Schnapps

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article does not cite any references or sources. (January 2008) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

This article may be too technical for a general audience. Please help improve this article by providing more context and better explanations of technical details to make it more accessible, without removing technical details.

Schnapps is a type of distilled beverage. The word schnapps is derived from the German word Schnaps (plural, Schnäpse), which can refer to any strong alcoholic drink but particularly those containing at least 32% ABV (64 proof).^[1]

There are two different types of “schnapps” — German Schnaps (both a generic term for liquor and, specifically, German or Austrian fruit brandy) and American schnapps (liqueur).

Both the German and the English word are pronouncedSchnaps (help·info). Note that German spelling requires that Schnaps is always spelled with an upper-case "S."

[edit] German Schnaps

German Schnaps is clear, colorless, and has a light fruit flavor; it normally contains about 40% ABV (80 proof). Its appearance and taste are the same as that of eau de vie, but this French term is seldom used in German-speaking countries. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Schnäpse distilled from fruit are called Obstler (from the German Obst, fruit).

A broader definition of Schnaps includes other distilled beverages of German origin, such as Steinhäger (German gin) and Korn.

[edit] American schnapps

The second type of schnapps is of American origin. These distilled beverages are liqueurs, such as peach, peppermint, or butterscotch schnapps. They can be the result of differing processes that do not involve direct fermentation. Some of these use an alcohol, such as schnapps, vodka or rum, to extract flavors out of fruit. Other ingredients are often added, most commonly sugar. The alcohol level of these schnapps may be only half that of the German type, usually around 20% by volume, or 40 proof.

[edit] Notes