# Schnapps > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Schnapps > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Schnapps.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schnapps > Source revision: 1355045506 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|Several types of flavored distilled alcoholic beverages}} {{For|the alcoholic drink taken with a meal in Denmark and Sweden|Snaps}} {{Use dmy dates |date=November 2021}} {{Infobox beverage | name = Schnapps | image = | type = [Liqueur](/source/Liqueur) | abv = 60–100 proof (30–50 vol-%) | origin = | colour = Clear | flavour = Typically raspberry, apple, pear, plum, cherry, peach, apricot, or peppermint | variants = }} '''Schnapps''' ({{IPAc-en|ʃ|n|ɑː|p|s|audio=LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-Schnapps.wav}} or {{IPAc-en|ʃ|n|æ|p|s}}) or '''schnaps''' is a type of [alcoholic beverage](/source/alcoholic_beverage) that may take several forms, including distilled [fruit brandies](/source/fruit_brandies),{{cite web|url=http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/schnapps?q=Schnapps&searchDictCode=all|title=schnapps - Definition of schnapps in US English by Oxford Dictionaries|website=Oxford Dictionaries - English|access-date=29 April 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304181219/http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/schnapps?q=Schnapps&searchDictCode=all|archive-date=4 March 2016}} herbal [liqueur](/source/liqueur)s, [infusion](/source/infusion)s, and "flavored liqueurs" made by adding fruit syrups, spices, or artificial flavorings to [neutral grain spirits](/source/neutral_grain_spirits). The English [loanword](/source/loanword) "schnapps" is derived from the colloquial German word ''Schnaps'' {{IPA|de|ʃnaps||De-Schnaps.ogg}} (plural: ''Schnäpse''),{{cite book |title=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |year=2011 |publisher=[Houghton Mifflin Harcourt](/source/Houghton_Mifflin_Harcourt) |location=Boston |isbn=978-0-547-04101-8 |page=1562 }}''Wahrig: Deutsches Wörterbuch'' (Munich: Bertelsmann, 2006). See ''Branntwein'' at p. 298 and ''Schnaps'' at p. 1305. which is used in reference to [spirit drinks](/source/liquor).{{cite web | url=https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Schnaps | url-status=live | title=Duden {{pipe}} Schnaps {{pipe}} Rechtschreibung, Bedeutung, Definition, Herkunft | trans-title=Definition of ''Schnaps'' in German | website=[Duden German Dictionary](/source/Duden) | publisher=Bibliographisches Institut GmbH | language=de | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424093258/http://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Schnaps | archive-date=2017-04-24 | access-date=2021-06-25 }} The word ''Schnaps'' stems from [Low German](/source/Low_German) and is related to the German term "''schnappen''", meaning "snap", which refers to the spirit usually being consumed in a quick slug from a small glass (i.e., a [shot glass](/source/shot_glass)).''Kluge: Etymologisches Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache'', 23., erweiterte Auflage (Berlin: Walter de Gruyter, 1999), 734. ==European== [[File:Mirabelle, sloe, and pear schnaps.jpg|thumb|right|Three bottles of German Schnapps, made from [Mirabelle plum](/source/Mirabelle_plum)s, [sloes](/source/Prunus_spinosa), and [Williams pear](/source/Williams_pear)s.]] The German term ''Schnaps'' refers to "any kind of strong, dry spirit",{{cite news |last1=Prial |first1=Frank |title=Schnapps, the Cordial Spirit |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/10/27/magazine/schnapps-the-cordial-spirit.html |access-date=31 July 2018 |work=[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times) |date=27 October 1985}} similar to how ''[eau de vie](/source/eau_de_vie)'' (water of life) is used in French, ''[aguardiente](/source/aguardiente)'' (burning water) in Spanish, or ''[aguardente](/source/aguardente)'' in Portuguese. ===''Obstler''=== {{main|Fruit brandy}} An ''Obstler'', or ''Obstbrand'' (from the German ''Obst'', fruit and ''Brand'', brandy),''Wahrig: Deutsches Wörterbuch'' (Munich: Bertelsmann, 2006). See ''Obstler'' at p. 1087, "aus einer Obstsorte hergestellter Branntwein." is a traditional type of schnaps made by fermenting macerated fruit and distilling to produce a clear, unsweetened fruit brandy. ''Obstler'' is traditionally produced in Austria, Switzerland, northern Slovenia, southern Germany, and the culturally German regions of [Alsace](/source/Alsace) and [Lorraine](/source/Lorraine) in modern-day France. ''Obstler'' is mainly associated with the southern