The top 10 most popular brands of Schnapps include:

• Berentzen Plum Schnapps
• Teichenne Butterscotch
• J.H. Henkes’
• Jungfrau Herbal
• Goldschlager Cinnamon
• Teichenne Chocolate Schnapps
• Archers Peach Schnapps
• Puchheimer Marillen Schnapps Apricot
• Berentzen Apfel Schnapps
• Schlenkerla Barrel Aged Smoked Malt Schnapps

Origin of peach schnapps

This fruit liqueur became recognized in the 1970s in the USA and in the 1980s in other parts of the world. By the 1980s, peach Schnapps was an essential ingredient in most popular cocktails. However, it is argued that peach is a flavor that has been used for eons, and only more recently in the form of Schnapps or liqueur flavor. Nonetheless, the definition of Schnapps varies, as some cultures use it in place of liqueur. In contrast, others have set boundaries when it comes to defining this beverage.

Nutrition

A 186 g (5 fl oz) serving contains:

Peach Schnapps can provide health benefits like improving heart health, freshening breath, fighting malaria, and soothing sore throat. When consumed in excess, this fruit liqueur may cause side effects like asthma, gout, heartburn, high blood pressure, worsened insomnia, stomach ulcers, and even liver disease.

Commercial production

The first step in the commercial production of this beverage involves picking ripe or overripe peaches, which have the highest sugar content. Then, the next step is to knead the peach fruit with an appliance that has a rubber furred roller. This appliance also helps separate the bones from the rest of the peaches; the bones aren’t crushed or damaged during this separation. After that, the peach fruit undergoes fermentation in closed dishes sealed with covers or polyethylene foils. This is done to preserve the taste and smell of the alcohol and avoid foreign materials’ entrance; wooden vats with covers should be used.

Then, sulphuric acid is added to the mix to help kill off any harmful microorganism that might alter the fermentation process or even give off an offensive smell, reducing the Schnapps’ quality. Once the fermentation process is finished, distillation should be done immediately to avoid losing the Schnapps’ quality and quantity. In the event that overripe peaches were used in the production, water should be added to the mix to improve the mass before fermentation is done.

Application

Making peach Schnapps at home begins with collecting ripe or overripe peach fruits. This is done because of the high level of sugar content the fruit will have at this point. The next step is to remove the fruit’s stone, so that the Schnapps won’t have a sour taste at the end of the process. However, some people prefer this sour taste. It should be noted that removing the stone should be done without squashing the fruit.

After that, mash the fruit and then place the mashed fruit inside a clean container. Ensure that the peaches are adequately washed before squashing and that they are appropriately squashed. Next is the fermentation process, which requires wooden vats. The fermentation should be done in airtight vats. Add water to the container and heat it to about 95°F. The next step is to add some yeast. 

After about 20 minutes, take the fruit mash you prepared beforehand and pour it slowly into the vats. When this is done, add sulphuric acid to kill any harmful bacteria that might be present. Finally, leave the mixture to ferment at a regulated temperature between 64-68°F. Fermentation takes place in about two hours, and what’s left is to distill the liquid. This is done by putting the fermented mash in a caldron, cooking it, and allowing it to cool before bottling. 

To make peach Schnapps last longer, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight. Keep tightly closed after first use. Once a bottle of peach Schnapps is opened, the contents may begin to evaporate gradually. Some flavor may be lost over time. However, the peach liqueur will remain safe to consume, if it has been stored properly.

Peach schnapp recipes

Because of its versatility, peach schnapps serves as an ingredient for a variety of cocktails. Some popular recipes include:

• Jelly Belly Beany
• Machu Peachu
• Sex on the Beach
• Pineapple Fuzzy Navel
• Sangria Pitcher

FDA Regulations

The FDA does not regulate alcoholic beverages. However, the TTB regulates the advertising, labeling, and formulation of alcoholic beverages like peach Schnapps. They also state the basics for their formulation, providing forms for domestic and imported commodities, listing domestic products requiring a formula, and outlining what they look out for in an alcoholic beverage. The TTB does not currently have a standard of identity for peach schnapps.

References

Prial, Frank J. “SCHNAPPS, THE CORDIAL SPIRIT.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 27 Oct. 1985, www.nytimes.com/1985/10/27/magazine/schnapps-the-cordial-spirit.html. 

Sniderman, Zachary. “11 Ways Alcohol Is Legitimately Healthy.” Greatist, Greatist, 4 Oct. 2012, www.greatist.com/health/alcoholic-drinks-benefits#12 http://www.greatist.com/health/alcoholic-drinks-benefits#12

Justine Sterling Updated April 23, 2014. “5 Reasons to Bring Back Peach Schnapps.” Food & Wine, http://www.foodandwine.com/drinks/5-reasons-bring-back-peach-schnapps?amp=true