This week we’re dipping our toes into the world of Jägermeister. Not because we haven’t get anything else to do – far from it. Consider it an induction; our chance to find out about the liquid, get to grips with the heritage behind it and learn about the elite group of bartenders invited to join its Hubertus Circle.
Chances are unless you’re in it, you won’t have heard of the Hubertus Circle. So with our newfound knowledge, allow us to enlighten you… The best way to describe it is to think of it as an an exclusive club – like a Groucho for bartenders. You can apply all you like but unless the committee think you’re up to scratch, there’s no chance of you getting in.
What are they looking for exactly? Well, it’s not just about being able to make good drinks or having incredible bar knowledge – the 27 people who have been selected to join so far have been chosen because they have the right attitude, ethic and commitment to their craft.
“I want us to work together – to build relationships and experiences,” says Florian Beuren, Jägermeister UK Brand Ambassador. This week’s Jager Road Trip is one such experience. Here’s where one member from five UK cities gets to showcase their Jägermeister world, with brand new Jägermeister cocktails natürlich.
First stop: Hummingbird, Glasgow
The sleek, stylish setting provided the perfect backdrop for David Robinson and his theme for the evening: heritage and natural ingredients.
“I’ve come up with four very different cocktails for the evening to appeal to the mass market but also to the trade,” David told us ahead of the event. “Jägermeister is great for this as it allows you to change your cocktails in an interesting way as it works on bitter, sweet, herbaceous, aromatic flavour profiles.”
On the menu:
Into The Woods
(Jägermeister, Creme de Mure, freshly squeezed lemon juice, wild blueberry preserve), a lip smackingly good long drink, tinged with spice and bursting with berry goodness. Very approachable. Good for anyone who loves fruity cocktails.
The Wild Hunt
(Jägermeister, Carpano Antica Formula, Courvoisier VS, Plum bitters), a night-time sipper served straight up, this stirred down and brown libation was very much created with bartenders palates in mind – agreeably bitter and sweet in equal parts. Good for Manhattan/Old Fashioned fans.
At First Light
(Jägermeister Spice, Campari, Prosecco, Rhubarb Bitters), the Champagne cocktail as we know it was dialled up and given extra oomph with the Jäger Spice and Campari to very moreish effect. Good for Prosecco lovers/Negroni fans.
Dusk ’til Dawn
(Jägermeister Spice, chai and vanilla syrup, milk and cream), the chai tea paired perfectly with the Jägermeister Spice adding depth and complexity. Very mellow, light and fluffy dessert cocktail for summer. Good for anyone who likes Bailey’s or White Russians.
#JagerRoadTrip
All photography James Sharples
Next stop for us: Thursday 2nd June, Reading. For the whole story, see here
