Jägertee
The Austrian Alpine warmer of strong black tea and overproof rum, spiced with cinnamon and clove and brightened with lemon, a robust drink for the slopes.
Ingredients
- 300 ml strong black tea, freshly brewed
- 100 ml overproof rum
- 100 ml red wine — optional, for body
- 40 g caster sugar — adjust to taste
- 2 lemon slices
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
Method
- Brew the black tea strong and pour it into a saucepan while still hot.
- Add the sugar, lemon slices, cinnamon stick and cloves, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour in the red wine, if using, and warm gently over a low heat; do not boil.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the overproof rum.
- Ladle into warmed heatproof mugs, leaving the spices behind, and serve at once.
How to serve
- Glassware
- Heatproof mug
- Serve temperature
- Warm, around 70°C
- Garnish
- A lemon slice and a cinnamon stick
Jägertee is the Austrian Alps in a mug, a robust blend of strong black tea and overproof rum that has long warmed skiers and walkers in the mountain huts of the Tyrol. Spiced with cinnamon and clove and brightened with lemon, it is bracing, aromatic and unapologetically strong. Few drinks chase away the cold quite so effectively.
Tips
Brew the tea properly strong, as it forms the backbone of the drink and will be diluted by the spirit and any wine. Take the pan off the heat before adding the rum to keep its character intact. Because overproof rum carries real strength, start with a modest measure and adjust to suit your company.
Variations
A splash of red wine adds welcome body and a deeper colour, a popular touch in many Austrian versions. For a fruitier profile, brew the tea with a few slices of orange alongside the lemon. Those who prefer a gentler glass can lean on the tea and spice, using a lighter hand with the rum.
Frequently asked questions
What is Jägertee?
Jägertee is an Austrian Alpine drink of strong black tea fortified with overproof rum and spice. It is a familiar sight at ski huts, where it warms visitors after a day on the slopes.
Why add rum off the heat?
Stirring the rum in after the pan leaves the heat keeps its strength and aroma intact, since prolonged heating would drive off much of the alcohol.
How strong is Jägertee?
Traditionally quite strong, thanks to the overproof rum. You can adjust the quantity to taste, and a longer infusion of tea and spice keeps plenty of flavour even with less spirit.
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