All about Schnapps

Schnapps is a very varied alcohol category that can be under any of the Herbal Liqueur, Eau de Vie (fruit brandy), Fruit Liqueur or generic Liqueur categories in Europe. This variation stems from an english colloquial use of the German word, which refers to generic spirits, however, it is most often used to describe a fruit brandy.

It is also similar to Balkan Rakija, Eastern European Slivovitz and Hungarian Pálinka.

There are three main types to look out for however:

Obstler - The traditional kind made by fermenting macerated fruit and distilling to create a fruit brandy. It is made in Austria, Switzerland, northern Slovenia, southern Germany, and Alsace-Lorraine from pears, apples, cherries, apricots and plums mostly. These are specifically not the liqueur types but fruit brandies based on the fact it is distilled with the fruit rather than infused.

Geist - This is a similar style but made by infusing and steeping macerated fruit in neutral spirits before distillation. The most common form is made from raspberries but you can find all sorts of berry and stone fruit variants.

Liqueurs - Unlike the fruit brandy style, some Schnapps are made by the simple addition of herbal and fruit flavours to a neutral spirit. This is how Archers Peach Schnapps is made.

American Schnapps - The American version is a sweet liqueur, made with fruit syrups usually. Peach and peppermint are the most popular flavours.