Properly Sauced: The Jägerbomb

Photo Courtesy of Enrincon

Sometimes you just need to face reality and come to terms with the fact that when you're thisclose to 40 like us, you need a little kick in the ass to get you to sunrise. Gone are the days when we had the world by the curlicues, when Mom lived equidistant between Marie's Riptide Lounge and the old Blue Note on Armitage, and we could stagger out of either establishment at sunrise for some biscuits and gravy.

Nowadays we need a pick-me-up to make it to 5 a.m. and, since we're afraid of eightballs, we go for the closest legal alternative. The roots of the Jägerbomb can be found in that classic turn of the century libation, the vodka Red Bull. Someone took a look at the glow emanating from drinkers of that cocktail and thought, "Can two totally opposite beverages mixed together make a luscious cocktail?" Does a bear shit in the woods?

The key with the Jägerbomb is to serve it depth charge-style. You don't really notice how well the herbaceous flavor of "liquid Valium" blends with the tooth-rotting sweetness of the energy drink that "gives you wings." But that's not the point; it's the sizzle you're buying (not to mention the ability to circumvent your body's desire for sleep). It's a cocktail that's popular in Irish pubs, sports bars, places that serve cognac and cranberry juice without giving their customers the stinkeye, or any nightclub that specializes in "bottle service." It's also simple to make at home.

The Jägerbomb

2 oz. Jägermeister
2 oz. Red Bull

Pour the Red Bull into a pint or pub glass. Pour the Jägermeister into a shot glass. Drop the shot glass into the pint/pub glass and CHUG, CHUG, CHUG!!!