Jäger Bomb

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 02/2/24
Tested by
Tom Macy
Photo of Tom Macy
Tested by Tom Macy
Tom wears many cocktail hats. He is a professional bartender, bar owner, recipe creator, and drink writer, though he prefers the title "obsessive cocktail nerd."
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 drink

Very popular at the bar, you will often see groups of people drinking Jäger bombs together. You will either love it or hate it; there's not much middle ground with this potent shot. One thing that is certain is that it's a drink every bartender should know. It requires no mixing and it's so easy that anyone can make it.

Jägermeister is a strong liqueur with a slight anise taste. The alcohol's "depressant" effects are offset by the energy drink Red Bull that the shot is dropped into, which can definitely help keep the party going. However, this is not a shot for the faint of heart, and it's very easy to have one too many without realizing it. The best advice: Take it easy on the Jäger bombs.

Jäger Bomb in a glass

The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck
What You'll Need To Make A Jäger Bomb
A Shot Glass
A Pint Glass
A Kitchen Towel

"The Jäger bomb is the answer to the question: 'What happens when two of the most notorious college beverages collide?' This drink does what it is meant to do, and to be honest, is tastier than it has any right to be. Go forth, young people." —Tom Macy

Jäger Bomb ingredients in two glasses
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces Jägermeister Liqueur

  • 1/2 (8.4-ounce) can Red Bull energy drink

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients. Fill a shot glass with Jägermeister. Pour half a can of Red Bull into a pint glass.

    Ingredients for Jäger bomb recipe gathered

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  2. Drop the shot glass into the taller glass.

    A shot glass of Jägermeister being dropped into a pint glass of Red Bull

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  3. Drink immediately and enjoy.

    Jäger bomb in a pint glass

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

Tips

  • Some people prefer to pour the shot of Jägermeister directly into the Red Bull, forgoing the "bomb" altogether. This can make it easier to drink and doesn't alter the taste.
  • If you opt for the drop, be careful that the shot glass doesn't hit your teeth hard and crack a tooth while drinking.
  • Another fun option is to use a Quaffer double bubble glass. It's a special style of shot glass with two stacked bulbs, and the design automatically creates layers when used with a mixer and a liquor. Fill the bottom with the energy drink, pour Jägermeister on top, then drink it in one gulp.

How Strong Is a Jäger Bomb?

Despite its notorious status, the Jäger bomb is not a very strong drink. Its alcohol content is just 7 percent ABV (14 proof), or slightly stronger than the average beer. As many people can attest, it can lead to a vicious hangover, though.


A lot of the drink's reputation for getting people really drunk likely comes from drinking too much. The combination of Jäger's herbs with the energy drink is also intense. It may have negative effect on the body for some people, causing you to feel worse than you might with straight alcohol.

Recipe Variations

  • If you have a favorite energy drink other than Red Bull, there's nothing wrong with pouring that instead. But do realize that you will get Red Bull when ordering it at a bar.
  • If you enjoy the interactive play that is a "drop shot," try the Irish slammer. It drops a shot of Irish whiskey and Irish cream into a half-pint of Guinness.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
190 Calories
0g Fat
25g Carbs
1g Protein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 190
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 61mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 25g 9%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 23g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 32mg 158%
Calcium 0mg 0%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 13mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)