Ingredients
- 2/3 oz Peppermint Liqueur
- 2/3 oz Herbal Liqueur
Instructions
Chill Ingredients:
- Chill both the peppermint liqueur and herbal liqueur before use for the best experience.
Pour the Shot:
- Pour 2/3 oz of peppermint liqueur (Rumple Minze) into a shot glass.
Add Herbal Liqueur:
- Add 2/3 oz of herbal liqueur (Jägermeister) to the shot glass.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your bold and minty Dead Nazi Shot.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
Like many high-impact shots, the origins of the Dead Nazi are murky. It likely emerged from the raucous atmosphere of college bars or dive bars sometime in the late 20th century. This isn't a cocktail with a documented history or a famous inventor. It's a working class shot, born from late nights and a desire for something strong and quick.
This drink belongs to the family of potent two-ingredient shots, much like a pick-me-up or a quick palate reset. What sets it apart is the distinct combination of Jägermeister's herbal complexity with the intense, high-proof mint of Rumple Minze. It's a flavor profile that announces its presence immediately.
You wouldn't order a Dead Nazi at a craft cocktail bar, and you certainly wouldn't find it on a menu there. This is a shot for a casual bar, a loud party, or a pre-game ritual. It's a functional drink, not a sophisticated one, typically served when the goal is a rapid flavor and alcohol delivery.
What it tastes like
Expect a full-frontal assault of flavors. The initial hit is the distinct herbal, slightly medicinal, and licorice-like notes of Jägermeister. This is quickly followed and amplified by the intense, almost mentholated peppermint rush from the Rumple Minze. The combination is cooling yet fiery, with a strong, lingering herbal mint finish.
This is a serious shot. With Jägermeister at 35% ABV and Rumple Minze at 50% ABV, a 2-ounce shot averages around 42.5% ABV. To put that in perspective, a standard 12-ounce beer at 5% ABV contains roughly 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. This 2-ounce shot packs in about 0.85 ounces of pure alcohol, making it significantly stronger than a single beer.
The technique
Building a Dead Nazi is as straightforward as it gets. Chill both Jägermeister and Rumple Minze beforehand, ideally in a freezer. Pour 1 ounce of Jägermeister into a chilled shot glass, then carefully layer 1 ounce of Rumple Minze on top. Serve it immediately, ice cold, to maximize the intense flavor and minimize the alcohol burn.
The single most important technique tip for this drink is temperature. Both liqueurs need to be absolutely ice cold. Keeping them in the freezer ensures the shot is bracingly chill, which helps to tame the potent flavors and makes for a smoother, though still intense, experience.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Jägermeister
- Use
- Original German Jägermeister. There's only one.
- Skip
- Other herbal digestifs like Fernet Branca or Cynar. They are good, but not Jäger.
- Why
- Jägermeister's unique blend of 56 herbs, fruits, and spices is the backbone of this shot. Its distinctive, slightly bitter, and complex profile cannot be replicated.
Rumple Minze
- Use
- Rumple Minze Peppermint Schnapps.
- Skip
- Low-proof peppermint schnapps or creme de menthe. They lack the necessary punch.
- Why
- Rumple Minze's high proof (100 proof / 50% ABV) delivers an intense, pure peppermint flavor that cuts through the Jägermeister and provides the shot's signature kick.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Cool Shot
- A slightly milder mint kick.
- Substitute Rumple Minze with a standard 30-40 proof peppermint schnapps. You'll get the mint, but with less alcoholic punch.
Jager Bomb
- The classic Jägermeister energy boost.
- Drop a shot of Jägermeister into a glass of energy drink. This transforms it into a different kind of party starter.
Black Licorice Shot
- Leans into the licorice notes.
- Replace Rumple Minze with an anise-flavored liqueur like Sambuca. This shifts the mint to a more herbal, black licorice profile.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use a high-quality, high-proof peppermint schnapps. Dr. McGillicuddy's Mentholmint Schnapps is a good alternative for similar intensity.
There's no true substitute for Jägermeister's unique flavor. If you must, a potent herbal liqueur like Becherovka or Underberg might give a similar digestif vibe, but the shot will taste very different.
A small cordial glass or a small liqueur glass will work perfectly. Just ensure it's small enough for a 2-ounce pour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Dead Nazi?
A Dead Nazi shot typically contains equal parts Jägermeister and Rumple Minze peppermint schnapps.
Why is it called a Dead Nazi?
The name is an informal, provocative term often used in bars, likely a crude reference to Jägermeister's German origin combined with the 'kill the pain' or 'knock you out' effect of the strong shot. It's not an official name.
Is a Dead Nazi a strong drink?
Yes, it's a very strong shot. Both Jägermeister and Rumple Minze are high-proof liqueurs, resulting in a shot that's significantly more potent than a standard beer.
What does a Dead Nazi taste like?
It tastes like a powerful combination of herbal, licorice-like notes from Jägermeister mixed with an intense, bracing peppermint kick from Rumple Minze. It's cold, strong, and distinctly minty.
Can I layer a Dead Nazi?
Yes, you can easily layer a Dead Nazi. Carefully pour the Rumple Minze over the back of a spoon held just above the Jägermeister to create a distinct two-layer shot.
What's Rumple Minze?
Rumple Minze is a German brand of peppermint schnapps known for its very high proof, typically 100 proof or 50% ABV, delivering a strong, icy mint flavor.
Is it served hot or cold?
The Dead Nazi is always served ice cold. Keeping both liqueurs chilled in a freezer before pouring is key to enjoying this shot.
Are there other shots with Jägermeister?
Absolutely. The Jager Bomb, which involves dropping a shot of Jägermeister into an energy drink, is arguably the most famous Jägermeister shot.
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