Ingredients
- 1 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Grain Alcohol
- 1/4 oz Butterscotch Liqueur
- 1/4 oz Coffee Liqueur
- .5 oz Blue Curacao Liqueur
Instructions
Mix Ingredients:
- Combine the vodka, grain alcohol, butterscotch liqueur, coffee liqueur, and blue curacao liqueur in a whiskey sour glass.
Stir:
- Stir the mixture well to blend all the flavors.
Serve:
- Drink through a straw to enjoy the full intensity of this bold cocktail.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Black Death cocktail doesn't come with a grand origin story or a specific bartender's name attached. It's a product of dive bar lore and college town legend, likely born from a simple desire for a potent, dark-colored drink. Its exact era is hazy, but it feels like a child of the late 20th century, a time when strong, simple concoctions were king.
It's less a classic cocktail family member and more an outlier, a pure spirit-and-liqueur combination designed for impact. While it shares some DNA with other potent shots, its specific blend of vodka and herbal liqueur sets it apart from traditional sours or spirit-forward sippers. There's no fancy technique here, just raw power.
You won't find the Black Death on a craft cocktail menu, and that's precisely the point. This is a drink for the kind of place where the music is loud, the lights are low, and the only thing that matters is a stiff drink. It's a bar call for when you're done playing nice and just want something that hits hard.
What it tastes like
The Black Death delivers a direct, potent hit of alcohol, smoothed out by the complex, bittersweet herbal notes of Jägermeister. Expect a sharp initial spirit burn from the vodka, quickly followed by the distinct licorice, spice, and dark fruit undertones of the liqueur. It's a full-bodied, intense flavor profile, designed for impact rather than nuance.
With 2 oz of 80-proof vodka and 1 oz of 70-proof Jägermeister, this drink packs a serious punch. That's about two standard drinks in a single glass, making it significantly stronger than a typical 12 oz beer, which usually sits around 5% ABV. Treat it with respect; it's designed to be potent.
The technique
Building a Black Death is straightforward. Combine the vodka and Jägermeister directly in a chilled shot glass or a small rocks glass filled with ice. A quick stir ensures everything is mixed. Serve it immediately; this isn't a drink that benefits from dilution or extended chilling, as its power is part of the appeal.
The one technique tip that matters most is chilling your spirits and glassware beforehand. While it's meant to be potent, serving it ice-cold makes the initial alcohol burn a little smoother and the herbal notes more pronounced, without diluting the core strength.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Vodka
- Use
- Any good quality neutral vodka works here. Absolut, Smirnoff, or even a house pour.
- Skip
- Flavored vodkas will clash with the Jägermeister's distinct profile.
- Why
- It's the clean, potent base that carries the liqueur's flavor without adding its own complexities.
Jägermeister
- Use
- The original, German-made Jägermeister is the only choice.
- Skip
- Any other herbal liqueur, as none will replicate its unique flavor.
- Why
- Jägermeister provides the signature bitter, herbal, and slightly sweet character that defines the Black Death.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Black Death with Cola
- Longer Sip
- Adding a splash of cola transforms the Black Death into a longer, slightly sweeter highball. The cola mellows the herbal intensity and adds a familiar fizzy kick.
Black Death Shot
- Straight Up
- Served as a chilled shot, this variation emphasizes the raw power and immediate impact of the drink. No ice, just pure, cold potency.
Black Death Stout
- Darker Depths
- Substitute cola with a dark stout for a richer, malty, and slightly roasted twist. This version deepens the complexity and adds a creamy head.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try a strong white rum for a slightly sweeter, cane-based kick, though it will change the flavor profile significantly.
A very dark, bitter amaro like Fernet Branca could work for the herbal notes, but expect a much more medicinal and intensely bitter result. It won't be the same drink.
Any small glass will do. A rocks glass or even a small juice glass will work in a pinch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Black Death?
A Black Death typically contains vodka and Jägermeister, sometimes with a splash of cola or other dark mixers.
Is Black Death a strong drink?
Yes, the Black Death is known for its high alcohol content, usually combining two potent spirits. It's designed to be a strong drink.
Why is it called Black Death?
The name likely refers to its dark color and high potency, suggesting a drink that hits hard and means business. It's a nod to its impactful nature.
What does Black Death taste like?
It tastes like a powerful combination of neutral spirit and the complex, herbal, and slightly bitter profile of Jägermeister, often with a hint of licorice and spice.
Is Black Death a common cocktail?
It's more of a well-known dive bar or party drink rather than a classic cocktail found on curated menus. Its popularity is in its simplicity and strength.
Can I make a Black Death sweeter?
Yes, adding a splash of cola, a bit of simple syrup, or a sweeter liqueur like Kahlua (if substituting Jägermeister) will sweeten it up.
What's the best way to drink a Black Death?
Typically served as a chilled shot or a short drink over ice. It's meant to be consumed quickly for its full effect rather than slowly sipped.
Are there other drinks similar to Black Death?
Drinks like the Jägerbomb (Jägermeister and energy drink) or other strong spirit-and-liqueur shots share its potent, direct approach.
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