Ingredients
- 1 oz Cinnamon Schnapps
- 1 oz Jager Herbal Liqueur
- 1 oz Tequila
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- Pour 1 oz of cinnamon schnapps into a shot glass.
- Add 1 oz of Jager herbal liqueur.
- Top with 1 oz of tequila.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your bold and fiery Army Green Shot.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This specific combination of spirits doesn’t have a grand, documented history. It’s likely a modern creation, born in the trenches of a busy bar where a bartender was mixing and matching potent bottles for a quick, impactful shot. It’s less about a specific inventor and more about the collective inventiveness of late-night bar culture.
The Army Green Shot comfortably sits in the “party shot” category, alongside drinks like the Jager Bomb or the Kamikaze. What sets it apart is its pure spirit base. There are no mixers to dilute the intensity here, just three distinct liqueurs and spirits playing off each other for maximum effect.
You’d typically find or serve this drink in a high-energy setting: a dive bar on a Friday night, a pre-game gathering before a concert, or as a quick round among friends looking for a fast track to the good times. It is not a sipper, it is a shooter.
What it tastes like
On the front, you get a rush of sweet, fiery cinnamon from the schnapps, waking up the palate immediately. This quickly transitions into the complex, bitter-sweet herbal notes of Jagermeister in the mid-palate, with hints of licorice and dark spices. The finish is all tequila, bringing an earthy, peppery warmth that lingers and provides a satisfying kick.
With 1 oz each of 30% ABV cinnamon schnapps, 35% ABV Jagermeister, and 40% ABV tequila, this 3 oz shot clocks in around 35% ABV. That makes it significantly stronger than your average beer and on par with a stiff cocktail, all delivered in a single, concentrated gulp.
The technique
Building an Army Green Shot is straightforward. Grab a shot glass. Pour in 1 oz of cinnamon schnapps first. Follow that with 1 oz of Jagermeister, then top it off with 1 oz of tequila. There is no need for shaking or stirring; a simple pour is all it takes. Serve it up immediately, usually chilled.
The most important technique tip for any shot is accurate measurement. Eyeballing these potent ingredients means you will end up with an inconsistent drink. Use a jigger or a measured pour spout to ensure each shot is balanced and delivers the expected flavor and strength. This consistency makes a difference for the drinker and for your bar’s reputation.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Cinnamon Schnapps
- Use
- Look for a potent cinnamon liqueur like Fireball for its signature heat, or Goldschlager for a touch of gold leaf flare. Anything around 30-40% ABV will do the job.
- Skip
- Do not substitute with cinnamon syrup or a cinnamon-flavored vodka that lacks the sugar. You will lose the essential sweet-spicy balance and body.
- Why
- The cinnamon schnapps provides the initial sweet warmth and the fiery kick that defines the shot’s opening. It is a crucial part of the flavor progression.
Jager Herbal Liqueur
- Use
- Jagermeister is the standard here. Its unique blend of 56 herbs and spices is what gives the drink its distinctive herbal, slightly bitter, and complex mid-palate.
- Skip
- Avoid general anise liqueurs or other random herbal spirits. They will drastically alter the signature Jager flavor, and the shot will not taste right.
- Why
- Jagermeister is the “green” in Army Green. Its deep, complex herbal profile is irreplaceable and provides the necessary counterpoint to the sweetness and heat.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Spiced Green
- Add a dash of bitters for depth
- A couple of dashes of Angostura bitters can add another layer of spice and complexity, enhancing the herbal notes of the Jager.
Frosty Green
- Chill ingredients thoroughly
- For a smoother, colder shot, pre-chill all three spirits in the freezer before pouring. This takes the edge off the alcohol burn.
Citrus Green
- A squeeze of lime for brightness
- A small squeeze of fresh lime juice can cut through the sweetness and add a bright, zesty counterpoint to the shot’s richness.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
A spicy liqueur like a ginger liqueur or even a dash of hot sauce with a little sugar syrup and neutral spirit could work in a pinch, but the flavor will be different.
This is a tough one. A different bitter herbal liqueur might be a distant relative, but expect a significant flavor shift. There is no true substitute for Jager’s unique profile.
White rum or vodka could substitute for the base spirit, but you will lose the distinct agave earthiness and peppery finish that tequila brings.
A small cordial glass or even a small rocks glass will work. The key is a small vessel for a quick, concentrated drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Army Green Shot?
An Army Green Shot contains 1 oz of cinnamon schnapps, 1 oz of Jager herbal liqueur, and 1 oz of tequila.
How strong is an Army Green Shot?
This 3 oz shot is quite potent, coming in at approximately 35% ABV, making it stronger than most beers and comparable to a standard cocktail.
Is the Army Green Shot sweet?
Yes, the cinnamon schnapps and Jagermeister contribute a noticeable sweetness to the shot, balanced by the herbal and tequila notes.
Should the Army Green Shot be chilled?
While not strictly required, chilling the ingredients or the shot glass before serving is recommended to make the drink smoother and more refreshing.
Can I make a batch of Army Green Shots?
You can pre-mix the ingredients for a batch, but it is generally best served fresh. Keep the mixture chilled if preparing ahead of time.
What kind of tequila is best for an Army Green Shot?
A blanco tequila is typically used for its clean, vibrant agave notes, but a reposado could add a subtle oak and vanilla complexity if you prefer.
What is the flavor profile of an Army Green Shot?
It starts with sweet, fiery cinnamon, moves to complex herbal notes from Jager, and finishes with the earthy, peppery warmth of tequila.
What kind of occasion is the Army Green Shot for?
It is a party shot, perfect for quick rounds among friends, pre-gaming, or as a spirited pick-me-up in a lively bar setting.
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