Originating from Germany, schnapps was originally made as a medicine. The first evidence of schnapps dates all the way back to the 14th century and was usually made by monks at that time.
Schnapps generally take two forms in that they are either made with fruits or herbs. Today though, schnapps can be created with various syrups and infusions too.
Whatever way they are made, they’re a popular drink to enjoy in a variety of ways. Following are our 4 favourite ways to imbibe them.
Drinking Schnapps Neat
Schnapps are usually enjoyed after dinner with many of them flavourful enough to enjoy on their own. In Germany, it’s common to take a shot of schnapps after dinner to aid digestion.
Schnapps is best served at room temperature in a small glass. The ideal type of schnapps glass is tulip-shaped flutes which are designed to ensure that the full nose and taste are both revealed and enjoyed.
Frozen Schnapps
Many schnapps can be enjoyed chilled, although it’s more common to try the sweeter varieties in this manner. Consider pairing the schnapps with different foods or desserts for some wondrous flavour sensations.
A chilled butterscotch or peach schnapps goes nicely with ice cream. They can even be poured over the ice cream for a full flavour infusion.
On the subject of enjoying schnapps cold, some people enjoy them on the rocks to make the drink last longer and stay cooler.
Creating Refreshing Schnapps drinks
There’s a variety of ways to enjoy schnapps when it comes to mixing them in a drink. Have you heard of a Fuzzy Bellini? This is a co*cktail that is made with peach schnapps, orgeat (a sweet syrup made from almonds, sugar, and rose water or orange flower water) and prosecco.
Or on a sizzling summer day, why not mix some butterscotch schnapps with Coca-Cola? These two simple ingredients, when combined, taste like caramel.
And finally, another popular way to enjoy schnapps in a drink is to mix them with iced tea. Mix in some vodka, ice cubes, peach schnapps and your favourite tea blend. Add some slices of lemon to reduce the overall sweetness and stir.
Festive Schnapps
Schnapps is often used to mark special occasions, there are even festivals dedicated to them. From the Finest Spirits Fair in Munich to the Winter Schnapps Fest held in Canberra each year, these events highlight the versatility and popularity of these drinks.
Schnapps is also very popular around Christmas time with one of our favourite drinks being a mix of hot chocolate and peppermint schnapps. Yum! You can serve the drink up as is, or decorate it with whipped cream, marshmallows and crushed peppermint chocolate pieces for a real taste sensation.
Or how about a drink that tastes like apple pie? Simply mix Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, with our Granny Smith Sour Apple Schnapps, some Butterscotch Schnapps Reserve and viola!
We hope this article has given you an insight into how versatile schnapps can be. How do you enjoy your schnapps? We’d love to hear from you.
