Schnapps is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage that is popular in Germany and other parts of Europe. It is usually colorless and often flavored with fruit, spices, herbs or cream. Some common flavors of schnapps include peppermint, cinnamon, apple, cherry, peach and hazelnut. Schnapps can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, both on its own or as part of a cocktail or mixer. Here are some of the most popular options for what to drink schnapps with:
On the Rocks
One of the simplest ways to drink schnapps is poured over ice or “on the rocks.” The ice helps chill and dilute the schnapps slightly. This is a great way to slowly sip and enjoy the pure flavor of the schnapps. Fruit flavored schnapps like peach, apple or berry lend themselves particularly well to sipping over ice.
As a Shot
Another common way to consume schnapps is as a straight shot. Shots are a fun, fast way to enjoy the full intensity of the schnapps flavor. Fruit and cream schnapps are especially popular as shots, as their sweetness helps counter the high alcohol proof. For a chilling effect, you can store your schnapps in the freezer before taking a frosty cold shot.
In Cocktails
Schnapps makes an excellent addition to a variety of cocktails. The sweet fruit flavors pair well with acidic citrus juices like orange, lemon and lime. Some popular schnapps cocktails recipes include:
- Fuzzy Navel – peach schnapps and orange juice
- Red Headed Slut – peach schnapps, Jägermeister and cranberry juice
- Peppermint Patty – peppermint schnapps and hot chocolate
- Apple Pie – apple schnapps, vodka and apple cider
In Shooters
Shooters are small, concentrated cocktail shots that often contain schnapps. The intense sweet-tart flavor of schnapps balances out the liquor in shooters. Some classic shooters with schnapps include:
- Slippery Nipple – butterscotch or peppermint schnapps with Sambuca or Irish cream
- Blow Job – Kahlua, amaretto, whipped cream and hazelnut or butterscotch schnapps
- Jellyfish – blackberry brandy and peach schnapps
- Lemon Drop – vodka, lemon juice and lemon or citrus schnapps
In Bombs
Schnapps is commonly used in “bombs” – shots dropped into beer or energy drinks. The schnapps sinks to the bottom before you chug the entire drink. Popular schnapps bombs include:
- Jäger Bomb – Jägermeister dropped into Red Bull or other energy drink
- Skittles Bomb – drizzle rainbow flavors of schnapps into beer
- Apple Pie Bomb – apple schnapps dropped into lager or cider beer
- Flaming Dr. Pepper – Amaretto and peppermint schnapps dropped into beer and lit on fire
In Hot Drinks
The sweet, warming flavors of schnapps make it an excellent addition to hot winter drinks. Peppermint, cinnamon and hazelnut schnapps add delightful flavor to:
- Hot chocolate
- Hot toddies
- Mulled apple cider
- Spiked coffee drinks
In Frozen Drinks and Desserts
The sweet fruit flavors of schnapps pair wonderfully with blended frozen drinks and desserts. Try adding a splash of fruit schnapps to:
- Milkshakes
- Smoothies
- Slushies
- Sorbet or sherbet
- Jell-o shots
- Popsicles
What to Avoid Mixing with Schnapps
Since schnapps is already very sweet, avoid mixing it with other super sweet mixers like cola, ginger ale or sweet & sour mix as it will overpower the flavor. Stick to acidic juices, dry ginger beer, lighter sodas or beer as mixers.
Popular Brands of Schnapps
Some of the top global brands of schnapps include:
| Brand | Location | Notable Flavors |
|---|---|---|
| DeKuyper | Netherlands | Buttershots, Island Punch, Peppermint |
| Hiram Walker | Canada | Peppermint, Cinnamon, Peach |
| Goldschlager | Switzerland | Cinnamon with Gold Leaf Flakes |
| Yukon Jack | Canada | Honey flavored Canadian Whisky |
| Dr. McGillicuddy’s | United States | Butterscotch, Vanilla, Root Beer |
| Rumple Minze | United States | Peppermint |
| 99 Peppermint | Germany | Peppermint |
| Appleton | Jamaica | Jamaican Rum |
German Schnapps
Some top German brands of traditional schnapps include:
- Jägermeister – one of the most popular German liqueurs, herbal and spicy
- Underberg – aromatic, herbal digestif
- Kuemmerling – range of fruit flavored schnapps
- Berliner Luft – peppermint schnapps
- Asbach Uralt – brandy flavored with orange
How is Schnapps Different from Liqueur?
While the terms schnapps and liqueur are sometimes used interchangeably, there are a few key differences:
- Schnapps is distilled from fruit, grains or potatoes. Liqueurs are combinations of spirits, flavorings, sweeteners and water.
- Schnapps tends to be lower in sugar content than liqueurs.
- Schnapps is primarily a German/Scandinavian specialty, while liqueurs originated across Europe.
- By legal definition, schnapps must contain at least 15% ABV to be called as such.
Tips for Serving Schnapps
To get the most enjoyment out of your schnapps, follow these serving tips:
- Chill schnapps before serving – store in freezer or fridge to maximize flavor.
- Serve schnapps in small, frozen shot glasses for icy shots.
- For cocktails, measure ingredients carefully for balance.
- Use schnapps to accent fruity cocktails – don’t let it overpower.
- Serve schnapps alongside beer as a beer chaser.
- Offer schnapps after dinner as an after dinner drink.
In Conclusion
Schnapps is a fun and versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in many ways. It makes a tasty addition to shots, cocktails, shooters, bombs and chilled drinks. Stick with acidic fruit juices, ginger beer or lighter beers as mixers. Some of the top global brands of schnapps include DeKuyper, Hiram Walker, Goldschlager, Yukon Jack and Dr. McGillicuddy’s. While similar, schnapps differs from liqueurs in ingredients, sugar content and legal definitions. Serve schnapps chilled and in moderation, complementing but not overpowering other ingredients, for maximum flavor and enjoyment.