Schrobbelèr
The gentle herbal liqueur from Tilburg associated with carnival and the Tilburg fair. Everything about the 43 herbs, the alcohol percentage, how to serve it, and the glass that goes with it.
A Brabant herbal liqueur with 43 herbs
Schrobbelèr comes from Tilburg and has been made there since 1965. The name refers to scouring wool: Tilburg was the Netherlands' textile city for centuries, and a 'schrobbelèr' was someone who carded raw wool. The liqueur is made from 43 herbs on a soft base and contains 21.5% alcohol, considerably less than most herbal bitters.
It is precisely the low alcohol percentage and the sweet, gentle taste that make Schrobbelèr approachable. It is traditionally served ice-cold and neat, in a small glass, and is inextricably linked to carnival and the Tilburg fair in North Brabant. The recipe remains a secret and is kept within the company.
In brief
What Schrobbelèr bottles are available?
One recipe, different sizes. From a small bottle for the fair to the 1-litre bottle for home.
Schrobbelèr 70 cl
The standard bottle. Serve ice-cold from the freezer in small glasses; that is how its gentle herbal character comes through best.
Schrobbelèr 1 litre
The 1-litre bottle for a party or a long evening. More economical per glass and just enough for a full table.
Schrobbelèr 35 cl
The half bottle for those who pour it occasionally, or for trying before getting a full bottle.
Schrobbelèr Eleven
Eleven 2 cl bottles in one package: convenient for sharing, taking along, or giving as a gift.
Schrobbelèr with hip flask
The 70 cl bottle with a metal hip flask included. The classic Schrobbelèr gift for a birthday.
The 70 cl bottle is the standard; the Elftal is the gift.
Soft, sweet and spiced
Herbs & licorice
Warm spices, licorice and a hint of anise and spices. Much softer and sweeter than a classic herbal bitter.
Sweet and rounded
Full and slightly syrupy, with spiced sweetness and little bitterness. You can barely taste the 21.5% alcohol.
Short and warm
A short, warm finish with herbs and licorice. Served ice-cold, it is at its most refreshing.
Schrobbelèr's flavor profile. For comparison: Jägermeister is 35% and more bitter, Underberg 44% and completely dry.
Three ways to drink Schrobbelèr
Schrobbelèr should be ice-cold. Put the bottle in the freezer and pour small glasses; it makes the drink thicker and less sweet.
Ice-cold and neat
Pour 4 cl of ice-cold Schrobbelèr into a small shot glass. This is how it is enjoyed in Tilburg: neat, cold and in company. The cold tones down the sweetness and leaves the herbs.
Glass: shot glass →In coffee
A dash of Schrobbelèr in a cup of fresh coffee, optionally with a dollop of whipped cream. A Brabant-style coffee with milk for after dinner, without becoming too heavy.
Irish Coffee recipe →Over vanilla ice cream
Two spoonfuls of Schrobbelèr over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The spiced sweetness pairs surprisingly well with cream and vanilla; the quickest dessert there is.
Glass: liqueur glass →Schrobbelèr in and alongside cocktails
Schrobbelèr is mainly enjoyed neat, but it also works well in hot drinks and shots. These are the recipes that pair well with it.
Irish Coffee
Coffee, sugar, spirits and a layer of cream. With Schrobbelèr, a softer, spiced version.
Shots
The complete collection of shot recipes, from layered to ice-cold straight from the freezer.
Hot Toddy
Hot water, honey and lemon with a dash of spirits. For a cold evening.
Kopstoot
A small glass of spirits alongside a flute of beer. At the fairground just as common as at home.The right glass for Schrobbelèr
A small shot glass or stemmed liqueur glass for drinking neat from the freezer, and an Irish coffee glass for the warm version. These are the glasses we recommend ourselves.
Everything you still wanted to know about Schrobbelèr
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