Schnapps is comparatively scarce to find due to its limited demand. People are not aware of what this beverage has to offer. But here’s a cool fact. Jägermeister is actually classified as a type of Schnapps (of German origins). So, if that’s your thing, you’re going to love what follows.
Underberg, Kuemmerling, Killepitsch, Wurzelpeter. What in the world are these words, you might wonder. We’re not just throwing some weird outwardly jargon at you. In fact, these are some of the famous German brands that produce the OG version of Schnapps.
We have all heard of peppermint schnapps and peach schnapps here and there. Featured in many TV shows and movies such as Little Nicky and Good Girls, it’s a beverage that hasn’t gone unnoticed. But these are strictly the ones that originate from the American territory. The German type differs greatly from that. Why don’t we just start from the basics.
Here’s A Quick Overview of Schnapps
Alcohol Content (ABV%): 15-25% (American), 30-40% (European)
Origin: Germany
Flavors: Apple, pear, plum, raspberry, peach, peppermint, etc.
How It’s Serviced: Straight or neat, shots, cocktails
Famous Brands: DeKuyper, Jägermeister, Berentzen, Goldschlager, Obstler
What Is Schnapps?
It is hard to pinpoint what schnapps really is because it’s a broad term enriched with a variety of spirituous beverages. Generally, schnapps refers to fruit brandies, herbal liqueurs – Jägermeister is a type of herbal liqueur – and flavored spirits.
Schnapps originates from the vibrant country of Germany. The word ‘schnapps’ comes from the German term ‘schnaps,’ with a single ‘p,’ meaning “any kind of strong, dry spirit.” The original liqueur is made from fermented fruit juices and distilled into spirit.
Depending on the type and style of schnapps, the alcohol content can vary. To have a fair comparison, the German version would taste like flavored gin, while the American version tastes like sweetened liqueurs.
Also Read: What Is Stout? Everything You Need To Know!
The Origins Of Schnapps
It started as a way to preserve surplus fruits in home distilleries during harvest time. Schnapps was then used for medicinal purposes during the 16th century. It eventually became a sensation in the alcohol community and evolved into a more commercial rink.
Here’s something unexpected – this drink was introduced to Sweden through gunpowder. And it was only a matter of time before people realized it was consumable. King Gustaf Wasa, king of Sweden at the time, then decided to use this alcohol as a source of courage for the soldiers. Though the idea of commercialization floated around, the liquor wasn’t feasible for general consumption. The spirit was then infused with various other ingredients like dill, elderflower, and honey by native and farther distilleries to make schnapps into a drink worth selling.
Schnapps Types And Flavors
Ideally, schnapps is fruity and strong spirit, made from either using fermented fruit juices in neutral grain-based liqueur, or by infusing fruit flavoring in these liquors. Though the origins of schnapps remain in Germany, the American-style liqueur has its own twist to the concept.
The European Style Schnapps
Like German products are known for their strong build and exquisite quality, the German-originating schnaps (it’s not a typo, Germans refer to it this way) do not disappoint. They are made by distilling fruit juices and have 35-50% ABV (70-100% proof). These have been compared to fruit brandies due to their similarities. Here are some types:
- Obstler: This type is also referred to as fruit brandy and is mainly made from fruits like apples, cherries, and pears.
- Geist: This one is similar to Obstler and uses berries to infuse the alcohol. It contains 4.5-6% sugar content and requires a neutral base liquor.
- Liqueur: Most commonly referred to as just schnapps, this type uses fruit flavoring in base liquor. The most common one is peach schnapps. Jägermeister falls under this category.
Also Read: Top Coffee Liqueurs You Should Try
The American Style Schnapps
This tends to remind people of a sweet cough syrup type of liqueur, but it’s not just that. American style is made by adding fruit flavors to grain alcohol. It’s rarely drank neat and is used as a mixer to make cocktails and flavored shots.
This type of schnapps comes in various flavors like peach, cherry, butterscotch, and peppermint. You can also use this for cooking. We have heard that peach schnapps is a wonderful addition to peach cake.
The alcohol content in this type ranges from 15-25% (30-50 proof) and is categorized to be on the lower end of the quality spectrum. It’s best to read the labels before buying. The alcohol range leans on the flavoring factor. Hence, peppermint schnapps have been observed to be much stronger (almost 50 proof).
Also Read: Flair Bartending: A Complete Guide
How To Drink Schnapps
Drinking It Straight
The original type of schnapps is meant to be consumed straight or a shot. It’s a self-sustaining liquor and does not require a mixer. It offers a fruity taste to the liquor and has a much more authentic taste. Alcohol enthusiasts prefer to consume the German-originating schnapps as a sipping liqueur. If you’re looking to try the American schnapps straight, consider having butterscotch or cinnamon at room temperature. They prove to be a great warm-up shot.
Making It A Cocktail
American schnapps taste much fruitier than European ones and are usually used as a mixing agent in cocktails. It’s paired with vodka, rum, gin and tequila. The most popular mixers are peach and peppermint schnapps.
Is Schnapps Available In India
You can purchase Schnapps in 1 oz. bottles or by the liter (the more the better, right?) in India. There are various stores and online websites that have Schnapps in stock. And if you’re looking for some really unique flavors, you can buy them at the airport duty-free or have them shipped through websites like Ubuy and Amazon.
Here are some popular brands of Schnapps available in India:
- Jagermeister (German Style)
- Archers Peach Schnapps (American Style)
- Barenjager Honey Liqueur (German Style)
- Phillips Peppermint Schnapps (American Style)
Summing Up
If you’ve loved flavored liquor, we suggest that you immediately get up and go buy yourself some schnapps. German or American? Why not start simple? American style will ease you into the world of Schnapps. If you’re a hardcore fan, jump straight to the German style.
FAQs
What Percent Alcohol Is Schnapps?
American style schnapps are 15-20% ABV (30 to 40 proof) while the European style schnapps are 35-50% ABV (70-100 proof). Some flavored American-style schnapps can have ABV reaching 50% as well.
Is Vodka A Schnapps?
No, vodka is not a schnapps type. Though schnapps is used as a broad term to describe fruit-based alcohol, vodka does not fall under the same category. Vodka is more neutral tasting as compared to schnapps.
Why Is Schnapps So Strong?
German-style schnapps is made by fermentation of fruit juices in base alcohol. Fruits are high in sugar. During fermentation, the sugar gets converted to alcohol, creating a dry alcohol with high ABV.
What Is Peach Schnapps Abv?
The ABV in peach schnapps ranges between 15-20%. The Astrocat Peach Schnapps, Arrow Peach Schnapps, Royale Club Peach Schnapps pack 15% ABV.
Is Schnapps High In Alcohol?
While American-style schnapps range between 15-30% ABV, some flavors like peppermint offer higher alcohol content, reaching almost 50% ABV. German-style schnapps, on the other hand, range between 35-50% ABV.
What Is 100 Proof Schnapps?
100-proof schnapps are strong, dry spirits made from inducing flavors in pure grain alcohol. Arrow, DeKuyper, and Leroux are some of the brands that offer peppermint schnapps that are 100 proof.
Is Schnapps Drunk Straight?
Yes, schnapps can be drunk straight. Due to their sweetness, American-style schnapps are usually used as a mixer with vodka and other such alcohols. Most prefer drinking peach and peppermint schnapps straight.
