Home Drink Menu Open main menu

German Vacation Drink recipe

Rocks glass

Indulge in a taste of Germany with our German Vacation drink recipe! Made with smooth Rum Gold Amber, bold Jagermeister, and zesty Ginger Liqueur Domaine De Canton, this cocktail packs a punch of flavor. Add in Bitters Underberg, Sugar Syrup, Lemon juice, and ice, shake well, and serve in a rocks glass. Perfect for beginning bartenders looking to impress their guests!


German Vacation Ingredients

German Vacation Equipment

  • shaker - allows you quickly mix and chill ingredients
  • juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice

German Vacation Recipe

  1. optionally make fresh Lemon juice you can squeeze the juice yourself (once squeezed, fresh juice lasts good about 12 hours)
  2. fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes to cool the ingredients properly
  3. shake till perfectly chilled
  4. pour into Rocks glass full with ice

Recommend: serve in Rocks glass

It's also called a "lowball", "whiskey" or "old-fashioned" glass. The bottom of old-fashioned glass is thick. Rocks glasses carry between 6 and 8 ounces.

The German Vacation Cocktail: A Classic with a Modern Twist

As a professional bartender, I have seen countless cocktails come and go in popularity. However, one that has stood the test of time is the German Vacation cocktail. This drink is known for its complex flavors, refreshing taste, and eye-catching appearance. In this article, we will explore the history, ingredients, variations, and common mistakes when making this classic cocktail.

Popularity

The German Vacation cocktail has been around for decades, with its origins shrouded in mystery. Some say it was created in Germany during the 1920s, while others claim it was invented in the United States during the 1950s. Regardless of its origin, the German Vacation cocktail has become a staple in bars around the world.

This drink is famous for its unique blend of rum, Jagermeister, ginger liqueur, bitters, sugar syrup, and lemon juice. The combination of these ingredients creates a sweet and spicy flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying. The drink is typically served in a rocks glass over ice and garnished with a lemon wedge or twist.

The German Vacation cocktail has become a go-to drink for those looking to experience something new and exciting. Its popularity has spread throughout the world, with bartenders in different countries putting their own spin on the classic recipe.

Ingredient Roles

Each ingredient in the German Vacation cocktail plays a crucial role in creating its distinct flavor. Here is a breakdown of the key ingredients and their roles:

  • Rum Gold Amber: This type of rum is sweet and has a smooth finish. It adds a tropical flavor to the drink and helps to balance out the other ingredients.

  • Jagermeister: This herbal liqueur adds a complex mix of flavors to the cocktail. It is known for its bitter taste and contains a blend of 56 different herbs, fruits, roots, and spices.

  • Ginger Liqueur Domaine De Canton: This ginger liqueur adds a spicy kick to the drink. It is made with fresh ginger, honey, and cognac and has a sweet and smooth flavor.

  • Bitters Underberg: Bitters are a key ingredient in many cocktails and add a bitter and herbal flavor to the drink. Underberg is a German bitters brand that uses a blend of 43 different herbs and spices.

  • Sugar Syrup: This simple syrup adds sweetness to the drink without overpowering the other flavors.

  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a tart and acidic flavor to the cocktail. It helps to balance out the sweetness of the sugar syrup and rum.

How to Garnish

Garnishing the German Vacation cocktail is simple but important. A lemon wedge or twist is the classic garnish, and it adds a pop of color and flavor to the drink. To garnish the cocktail, simply cut a wedge or twist of lemon and place it on the rim of the glass. You can also add a sprig of fresh mint or a slice of ginger for added flavor and presentation.

Variations

While the classic German Vacation cocktail is delicious on its own, there are many variations that you can try. Here are a few popular ones:

  • Virgin/Mocktail Version: To make a non-alcoholic version of the German Vacation cocktail, simply replace the rum and Jagermeister with ginger ale and lemon-lime soda. Add a splash of grenadine for color and sweetness.

  • Gluten-Free Version: To make a gluten-free version of the German Vacation cocktail, use a gluten-free rum and ginger liqueur. Make sure to check the ingredients of the bitters to ensure they are also gluten-free.

  • Vegan Version: The classic German Vacation cocktail is already vegan, as all of the ingredients are plant-based. However, if you want to make sure your bitters are vegan, check the label for any animal-derived ingredients.

  • Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of the German Vacation cocktail, use a sugar-free sweetener instead of sugar syrup. You can also use a low-carb ginger liqueur and bitters.

  • Low-Calorie Version: To make a lower calorie version of the German Vacation cocktail, use a sugar-free sweetener and reduce the amount of sugar syrup. You can also use a light rum and diet ginger ale for fewer calories.

Common Mistakes When Making

While the German Vacation cocktail is a relatively simple drink to make, there are a few common mistakes that can ruin the taste and presentation. Here are some of the most common mistakes:

  • Using old or stale ingredients: Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. This includes fresh lemon juice, ginger liqueur, and bitters.

  • Over-shaking or under-shaking the cocktail: Shaking the cocktail too much or too little can affect the flavor and consistency. Make sure to shake the cocktail vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to ensure all ingredients are mixed properly.

  • Using the wrong glassware: The German Vacation cocktail is typically served in a rocks glass over ice. Using the wrong glassware can affect the presentation and taste of the drink.

  • Not garnishing the cocktail: Garnishing the cocktail with a lemon wedge or twist is crucial for presentation and flavor. Leaving it out can make the drink appear incomplete.

In conclusion, the German Vacation cocktail is a classic drink that has stood the test of time. Its unique blend of flavors and refreshing taste has made it a go-to drink for many people around the world. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or want to try a variation, the German Vacation cocktail is sure to impress. As a bartender and blog editor, I highly recommend giving this drink a try for your next happy hour or gathering with friends. Cheers!

If you are going to order German Vacation in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. German Vacation can be served with different ingredients in different places.

You might be interested: