Schnaps: The German Spirit That Tastes Like Liquid Candy
If you have a sweet tooth and a taste for strong spirits, you might want to try schnaps, a type of distilled fruit brandy that originated in Germany. Schnaps comes in a wide range of flavors, from apple and pear to cherry and raspberry, and can be enjoyed straight or mixed in cocktails. But what exactly is schnaps, how is it made, and what are the best ways to drink it? In this article, we will answer all these questions and more, so you can discover the world of schnaps and its delicious possibilities.
What is schnaps and how is it made?
Schnaps is a general term for any kind of strong, dry spirit, similar to how eau de vie (water of life) is used in French, aguardiente (burning water) in Spanish, or aguardente in Portuguese. However, the most common type of schnaps is fruit brandy, or obstler, which is made by fermenting and distilling fresh fruit juices. Schnaps is mainly associated with Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Alsace region of France, where fruits grow well in the cold climate and high altitude.
schnaps
The origin and meaning of schnaps
The word schnaps comes from Low German and is related to the German word "schnappen", meaning "snap", which refers to the spirit usually being consumed in a quick slug from a small glass (i.e., a shot glass). Schnaps was originally produced for medicinal purposes, as most undistilled water was unsafe to drink. The Ancient Romans brought the art of fruit cultivation to the region, where fruits could easily grow in the Alpine regions. Austria has the perfect blend of cold weather and sunshine to produce fruits high in acidity and aroma. In the 18th century, distillation of schnaps became widespread due to the invention of the copper pot, which made the process easier.
The difference between European and North American schnaps
In Europe, schnaps is a well-crafted spirit that has an authentic fruit taste and a strong alcohol content of at least 32% ABV (64 proof). In North America, however, schnapps (with an extra "p") is a much sweeter liqueur that is made by adding fruit syrups, spices, or artificial flavorings to neutral grain spirits. North American schnapps are often lower in quality and alcohol content, ranging from 15% to 25% ABV (30 to 50 proof). Some flavors, such as peppermint or cinnamon, can be stronger, up to 50% ABV (100 proof).
The main varieties and flavors of schnaps
There are several different forms of schnaps, depending on the type of fruit used and the method of production. Here are some of the most popular ones:
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Obstler: This is the traditional type of schnaps made from apples, pears, plums, cherries, apricots, or quinces. Obstler is a clear, unsweetened fruit brandy that has a smooth and fruity flavor. Some examples are Obstwasser (apple and pear), Birnenbrand (pear), Poire Williams (Williams pear), Zwetschgenwasser (plum), Kirschwasser (cherry), and Marillenschnaps (apricot).
Geist: This is a type of schnaps that is made by infusing fruits, herbs, or spices in a neutral spirit, such as vodka or grain alcohol. Geist is a clear, slightly sweetened liqueur that has a subtle and delicate flavor. Some examples are Himbeergeist (raspberry), Williamsgeist (Williams pear), Zirbenschnaps (pine cone), and Enzianschnaps (gentian root).
Kräuterlikör: This is a type of schnaps that is made by macerating various herbs, roots, flowers, seeds, or fruits in alcohol and adding sugar or honey. Kräuterlikör is a dark, sweet, and bitter liqueur that has a complex and herbal flavor. Some examples are Jägermeister (56 herbs and spices), Underberg (43 herbs and spices), and Kümmel (caraway, cumin, and fennel).
What are the benefits of drinking schnaps?
Schnaps is not only a tasty drink, but also a drink that has some benefits for your health and well-being. Here are some of the reasons why you might want to drink schnaps:
The medicinal and cultural uses of schnaps
Schnaps was originally used as a medicine to treat various ailments, such as digestive problems, colds, coughs, sore throats, infections, and wounds. Schnaps was also used as a disinfectant, an antiseptic, and a painkiller. Some people still believe that schnaps has healing properties and drink it after meals to aid digestion or before bed to promote sleep. Schnaps is also an important part of the culture and tradition of many regions in Europe, where it is often offered as a welcome drink, a toast, or a gift. Schnaps is also used to celebrate special occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays.
The potential health effects of schnaps
While schnaps can have some positive effects on your health, it can also have some negative effects if consumed in excess or irresponsibly. Schnaps is a high-proof alcohol that can cause intoxication, dehydration, hangover, liver damage, addiction, and other health problems if abused. Schnaps can also interact with certain medications or medical conditions and cause adverse reactions. Therefore, you should always drink schnaps in moderation and with caution. The recommended limit for alcohol consumption is one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. One drink of schnaps is equivalent to 1.5 ounces or 44 milliliters.
