Schnapps is a general term for strong distilled alcoholic beverages, usually transparent and without aging. It is made by distilling mash from grains, fruits, or berries, with an alcohol content of about 40%.
How it is made
Schnapps is produced through distillation of mash, originally made from potatoes. The main production centers are Germany and Austria, though it is also popular in Scandinavian countries and Switzerland.
Types and styles
American schnapps is a different style - an inexpensive, heavily sweetened liqueur made by mixing neutral grain spirit with fruit syrup, spices, or other flavorings. These 'schnapps' typically contain 15-20% alcohol, though some can be higher. Peach and peppermint schnapps became particularly popular in America during the 1980s.
How it is served
Schnapps is used in various cocktails including Takk For Sist, The 866, 501 Blue, Affair, Damned If You Do, Fist Bump, Fuzzy Asshole, Grand Blue, Herbal Flame, Nordic Milk Punch, Norwegian Sunset, Norwegian Wood, Pink Penocha, Royal Flush, and Smut.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Шнапс, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Kinds of schnapps
- Akvavit (6 cocktails)
- Himbeergeist