What is schnapps distilled from

Zwetschgenwasser plum water is Schnapps made with a variety of plums. You can also make Kirschwasser cherry water or Marillenschnaps apricot brandy. People in the US usually mix Schnapps in cocktails. However, Austrians rarely mix their Schnapps into cocktails but instead drink it straight out of the bottle or in shot form. They commonly drink Schnapps before, during, or after a meal to help the stomach digest food. Austrians love to drink socially surrounded by the company of friends.

Beer gardens are an addition to many Austrian bars and are particularly popular with locals in the warmer months from May to October. Austria has developed a strong drinking culture and not only for the consumption of Schnapps, but also for its production of wine, speciality beers and cider.

Despite being a mountainous region, there are many areas popular for their vineyards including Upper Austria, Burgenland, the south of Styria and Carinthia. The most popular speciality beers in Austria include Maerzen, Zwickl and wheat beer with many beers only being available on a seasonal basis.

During the winter months mulled cider is popular among the locals along with mulled wine and punch liquors.

Schnapps are different from the Austrian Schnapps. While some, such as peach, apple, and cherry, are derived from the juices of a real fruit — or at least could be, if a traditional process were used to make them — others, such as cinnamon and peppermint , have no source in the world of fruit. Still others, such as butterscotch and root beer , are even more far-fetched.

Because of their relatively low price, uncomplicated sweet flavors, and a perceived silliness about them, sweet schnapps are a staple in many mixed drinks. While rarely seen in more traditional or serious mixed drinks like Martinis or Manhattans, various flavors abound in drinks with names like the Hot Peppermint Patty, the Slippery Nipple, the Fuzzy Navel , and the Guillotine. Landstein , Vienna A Viennese institution, Landstein serves traditional Austrian dishes, as well as Central European cuisine, but the big draw is the staggering selection of alcohol on offer — including a formidable schnaps collection.

Twitter Facebook Instagram. National Geographic National Geographic. By Zane Henry. Published 30 Dec , GMT. A fruit schnaps is poured into a shot glass at the Apple Blossom festival in Puch near Weiz, Austria. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile.

Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. In This Article Expand. How It's Made. How to Drink. Popular Brands.

Where to Buy. Featured Video. Read More. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for thespruceeats. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.