", where Hirsch means deer in German and is inspired by the Jägermeister logo.
The origin of the drink is uncertain, and little to no evidence exists as to its inventor or inventors.
Similar Drinks have also been created and promoted by rival energy drink manufacturers. A Motherfucker is a shot of vodka dropped into a glass of Mother energy drink. Many bars and nightclubs in Australia also serve a beverage consisting of a shot of vodka with a glass of V energy drink. A more potent version is Jagermeister being dropped in a Vodka Battery, already containing 1 standing drink.
Commercial Preparation
A Jägerbomb is usually sold as a can of Red Bull (250mL) or half-can of Red Bull (125mL) tipped into a glass, separately accompanied by the shot of Jägermeister. The Jägermeister may then be dropped into the glass at the consumer's discretion. Jägerbombs are also served in a cup (widely known as a jägerbomb cup), which contains an inner circle. In the core, a shot of jägermeister is poured, while the redbull is poured outside, separating the two. The cup is then downed like a shot. In South Africa, it is common to place the shot in an empty glass, and pour the Red Bull into the recess only filling up to the top of the shot glass. This can then be comfortably "thrown back" as per a regular shot of liqueur. Another variation is to place a shot of jägermeister upside down into a glass and then pour the red bull in.
Where multiple jägerbombs have been ordered, it is common to serve them in such a fashion whereby glasses of red bull are lined up with an empty glass at one end. The shots of Jägermeister are then balanced on the lips of the glasses, and then starting from the empty-glass end, the shots are consecutively knocked into the glasses to create what looks like (but technically is not) a domino effect. This type of practice is common in the preparation of many cocktails where some degree of 'theatre' is used to create a spectacle.
The V energy drink and single shot of vodka combination, however, is typically served as an open can of V alongside a shot of vodka; the two are then consumed independently of each other. This serving style was most common when rumours regarding detrimental effects that the alcohol-caffeine combination were widely proliferated, and savvy bars and nightclubs sought to evade liability.
Effects on the Consumer
The effects of jägerbombs are held to be different to that of other alcoholic beverages. The reason is attributed to the counter-balancing effect of the caffeine of the energy drink with the depressant effect that alcohol has on the body's central nervous system. Entering a state of intoxication where a jägerbomb or jägerbombs have been consumed, the immediate effects of intoxication (specifically; drowsiness and lethargy) are to some extent masked, and people often claim to act more recklessly than they would otherwise and can party on later into the night.[1]
However, nutritionists take a grimmer view of the alcohol-caffeine combination. They point to the fact that both caffeine and alcohol are both diuretics which dehydrate the body. Therefore, excessive consumption of an alcohol-caffeine combination can lead to greater hangovers and possible death due to severe dehydration.[2]
Controversy
Jagerbomb's popularity in Australia has caused scrutiny. Manly and Newcastle have banned Jagerbombs from being sold in nightclubs and pubs on the basis that they encourage binging and irresponsible behavior in youth.[3]
References
- ^ "Caffeine"; Nutrition, U. Mass. Dining Services; Retrieved June 24 2007 [1]
- ^ "Energy Drinks & Alcohol"; Nutrition, U. Mass. Dining Services (Caffeine); Retrieved June 24 2007 [2]
- ^ C. Masters, J. Vallejo; "Readers Battle over Pub Bid to Ban Jager Bombs"; The Daily Telegraph; published by News Ltd.; first printed August 7th 2007 [3]