Equipment
- Shot Glass
Ingredients
- 1 oz Herbal Liqueur Jagermeister
- 1 spoon Mayonnaise
Instructions
Pour Jagermeister:
- Pour 1 oz of Jagermeister into a shot glass.
Add Mayonnaise:
- Drop 1 large spoon of mayonnaise on top of the Jagermeister.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the unique combination.
Notes
- Serving Tips: For best results, use a fresh, cold bottle of Jagermeister. The cold temperature enhances the shot's flavor and texture.
- Mayonnaise Alternatives: While traditional mayonnaise is used, you can experiment with flavored mayonnaise for an added twist.
- Consumption: This shot is best enjoyed quickly, so drink it as soon as itβs prepared for the full experience.
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This shot is a modern dive bar staple, likely born in the late 20th or early 21st century in the United States. It is less about classic cocktail lineage and more about playful, often gross-out naming conventions for quick, potent drinks. You will not find it in any old cocktail tomes, but you will find it on many a laminated bar menu.
The Smokerβs Cough Shot belongs to the broad family of 'novelty' or 'dare' shots. Its relatives include things like the Cement Mixer or the Prairie Fire, drinks designed for a specific reaction or a quick jolt. What separates it is the specific combination of herbal liqueur and cream, creating a unique texture and flavor that lives up to its name.
You order a Smokerβs Cough Shot when you are out with friends in a casual setting, probably a dive bar or a lively pub, and someone suggests something a little wild. It is not a sophisticated pre-dinner drink. It is strictly for after hours, when inhibitions are low and the mood is for something direct and memorable.
What it tastes like
The initial hit is distinctly herbal and complex from the Jagermeister, with notes of licorice, spice, and a slight bitterness. This is quickly followed by the rich, creamy sweetness of the Irish cream, which coats the palate and mellows the intensity. The combination creates a unique, almost thick mouthfeel and a bittersweet, medicinal finish that lingers, true to the shot's provocative name.
With Jagermeister typically around 35 percent ABV and Irish cream at 17 percent, a Smokerβs Cough Shot clocks in around 29 percent ABV. This is significantly stronger than a typical beer, which usually hovers between 4 to 6 percent. It is a potent shot, so treat it with respect. One is usually enough to make an impression.
The technique
Building a Smokerβs Cough Shot is straightforward. Combine 1 oz of Jagermeister and 0.5 oz of Irish cream liqueur directly in a standard shot glass. There is no need for stirring or shaking, as the point is often the initial separation and subsequent mixing in the mouth. Serve it immediately, cold is best.
The single most important technique tip is to ensure both liqueurs are well chilled. A cold shot goes down smoother and cuts through some of the intensity, making the experience more palatable. Room temperature ingredients make for a much harsher, less enjoyable shot.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Jagermeister
- Use
- The original German herbal liqueur. Look for the classic green bottle.
- Skip
- Any generic herbal liqueur that lacks the complex, specific bitterness and sweetness of Jagermeister. It is not a drink for substitutions.
- Why
- Jagermeister is the backbone of this shot, providing its signature medicinal, herbaceous, and slightly bitter profile. Without it, you do not have a Smokerβs Cough Shot.
Irish Cream Liqueur
- Use
- Baileys Irish Cream is the standard, but any quality Irish cream will do. Ensure it is fresh.
- Skip
- Other cream liqueurs that are not Irish cream, like coffee liqueurs with cream or chocolate liqueurs. They will change the flavor profile too much.
- Why
- The Irish cream provides the necessary creamy texture and sweetness to balance Jagermeisterβs intensity and create the 'cough' effect. It is essential for the mouthfeel and the final flavor.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Cement Mixer
- The ultimate textural challenge
- This notorious shot involves swirling Irish cream liqueur in your mouth with a shot of lime juice, causing it to curdle. It is all about the gag reflex.
Prairie Fire
- Spicy and direct
- A simple but effective shot of tequila with a few dashes of Tabasco sauce. It is a quick hit of heat and agave, often used as a wake-up call.
Jagerbomb
- Energy and herbal kick
- While not a layered shot, the Jagerbomb is another common Jagermeister-based drink where a shot glass of Jager is dropped into a glass of energy drink.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
This shot relies heavily on Jagermeister. There is no good substitution that will yield the same result. You will be making a different shot entirely.
You could try another creamy liqueur, like Kahlua with a splash of cream, but it will taste different. The specific sweetness and texture of Irish cream is key.
Any small glass will work, such as a cordial glass or even a small juice glass. The goal is a quick, concentrated drink.
Just serve it as is. It will be harsher, but still drinkable. Chilling is a preference, not a requirement for building the shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Smokerβs Cough Shot?
A typical Smokerβs Cough Shot consists of Jagermeister and Irish cream liqueur. The proportions can vary, but usually it is more Jagermeister than cream.
How do you drink a Smokerβs Cough Shot?
It is designed to be consumed quickly, in one gulp. Some people prefer to let the flavors mingle in their mouth briefly before swallowing.
Is the Smokerβs Cough Shot strong?
Yes, with Jagermeister at 35 percent ABV and Irish cream at 17 percent, the combined shot is quite potent, typically around 29 percent ABV.
Why is it called Smokerβs Cough Shot?
The name comes from the unique combination of the herbal, slightly medicinal Jagermeister and the thick, creamy Irish cream, which creates a sensation or texture reminiscent of a cough.
Can I make a Smokerβs Cough Shot as a cocktail?
While technically possible, converting it to a larger cocktail would likely dilute the unique 'shot' experience. It is best enjoyed in its concentrated form.
What does a Smokerβs Cough Shot taste like?
It tastes like a blend of Jagermeisterβs complex herbal, licorice, and spicy notes, softened and made creamy by the sweet Irish cream. It has a bittersweet, lingering finish.
Are there other versions of the Smokerβs Cough Shot?
Recipes can vary. Some versions might use different ratios, or occasionally other liqueurs to achieve a similar 'cough' effect, but Jagermeister and Irish cream is the most common.
What is the best way to serve a Smokerβs Cough Shot?
Serve it well chilled, in a standard shot glass, immediately after preparation for the best experience.
More Like This
More drinks in the same family.
