Some popular cinnamon Schnapps brands are:

• Aftershock
• Defrost
• De Kuyper
• Hot Damn!
• Firewater
• Goldschläger
• Hiram Walker
• Liquor Quik Goldrush

Origin of cinnamon schnapps

Schnapps was invented to prevent the use of undistilled water. Fruits began to be used for preparing this alcoholic drink, which had become widespread after the invention of the copper pot in the 18th century. However, fruits in Austria are less sweet due to climatic and soil conditions. Maria Theresa, Marie Antoinette’s mother, promoted the production of Schnapps to increase governmental tax. Today, Schnapps is produced from different fruits and spices, including cinnamon.

Nutrition

Nutritional profile for cinnamon Schnapps (1 ounce):

Cinnamon has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption may help combat diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases as well as neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. However, like any other alcoholic drink, cinnamon Schnapps has its downsides. Overconsumption of this drink can result in a change in the brain’s functioning patterns, liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, heart problems, strokes, different types of cancers, as well as affect overall immunity. This liquor is best consumed responsibly and in moderation.

Commercial production

To prepare Schnapps, dried cinnamon sticks or cinnamon powder is left to steep in a neutral base spirit (preferably vodka) for at least one month. Next, sugar syrup is added and the liquid is left to set further. Then, the alcohol is distilled and filtered and bottled.

When purchasing Schnapps, 4 different labels may be seen. The American label refers to liqueur produced in the US made by mixing flavorings and sugar with a neutral grain spirit. On the other hand, the imported German label indicates it is a distilled liqueur made from fermented fruit. Original recipe means the Schnapps was prepared using a homemade recipe and is often a craft liqueur. Premium refers to unsweetened Schnapps.

Schnapps can lose its flavor over time and must be discarded when it develops an unseemly smell, flavor, or appearance. It is best to store this Schnapps in an airtight container, in a cool and dry area away from sunlight.

Cinnamon schnapps recipes

Schnapps is often served neat at room temperature, and is an after-dinner drink. A small flute glass in tulip shape is best for serving Schnapps. Also, it is often also used for cocktails, as well as in cooking or baking. Here are some recipes to try:

• Twisted Apple Cider
• Cinnamon Toast Cocktail
• Mage’s Fire Cocktail
• Hot Cinn Apple Toddy
• Snickerdoodle Cocktail
• Cinnamon Crème Cocktail
• Cinnamon Daiquiri
• Spice Cake Shots
• Red Hot Velvet Cupcakes
• Bread Cake
• Baked Cinnamon Apples
• Flourless Chocolate Cake

FDA regulations

All alcohol related products are regulated by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in the US. There is no specific classification for cinnamon Schnapps, most likely due to its uncommon nature. However, Schnapps is classified as a liqueur or cordial.

References

Rao, Pasupuleti Visweswara, and Siew Hua Gan. “Cinnamon: a multifaceted medicinal plant.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2014 (2014): 642942. doi:10.1155/2014/642942, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003790/

Sarah Holden, Schnapps: All You Need To Know About Austria’s National Drink, Tourist Secrets, https://www.touristsecrets.com/travel-guide/food-travel/schnapps-everything-about-austrias-national-drink/ 

Is it time to rethink how much you drink?, Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/is-it-time-to-rethink-how-much-you-drink