How to drink and enjoy schnaps
Now that you know what schnaps is and what it can do for you, you might be wondering how to drink and enjoy it. Here are some tips and suggestions on how to make the most of your schnaps experience:
The best ways to serve and sip schnaps
The best way to serve and sip schnaps depends on the type and quality of the spirit. Generally speaking, high-quality fruit brandies (obstler) are best served chilled or at room temperature in small tulip-shaped glasses that enhance the aroma and flavor. They are usually sipped slowly and savored as an aperitif before meals or as a digestif after meals. Lower-quality fruit liqueurs (geist) are best served cold or over ice in shot glasses that mask the harshness and sweetness. They are usually drunk quickly and chased with water or juice as a party drink or a mixer. Herbal liqueurs (kräuterlikör) are best served at room temperature or slightly warm in small glasses that bring out the complexity and bitterness. They are usually sipped slowly and appreciated as a digestif after meals or as a remedy for ailments.
The most popular schnaps cocktails and recipes
If you want to spice up your schnaps experience, you can also try some of the most popular schnaps cocktails and recipes that combine different flavors and ingredients. Here are some examples:
Apple Pie Shot: This is a simple and delicious shot that tastes like apple pie. To make it, you need 1 ounce of apple schnapps (such as Apfelkorn), 1/2 ounce of cinnamon schnapps (such as Goldschläger), whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbs. To prepare it, you need to rim a shot glass with graham cracker crumbs, pour the apple schnapps and cinnamon schnapps into the glass, top with whipped cream, and enjoy.[^7^ Black Forest Cake: This is a decadent and rich cocktail that tastes like the famous German dessert. To make it, you need 1 ounce of cherry schnapps (such as Kirschwasser), 1 ounce of chocolate liqueur (such as Crème de Cacao), 1 ounce of heavy cream, and chocolate shavings. To prepare it, you need to shake the cherry schnapps, chocolate liqueur, and heavy cream with ice in a cocktail shaker, strain into a martini glass, garnish with chocolate shavings, and enjoy.
Hot Toddy: This is a classic and cozy drink that warms you up on a cold day. To make it, you need 1 ounce of pear schnapps (such as Poire Williams), 1/2 ounce of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of honey, 4 ounces of hot water, and a cinnamon stick. To prepare it, you need to pour the pear schnapps, lemon juice, and honey into a mug, stir well, add the hot water, stir again, add the cinnamon stick, and enjoy.
The best brands and bottles of schnaps to buy
If you want to buy some schnaps for yourself or as a gift, you might be overwhelmed by the variety and quality of the options available. Here are some of the best brands and bottles of schnaps that you can find in the market:
Brand
Bottle
Description
Reisetbauer
Reisetbauer Blue Gin
This is a premium gin that is made with 27 botanicals and distilled from Austrian wheat. It has a smooth and complex flavor that is perfect for mixing or sipping.
Schladerer
Schladerer Kirschwasser
This is a classic cherry schnapps that is made from hand-picked black cherries from the Black Forest. It has a clear and pure flavor that is ideal for baking or drinking.
Berentzen
Berentzen Apfelkorn
This is a popular apple schnapps that is made from sun-ripened apples and wheat grain. It has a sweet and refreshing flavor that is great for shots or cocktails.
Jägermeister
Jägermeister Manifest
This is a premium herbal liqueur that is made from 56 herbs and spices and aged in oak barrels. It has a dark and smooth flavor that is best enjoyed chilled or on the rocks.
Underberg
Underberg Natural Herb Bitters
This is a unique herbal liqueur that is made from 43 herbs and spices and packaged in small bottles. It has a strong and bitter flavor that is said to aid digestion and well-being.
Conclusion
Schnaps is a versatile and delicious spirit that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer fruit brandies, fruit liqueurs, or herbal liqueurs, there is a schnaps for every taste and occasion. Schnaps can also have some benefits for your health and culture, as long as you drink it responsibly and moderately. So next time you want to try something new and exciting, why not give schnaps a shot?
FAQs
What does schnaps taste like?
Schnaps can taste different depending on the type and flavor of the spirit. Generally speaking, schnaps can taste fruity, sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, or herbal.
How do you pronounce schnaps?
The correct way to pronounce schnaps is "shnaps", with a short "a" sound.
How do you store schnaps?
The best way to store schnaps is in a cool and dark place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. You can also refrigerate or freeze some types of schnaps to preserve their freshness and flavor.
How long does schnaps last?
Schnaps can last for several years if stored properly. However, some types of schnaps may lose their quality or flavor over time. You can check the expiration date or best before date on the bottle to be sure.
Where can you buy schnaps?
You can buy schnaps at most liquor stores, online shops, or specialty stores that sell imported or craft spirits. You can also find some brands of schnaps at supermarkets, bars, or restaurants. 44f88ac181
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