part of the German-language area; in northern Germany, almost all traditional distilled beverages are grain-based. The main kinds of fruit used for ''Obstbrände'' are [apple](/source/apple)s, [apricot](/source/apricot)s, [cherries](/source/cherry), [pear](/source/pear)s, plums (both [mirabelle](/source/mirabelle_plum) and [purple plums](/source/prune_plum)), and [quince](/source/quince)s. Fruits other than these are rarely used. Apples together with pears produce ''Obstwasser'' (fruit water); pears are used to produce ''Birnenbrand''; when made from the [Williams pear](/source/Williams_pear), it is known as [Poire Williams](/source/Poire_Williams) or ''Williamsbrand''. Several types of plums make ''{{interlanguage link|Zwetschgenwasser|de|Zwetschgenwasser}}'' ("plum water"); cherries make ''[Kirsch](/source/Kirsch)wasser'' ("cherry water"); and apricots are used to make Austrian ''[Marillenschnaps](/source/Marillenschnaps)'' (apricot brandy). The different kinds of ''Obstler'' are similar to the varieties of ''[Rakija](/source/Rakija)'' found in the Balkans and Eastern Europe. ''[Slivovitz](/source/Slivovitz)'' is a popular schnapps made from [Damson](/source/Damson) plums found throughout the region; ''[pálinka](/source/p%C3%A1linka)'' is a traditional distilled beverage made of any fruits grown in Hungary. ===''Geist''=== {{Main|Geist (liquor)}} [[File:Schladerer_Vierkantflasche_Himbeergeist.jpg|thumb|125px|''Himbeergeist'' made from wild raspberries in the [Black Forest](/source/Black_Forest) region of Germany]] A ''[Geist](/source/Geist_(distilled_drink))''{{cite EU regulation| serial = 110/2008 | date=15 January 2008| description = on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1576/89 | eurlextag = 32008R0110}} §16, §17 (meaning "spirit" in German) is a type of ''schnapps'', similar to fruit brandy, that is created by infusing macerated fresh berries in [neutral spirits](/source/rectified_spirit){{cite web |url=http://www.die-schnapsbrenner.de/spirituosenlexikon-h-i-j-k.htm |work=Die Schnapsbrenner |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410093628/http://www.die-schnapsbrenner.de/spirituosenlexikon-h-i-j-k.htm |title=Spirituosenlexikon |archive-date=2008-04-10 |language=de }}{{cite web |url=http://www.hoellberg.de/d/fachlexikon/ |title= Fachlexikon |work=hoellberg.de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009135736/http://www.hoellberg.de/d/fachlexikon/ |archive-date=2007-10-09 |language=de }} and steeping for some time before distillation. Neutral alcohol is necessary because many berries have a sugar content that is too low to economically ferment and distill; raspberries, for instance, contain between 4.5 and 6.0% sugar.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/02/18/archives/wine-fruits-of-the-distillers-art.html |title=Fruits of the Distiller's Art |first=Frank J. |last=Prial |date=February 18, 1979 |newspaper=[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times) |access-date=November 21, 2021 }} The most common ''Geist'' is ''[Himbeergeist](/source/Himbeergeist)'', made from raspberries. Other common fruits are blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, currants, rowanberries, apricots, peaches, and sloes. Other flavorings are also possible, such as nuts, herbs, or [rose](/source/rose) petals. ===Liqueur=== Many liqueurs referred to as schnapps, but distinct from fruit brandies, are created by the addition of herbal or fruit flavors to a [neutral spirit](/source/neutral_spirit) by various methods. The neutral spirit used can vary by location and tradition. The most popular schnapps in the [UK](/source/United_Kingdom) is [peach](/source/peach) schnapps.{{Cite web|title=Archers Peach Schnapps|url=https://www.matthewclark.co.uk/products/spirits/shots-schnapps/archers-peach-schnapps-70cl/|last=Clark|first=Matthew|date=2020|website=Matthew Clark|access-date=1 June 2020}} It is consumed in a variety of ways, such as [on the rocks](/source/Bartending_terminology), or [mixed](/source/Cocktail) with other drinks to form a variety of [cocktail](/source/cocktail)s.{{Cite web|title=20 Deliciously Sweet Peach Schnapps Cocktails|url=https://www.thespruceeats.com/deliciously-sweet-peach-schnapps-cocktails-4682587|last=Graham|first=Colleen|date=9 May 2020|website=The Spruce Eats|access-date=1 June 2020}} It is made by adding peach [flavouring](/source/flavouring) to a neutral grain spirit. It is typically clear and has a strong, sweet taste. It became popular in the UK in the 1970s and 1980s.{{Cite web|title=What the #$@! Do I Do with This? Peach Schnapps. What It Is and How to Use It.