We’ve decoded these distilled spirits so you don’t have to Google mid-sip.
Before we dive in, let’s be clear on the difference between schnaps and schnapps. Originating in Germany, schnaps (spelled with one ‘p’) is a clear, high-proof distilled spirit made by fermenting fruit juices, like pears or cherries, with added grains or herbs and a base liquor. Traditionally unsweetened and strong (around 35% to 40% ABV), these are fruit brandies, also known as eau de vie – a strong distilled spirit, kind of like a lightly flavoured vodka. In Germany and parts of Europe, schnaps is typically sipped neat in small glasses, especially after a meal. Though widely associated with Germany, most schnaps comes from Austria.
On the other hand, schnapps is more common in English-speaking countries (particularly America) and usually refers to a sweetened, lower-alcohol liqueur that sits at around 15 to 25% ABV, and made by flavouring neutral spirits. Flavours range from fruits like apples and peaches to butterscotch and peppermint. Both schnaps and schnapps come in different flavours, but European versions are often drunk straight, while schnapps is more likely to be used in mixed drinks. So, while they share a name, schnaps and schnapps offer pretty different drinking experiences – one crisp and traditional, the other sweet and approachable.
Deliciousness in a glass. Too much? Well, we’re big fans of both varieties. Let’s start with European schnaps: similar to other fruit brandies, it serves up an authentic fruit taste against a pretty strong alcohol base. It tends to be somewhat dry with a clean finish, and it is typically unsweetened, offering a dry and robust flavour that captures the essence of the base fruit. The taste is often described as clean and crisp, with a noticeable alcoholic warmth, and lacks the sugary sweetness found in many liqueurs. In Europe, fruit schnaps like apple, apricot (marillenschnaps), cherry (kirschwasser), pear and plum (zwetschgenwasser) are the most popular flavours. Obstwasser is a fruit brandy made from both apples and pears, while apfelkorn is a sweetened apple schnapps. Sometimes, herbal spirits like Underberg and Jägermeister are also classified as schnaps.
As for schnapps, (almost) no flavour is off limits: peach, peppermint, butterscotch, cinnamon, apricot, blackberry, cherry, grape, lemon, watermelon… take your pick. It’ll probably take you a while to decide, tbh.
If it’s classic cocktails you’re after, reach for schnapps. It’s a seriously versatile ingredient, thanks to its hit of flavour and serving of sweetness, and it stars in some fun drinks you may already know and love.
Bourbon Peach Tea
This summery sip blends woody bourbon, floral Earl Grey tea and ripe, juicy peach schnapps. It’s lush, fruity and perfectly balanced. Our schnapps of choice? De Kuyper Peach Schnapps – it’s nicely rounded, full of fruit and tastes just like biting into a ripe peach. Need we say more?
Appletini
Sometimes you just need some big ’90s energy, ya know? This cocktail is neon green, unapologetically sweet and powered by apple schnapps for that crisp, candied fruit flavour. Once a club staple, this throwback sip is ripe for a revival.
The Sticky Date
A decadent riff on a winter classic, this stirs together spiced rum, rich date syrup and butterscotch schnapps, which brings that buttery-sweet warmth you’d expect from the dessert. Finished with whipped cream and cinnamon sugar, it’s essentially pudding in a glass, and we’re into it.
Sex on the Beach
It was fruity and flirty in 1980s Florida, and it still slaps today, combining peach schnapps, vodka and plenty of juice (plus a tiny cocktail umbrella, obvs). We can’t go past this sweet, retro classic – even if we’re nowhere near a beach.
Here’s a nice little fizzy, fruity mash-up of two icons – the Cosmopolitan and Bellini – made with peach puree, cranberry juice, prosecco and a splash of peach schnapps for extra juicy sweetness. The schnapps brings a ripe, aromatic warmth that softens the tartness and dials up the brunch appeal.
A bright, summery twist on a Martini, blending dry gin, bianco vermouth and peach schnapps for a cocktail that’s equal parts elegant and refreshing. The schnapps lends a ripe, juicy depth that mellows the herbal notes and infuses each sip with bright, stone-fruit sweetness. Yum!
