Apple Schnapps

A German Taste of Apples

Apple Schnapps is a distilled alcoholic drink made from the fermented fruit and it usually contains no added sugars. Schnapps originated in Germany where the drink was made by the monks, primarily for its medicinal value. Today however, these drinks are used as mixers in cocktails or had as liqueurs depending on the mood of the drinker and the place of its origin. The German Schnapps is usually a colorless, odorless liquid with a slightly fruity flavor and is known to be very dry. The standard for Schnapps is 60 to 80 proof. In Austria, Switzerland, and Southern Germany, these beverages are called “Obstler” or “Obstbrand” (from the German word “Obst” meaning fruit). Although flavored with fruits, Schnapps is traditionally a potato or a grain based liquor known for its high alcohol content. Technically still a fruit brandy, Schnapps is usually had straight without ice or any mixers in Northern Europe.

Strict tradition in making Apple Schnapps

In Germany, Apple Schnapps is made from distilling the fermented whole apples or from fermented apple juice. There is a strict tradition of making the Schnapps pure (i.e., without adding sugars or flavors). In America, Schnapps is generally distilled from fruit brandy and then combined with sugars and artificial flavoring. The American Schnapps is usually had as a liqueur and is used to flavor mixed drinks and cocktails. Although sweet tasting, the American Schnapps is used in many cocktails and also to flavor foods.

Famous cocktails

Some of the more famous cocktails made using the American Apple Schnapps are: Apple Jack (Apple Schnapps and Jack Daniel's Whiskey), Indian Summer (Hard Cider and Apple Schnapps), Southern Style Sex on the Beach (Apple Schnapps, Cranberry Juice, Peach Schnapps, and Pineapple Juice), and the DramBOOie Martini (Apple Schnapps, Drambuie Liqueur, Hiram Walker Pumpkin Spice Schnapps, and Pineapple Juice). Apple Schnapps are also used as meat marinades and sometimes in making cheesecakes as well.