|url=https://www.liquor.com/articles/peach-schnapps/|last=Magyarics|first=Kelly|date=24 May 2019|website=Liquor.com|access-date=1 June 2020}} The leading brand is Archers, but some [large supermarkets](/source/List_of_supermarket_chains_in_the_United_Kingdom) have their [own branded](/source/Private_label) peach schnapps, which is sold at a reduced price.{{Cite web|title=ASDA Peach Schnapps|url=https://groceries.asda.com/product/liqueurs/asda-peach-schnapps/910001309402|date=2020|website=ASDA groceries|access-date=1 June 2020}} Archers peach schnapps is more similar to the American style of schnapps. ''[Kräuterlikör](/source/Kr%C3%A4uterlik%C3%B6r)'' (herbal liqueur) is similar to Italian [''amaro''](/source/Amaro_(liqueur)). Well-known brands include [Jägermeister](/source/J%C3%A4germeister), [Underberg](/source/Underberg), [Kuemmerling](/source/Kuemmerling), [Killepitsch](/source/Killepitsch), and [Wurzelpeter](/source/Wurzelpeter). ==American== An inexpensive, heavily sweetened form of liqueur{{cite book |last=Lichine |first=Alexis |title=Alexis Lichine's New Encyclopedia of Wines & Spirits |location=New York |publisher=Alfred A. Knopf |year=1987 |pages=306–307 }} is made in America by mixing neutral grain spirit with fruit syrup, spices, or other flavors. However, these schnapps are "not so sweet or heavy as such traditional liqueurs as [Cherry Heering](/source/Cherry_Heering) and [creme de menthe](/source/creme_de_menthe)." Sometimes coloring is added.{{cite news |last1=Goldberg |first1=Howard G. |id={{Proquest|290969462}}|title=Many-Splendored Schnapps Giving a Shot in the Arm to Spirits Market |work=Chicago Tribune |date=5 October 1986 |page=27}} Referred to as "schnapps", these are bottled with an alcohol content typically between 15 and 20% ABV (30–40 proof), though some may be much higher. Peppermint was among the first commercially available American schnapps, introduced by Minneapolis-based Ed Phillips & Sons in 1940. Fruit-flavored schnapps was first marketed by the brand Mr. Boston with an apple flavor in 1982. Subsequently, schnapps exploded in popularity in America in the 1980s, particularly peach and peppermint flavors. Other flavors marketed by 1986 included "apricot, banana, brandy, butterscotch, cinnamon, coffee, cola, cranberry, grapefruit, hazelnut, pineapple [and] chocolate," according to newspaper reports. Schnapps had long been consumed by blue collar drinkers, with higher proof (up to 50% ABV) traditional peppermint or cinnamon schnapps drunk as a shot with a beer chaser. But the introduction of new flavors led to a popular craze among young wealthier urbanites for schnapps-based drinks dreamt up by creative bartenders such as the [fuzzy navel](/source/fuzzy_navel) (peach schnapps and orange juice). Between 1984 and 1985, the number of cases of schnapps shipped to retail stores increased 74% from 3.05 million to 5.3 million. In 1985, the first full year Peachtree schnapps was sold, its manufacturer moved 1.3 million cases. An Aber Gut (German for "but good") is a traditional [Wisconsin](/source/Wisconsin) cocktail made with a shot of brandy topped off with a splash of (usually peppermint) schnapps. It is popular in the fall and winter for its apparent warming properties; a similar drink is found in [Minnesota](/source/Minnesota) called a Snowshoe.{{Cite web |last=Grihalva |first=Joey |title=Weekly Happy Hour: Last Word in Cheesehead Culture |url=https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2016/04/29/weekly-happy-hour-last-word-in-cheesehead-culture/ |date=29 April 2016 |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=Urban Milwaukee |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Flanigan |first=Kathy |title=Halloween cocktail called Abergut might be made-up (it's not) but it will warm you |url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/life/food/2019/10/21/halloween-cocktail-cold-nights-made-schnapps-and-brandy-drink/3925114002/ |date=2019-10-21 |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |language=en}} ==See also== {{portal|Liquor}} * {{annotated link|Brandy}} * {{annotated link|Korn (liquor)}} * {{annotated link|Pálenka}} * {{annotated link|Pálinka}} * {{annotated link|Snaps}} ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== * {{Commons category-inline|Schnapps}} {{Alcoholic beverages}} Category:German distilled drinks --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Schnapps](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schnapps) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schnapps?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.