Definition

Noun: A strong, clear alcoholic spirit, typically distilled from grain or potatoes, and often flavored with fruit. It is traditionally associated with German, Dutch, and Scandinavian drinking culture.

Usage

"Schnaps" refers to a category of strong distilled spirits. It is often consumed as a digestif (after a meal) or as a shot in social settings. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with "schnapps," though traditional schnaps is often unflavored, while commercial "schnapps" can be sweet and fruit-flavored.

Examples

• Noun:
  • After dinner, they shared a glass of homemade pear schnaps.
  • The traditional recipe for this schnaps uses fermented potatoes.

Advanced Usage

• "To have a schnaps": To drink a shot of this spirit.
  • It's customary here to have a schnaps to celebrate.
• As a modifier: Used to describe the type or flavor of the spirit.
  • They brought a bottle of excellent apple schnaps.

Variants and Related Words

• Schnapps (noun): An alternative spelling, commonly used in English, especially for sweet, fruit-flavored versions.
  • Peach schnapps is a popular ingredient in cocktails.

Synonyms

• Aquavit (noun): A Scandinavian spirit flavored with herbs and spices.
• Brandy (noun): A spirit distilled from wine or fermented fruit juice.
• Eau-de-vie (noun): A clear, colorless fruit brandy.

Related Phrases

• "A shot of schnaps": A small serving of the spirit, typically drunk quickly.
  • He took a shot of schnaps to warm up.

Related Idioms

• "To be as strong as schnaps": (Informal) To be very potent or intense.
  • That homemade liquor is as strong as schnaps!

Noun

1. any of various strong liquors especially a Dutch spirit distilled from potatoes