Schnapps

Schnapps is a broad term for strong alcoholic drinks, especially distilled spirits and flavored liqueurs.

Schnapps is a broad term for strong alcoholic drinks, especially distilled spirits and flavored liqueurs. In German-speaking Europe, it usually refers to unaged fruit brandies or other strong spirits, while in North America it commonly means sweet, flavored liqueurs. In Canada, schnapps is typically understood in the North American sense: a sweet, flavored liqueur used in shots and cocktails.

Meaning and usage

Schnapps is an umbrella term rather than a single standardized product. Its meaning changes by language and market, with European usage emphasizing strong spirits and North American usage often referring to flavored liqueurs.

European styles

In Germany and nearby regions, schnapps commonly refers to clear, strong, unaged spirits, often distilled from fruit or grain. These drinks are usually dry and may be similar to eau-de-vie or fruit brandy. Traditional German schnapps is typically clear, unaged, and made from fermented fruit, grain, potatoes, or other plant materials.

North American styles

In the United States and Canada, schnapps is usually a sweet liqueur flavored with fruit, herbs, or confection-like ingredients. These products are generally lower in alcohol than traditional European schnapps.

Etymology

The English word schnapps comes from German Schnaps. Etymological sources connect it to a sense of “mouthful” or “gulp,” reflecting a small drink of liquor.