Cocktail: Zwack Liqueur

(Credit: Jessica Bratton)

Dearest Jagermeister,

Hard to believe our little affair has lasted 15 years. Since the first night we met in the Dickinson dorms, to last month when a round of shots was ordered in Dewey Beach, you've always been there as my go-to gal for getting silly.

But things have changed. I'm older now. I can't keep up with your Red Headed Sluts and Purple Nipples anymore. And the Sex on Acid, though tempting, is just too much for this old man to take every Friday night.

It's time for me to settle down, and I have found a new lady who goes by the name Zwack, that has met my acquired tastes. She's more mature (by about 144 years) and is a little more forgiving the next morning.

Farewell, old girl. It's been fun.

Out with the old, in with the older

Many of you out there could probably sit with me for hours and share the stories of how Jagermeister has made life better or worse over the years.

Hell, even comedian Dave Attell has a bit about the herbal liqueur, wherein he blames Jager for many of the ill-advised decisions he's made over the years.

But I don't know. I've grown tired of Jager recently. The anise and herbal flavors are still satisfying, but there's something about the liqueur that is either too thick, or just doesn't pack the punch, given its thickness.

Enter Zwack, a Hungarian version of Jager whose lineage goes much farther back than that of its German sister spirit, to 1790. Though introduced to the U.S. in 1955, it's been getting another look at bars and restaurants lately.

Throw back some Zwack

When I first approached Zwack at a recent trade show, taking in hand the bulbous round vessel that housed the beverage, my first sniff said Jager all the way. But the flavors that came through upon sipping were something quite different.

This Hungarian drink is just a bit higher in alcohol content, at 80 proof (as opposed to Jager, at 70 proof). For those who shoot the spirit for obvious reasons, this is a nice little plus.

But somehow, Zwack is a little lighter on the palate. It's not as cough syrup heavy as Jager can be. The liqueur washes down nicely and doesn't cause as much of a wince that can sometimes arise with Jager.

Next time you're in the mood for a shot of Jager at one of these local bars (listed below), give Zwack a sip and see if you don't prefer it. Then you can go purchase the spirit for roughly $25-$30.

Liquor stores where you can find Zwack:

Concord Liquors, New Castle Spirits, Stanton Liquors, Tim's Liquors, Coastal Wine and Spirits, Boxwood Liquors, Ocean Wine and Spirits, Pockets Discount Liquors, Woodside Liquors, 896 Liquors and Chestnut Hill Liquors.

Restaurants where you can find Zwack:

Just Mugs Saloon, Klondike Kate's, McGlynn's Pub & Restaurant, Timothy's of Newark, Kelly's Logan House, Dead Presidents, Scratch Magoo's, Kid Shelleen's, Deep Blue and Greene Turtle.

Recipes:

Of course, you can mix Zwack much like you've mixed Jager in the past, to create all those crazy named shots (see above). But here are some other recipes, courtesy of www.thebar.com.

Zwackstache

1 oz. Zwack

1/2 oz. Bailey's Irish Cream

Pour over ice and shake well until chilled. Strain into a martin glass and serve.

Zwacktasitc

1.5 oz. Zwack

6 oz. energy drink

Can't you see Shaq sipping one of these pre-workout? Simply mix Zwack with energy drink over ice and serve.

Bloody Mariska

1.5 oz. Zwack

3 oz. bloody mary mix

1 stalk celery

1 pinch pepper

1 pinch salt

A Hungarian Bloody Mary, prepared in the traditional way.