Jägermeister. You either love it or you hate it. The iconic and, yes, polarizing German liqueur is one of a kind. It’s gone unchanged for almost a century, but the classic brown digestif in the unmistakable green bottle was recently joined by another, significantly lighter type of Jäger.
In late 2025, Jägermeister Orange quietly landed in the United States. More specifically, it made its North American debut right here in Wisconsin (and evidently nowhere else in the entire continent). Following a debut—and an extended stint of exclusive availability—in Germany, other European countries, and select international airports, it was deemed time for Jäger Orange to hop the pond. And what better American test market is there for a product like this than Wisconsin? That question is rhetorical, by the way.
We recently wound up at a place called Merry’s (5100 W. Howard Ave., no website obviously) after a birthday party at a nearby place that absolutely warrants its own article that we might get to at some point. Anyway, the cozy, no-frills corner bar had promo posters advertising the availability of this new Jägermeister varietal and accompanying text indicating it was “only available in WI.”
Being unironic appreciators of the original with its complex and inimitable blend of 56 “selected botanicals,” we had to try it. And dammit if it wasn’t super good. While we still favor the original, the new entrant that’s said to be “made with Sicilian oranges” leads with a nice citrus-y sweetness before gradually giving way to its predecessor’s distinct anise-tinged and herbal characteristics. And at 66 proof (33% alcohol), it’s an oh-so-slightly easier sipper than the 70 proof (35%) original. Most Jägermeister faithful won’t feel alienated by it, and folks who don’t typically reach for that liqueur brand might still opt for this version. In fact, one person in our group remarked “do I like Jäger now?!” after trying a shot of the orange stuff.
This unexpected discovery sent us down a rabbit hole in the days that followed. We learned that 1. There’s a Jägermeister Reddit, and 2. Jägermeister Orange was launched in parts of Europe almost two years ago. That made the apparent fact Wisconsin the only place you can get it in pretty much the entire Western Hemisphere even more interesting and hilarious. Of course Jäger would rely entirely upon Wisconsin in all its heavy-drinking, deeply Germanic glory to determine if the brand’s new product has legs in the states!
After some clicking and clacking, we found some solid proof it could be found elsewhere in the city and the state. We saw that Old German Beer Hall (1009 N. Doctor MLK Jr. Dr.) allegedly had it, so we paid the bar a visit last week to see for ourselves. And they did! A bartender told us Old German Beer Hall got Jägermeister Orange last November and they barely made a dent in their stock to that point. It probably doesn’t help that it was in the bar’s coolers and not on display, but we digress.
We ordered a shot of it, both for continued research purposes and to stage some of the images you see above. Then, knowing it might not be around forever and, yeah, learning shots of Jägermeister Orange were only $2 apiece, we ordered a second one. After all, who knows how long it will be available and whether it will ever be back? Actually, maybe Jägermeister’s Wisconsin distributor would know!
Recently, we called Badger Liquor to ask about the status of Jäger Orange. A representative confirmed Wisconsin was the United States test market, saying “a few hundred cases” were released here late last year to be sold to bars. They told us they no longer have any at this time. So you won’t be finding it at liquor stores or on grocery shelves anytime in the immediate future.
At this point in time, your best (and only) hope to have Jägermeister Orange without going to Europe would be to find a bar in the state that still stocks this (as of now) limited time offering. Merry’s had it. Old German Beer Hall likely still has some, too. Beyond that, we honestly have no idea. So get it if/when you can and keep your fingers crossed Jägermeister Orange eventually sees a wide release. In the meantime, cheers and happy hunting, Wisconsin!
