Oktoberfest celebrations have already wrapped up, but it still seems as good a time as any to give the spotlight to Underberg, a storied German digestif that is typically used to settle the stomach after a large meal and is also a popular hair of the dog across the pond after a long night at the pub.

The small glass bottle wrapped in brown paper—which is quietly infiltrating Tampa Bay’s hippest watering holes—has been around since 1846, when Hubert Underberg first started selling it in Rheinberg, Germany. The formula inside contains herbs from 43 different countries and has been tightly kept as an Underberg family secret since its inception over 175 years ago and contains only water, alcohol and herbal extracts. Before it hits the shelves, the bitter beverage is matured in casks made of Slovenian oak, a process that adds to the complexity of the final product.

Underberg’s taste is often compared to the flavors of Fernet Branca and Jagermeister, which is likely to evoke a strong feeling one way or the other for the person drinking it. Since it’s offered in such a small serving size (20 ml), it can and should be quickly downed for ultimate palatability and results. While the bottle is small, the ABV, which sits at 44%, is not.

Here’s a list of some small businesses in the Tampa Bay area that offer Underberg if you feel like giving it a shot. Oh, and don’t forget to keep the green caps, which can be redeemed for Underberg merchandise that ranges all the way from glassware and plates to clothing and accessories.

Underberg is a storied German digestif that is typically used to settle the stomach after a large meal. Credit: Photo via La Setima Club/Facebook
Mr. Dunderbak’s Biergarten and Brewery 14929 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa, 813-977-4104 Tampa’s award-winning German beer hall is an Americanized food “haus” that keeps traditional German ingredients at its core. Along with over 40 drafts on tap, Mr. Dunderbak’s serves Swabisch classics like an Oktoberfest sausage platter, sour cream schnitzel, Bavarian bratwurst, Polish kielbasa and more. Make sure you bring your German-to-English translator before trying to read the menu. Photo via Mr. Dunderbak’s Brewpub/Facebook
Best Bottle Shoppe Jug & Bottle Dept. Finalists: CellarMasters Wine Bar and Bottle Shop, Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe Credit: Photo via Jug & Bottle Dept.
Independent Bar Veronica Danko 5016 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-341-4883 With a fun indoor-outdoor environment and wide selection of drinks and bites, this neighborhood staple European-inspired bar and cafe offers wine, beer, coffee and pastries with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options fit for everyone. Credit: Photo via Marlo Miller
New World Brewery 810 E Skagway Ave., Tampa Photo by Dave Decker Credit: Dave Decker
Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe 2927 Central Ave., St. Petersburg Photo via Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe / Facebook Credit: Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe / Facebook
The Hub While this downtown Tampa institution is certainly a great place to score a strong shot and a cheap beer, it also offers a surprisingly good selection of mezcal, for a dive bar. We recommend going on a shift when Tampa’s second best bartender, Kamran Mir (only joking, Kam), is working, as he actually enjoys taking the time to concoct unique mezcal cocktails that will have other patrons reconsidering their next shot and a wash. 719 N Franklin St, Tampa. 813-229-1553 Credit: Photo by Brian Mahar
The Dirty Shame 1929 E 7th Ave, Ybor City, 813-247-7930 The Shame offers a decent selection of higher quality liquor (including the bartender’s personal favorite digestif, Underberg), as well as some great craft beer options on tap or to-go. You can smoke inside but the high ceilings and well ventilated bar room offer respite, as does the outdoor patio. It’s one of the last remaining bars that trusts its patrons with steel tipped darts and also has two pool tables. Photo via The Dirty Shame/Facebook
Yard House 4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa MOSI will soon debut an outdoor taproom and food truck from Ybor City’s Zydeco Brew Werks—the second location for the New Orleans-themed brewery. Zydeco’s General Manager Josh Henneman tells Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that MOSI’s newest hospitality concept is just a few weeks away from making its debut. Zydeco Brew Werks at MOSI will feature an outdoor bar loaded with the brewery’s most popular beers, an 18-foot food truck next to the museum’s miniature golf course, four TVs and shaded seating under its amphitheater awning (where the IMAX theater once was)— which will soon host a variety of live entertainment, too. Photo via Zydeco Brew Werks Credit: Courtesy
The Rollin’ Mullet 6401 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa ,813) 245-5465 The Rollin’ Mullet bar is unique in the sense that the beer is literally poured from a 1971 Airstream trailer. The menu features gourmet hot dogs, burgers, cheesesteaks, quesadillas and more. The spot also has ample amount of outdoor seating making it perfect for kids and dogs. Photo via The Rollin’ Mullet/Facebook
La Setima Club 815 E 7th Ave., Tampa Photo c/o La Setima Club Credit: Photo c/o La Sétima Club
Lowry Parcade 1213 W Waters Ave., Tampa Photo via lowryparcade/Facebook Credit: Photo via lowryparcade/Facebook
The Ship’s Hold 37 4th St. N, St. Petersburg Photo via The Ship’s Hold
Best Brandon Restaurant The Stein & Vine Finalists: Vine Vegan, Bootleggers Brewing Co Credit: Chris Fasick
Willard’s Tap House 12500 Starkey Rd., Largo Photo via WillardsTapHouse/Facebook
Schiller’s German Delicatessen 4327 W El Prado Blvd., Tampa Photo via Google Maps