Underberg is a German company with a remarkable history. The Underberg Digestive recently celebrated 170 years since its creation in 1846 by Hubert Underberg. This herbal digestif, bottled at 44% alcohol by volume, is made from selected aromatic herbs and botanicals sourced from around 43 countries.
Traditionally recommended on the label as ideal “After a Good Meal,” Underberg has also been embraced by the cocktail world. The iconic 20 ml bottle has become a distinctive bar accessory, used as a bittering element in classic cocktails and as a flavoring in modern highballs.
Underberg – The Optical Cocktail Highlight
A recent serving trend places the small Underberg bottle inverted directly into the drink. Before positioning the bottle into the crushed ice, the paper seal is removed so the digestif slowly mixes with the cocktail as it melts.
Underberg pairs well with citrus flavors such as lemon and lime, tropical fruits like pineapple and passion fruit, and with carbonated mixers. Soda, cola or tonic all work nicely. Below are several approachable Underberg cocktail recipes that highlight its herbal character and are simple to prepare at home.
Where to purchase Underberg?
You can buy Underberg at specialty German retailers, from online shops that stock bitters, and on common marketplaces. It is also available through various independent shops and select online stores.
The Best Underberg Cocktail Recipes
7up or Zitroschnell Cocktail
Ingredients:
fresh limes
10 ml (0.3 oz) fresh lemon juice
20 ml (0.6 oz) passion fruit syrup or juice
100 ml (3.4 oz) soda or mineral water
100 ml (3.4 oz) 7Up or Sprite
1 bottle Underberg (20 ml)
Directions Zitroschnell
1. Put lime wedges into a tall glass and press gently with a muddler to release the juice.
2. Fill the glass with crushed ice and add lemon juice, passion fruit syrup and soda, then top with 7Up or Sprite.
3. Remove the paper seal from the Underberg bottle and place the bottle upside down into the glass so it sits in the ice.
4. Garnish with lime slices and serve immediately.
Variations:
Use the Zitroschnell as a base recipe for these alternatives:
- Underberg Tonic: Substitute tonic water for 7Up and use ice cubes instead of crushed ice for a more subtle effervescence.
- Underberg Cola: Substitute Coca-Cola for 7Up or tonic and serve over ice cubes for a sweeter, darker profile.
Photo source
Alpine Sour Cocktail
Serves 1
1 lemon
1 oz Asbach Uralt
1 oz orgeat
1 bottle Underberg bitters (about 0.75 oz)
Grated nutmeg for garnish
Directions Alpine Sour
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe. Finish with a light dusting of grated nutmeg.
Angler Cocktail
1 1/2 oz gin
1/8 oz grenadine
1/4 oz Underberg
3/8 oz orange bitters
Directions Angler
Add all ingredients to a shaker with plenty of ice. Shake and strain into an Old Fashioned or lowball glass over fresh ice. Express an orange peel over the drink and garnish with the zest.
Bees Knees Cocktail
This classic cocktail gets a herbal twist from a dash of Underberg.
2 oz gin
1/2 oz lemon juice
3/4 oz honey syrup
Dash of Underberg
Directions: Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy.
THE UNDERBERG LOYALTY PROGRAM
Since 2002, Underberg has encouraged collectors through its “Tops & More” loyalty program. Drinkers save the distinctive bottle tops and exchange them for special rewards. Each tin or promotional package often includes a loyalty card that collectors can submit in order to claim awards. The program has become a popular way for fans to engage with the brand and collect limited or exclusive items.
Enjoy your Underberg, keep the bottle tops, and submit the loyalty card once you’ve gathered the required number to redeem a reward.
SHOP FOR UNDERBERG
Check specialist retailers and select online stores to purchase Underberg. Availability varies by market and retailer.