Underberg
The 2 cl mini bottle in brown paper served at the table after a hearty dinner. Here you'll learn which herbs it contains, how much alcohol it has, why the serving is so small, and how best to drink Underberg.
One serving, 44 percent, since 1846
Hubert Underberg created his herbal bitter in 1846 in Rheinberg, on the Lower Rhine. On June 17, 1846, he got married, and on that same day he launched the bitter. The recipe has never changed. It remains in the family, now in its fifth generation. The herbs come from 43 countries. They steep in alcohol for months and are then aged in oak barrels.
You can only buy Underberg in 2 cl mini bottles, wrapped in that familiar brown straw paper. That's not marketing. The paper blocks light, and that small serving is exactly what you drink after a meal. There is no large bottle, or light version either. However, the bitter is sugar-free and gluten-free.
In brief
What Underberg packaging is available?
Underberg comes in just one variety. You only choose the packaging, from a strip of three to a gift tin.
Underberg 3-pack
The familiar strip of three mini bottles wrapped in brown paper. Enough for a dinner with three people.
Underberg 12-pack
Twelve mini bottles in stock. Handy if you serve it often or have guests over for dinner.
Underberg gift tin
Twelve bottles in a metal tin. The best-known Underberg gift, and a handy storage tin afterward.
Start with the three-pack. Give the tin as a gift.
Intensely herbal, dry and sugar-free
Herbs & roots
A rich bouquet of bitter herbs, roots and spices. You can smell anise, gentian and an earthy note underneath.
Dry and bitter
Immediately bitter and very herbal. It doesn't have the sweetness of Jägermeister. There's no sugar in it, and you can taste that.
Warm and lingering
Long and warming, spicy, with a hint of cooling menthol. Just what you want after a heavy meal.
Underberg's flavor profile. For comparison: Jägermeister scores about 3/5 for sweetness and is 35% alcohol, while Underberg is 44% and has no added sugar.
Three ways to drink Underberg
Underberg is a digestif. Drink it after a meal, in one go and at room temperature. One bottle is one serving.
Neat after a meal
Pour the 2 cl bottle into a small shot glass and drink it in one or two sips. At room temperature, not ice-cold, so you can taste the herbs at their best. This is what it was made for.
Glass: shot glass →In a highball glass
Pour a bottle of Underberg into a glass of tonic or ginger ale over plenty of ice, with a slice of orange. Surprisingly refreshing, and much easier to drink than neat.
Glass: tumbler →In hot tea
Pour a bottle into a cup of hot herbal tea, or black tea with honey. This is how they often drink it in Germany on a cold day.
Hot Toddy recipe →Bitter drinks to try alongside Underberg
Underberg is drunk neat, not in a cocktail. If you like that bitter, spicy taste, these recipes are a great match.
Americano
Campari, sweet vermouth and soda over ice. Bittersweet and low in alcohol.
Negroni
Gin, Campari and sweet vermouth in equal parts. The best-known bitter cocktail.
Jägerbomb
A shot of herbal bitter in a glass of energy drink. The party version of herbal liqueur.
Kopstoot
A small glass of genever beside a beer glass. The Dutch counterpart to a German after-dinner drink.The right glass for Underberg
A small shot glass holding a few centiliters is enough for one bottle. If you're serving it with tonic or ginger ale, use a tumbler. These are the glasses we recommend ourselves.
Everything else you wanted to know about Underberg
Can't find your question here? Check out our cocktail recipes or get in touch.
To the cocktail recipes →What percentage alcohol is in Underberg?
Why does Underberg come in such a small bottle?
What is Underberg made from?
Is Underberg good for your stomach?
What's the difference between Underberg and Jägermeister?
How do you store Underberg?
Buy Underberg
Want to have the bottle at home right away? Order Underberg online from Gall & Gall.
Prices as of November 3, 2026, as reported by Gall & Gall. You can see the current price and stock at Gall & Gall. Glazen.nl receives a small commission if you buy something through these links; it costs you nothing extra. No 18, no alcohol.
