Bringing Austrian Schnapps Home: What You Need To Know

Schnapps is Austria's national drink and is widely available in the country. It is a distilled fruit brandy, with the most popular types being made from different kinds of fruit, often referred to as Obstler. The drink has been perfected over centuries, with many different recipes. If you want to buy Austrian schnapps to take home, you can find it in shops in Vienna, or online.

Where to buy Austrian schnapps in Vienna

If you're looking to buy Austrian schnapps in Vienna, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can visit the regular food markets such as Billa, Spar, and Merkur, which often offer a good selection of local spirits. These markets provide an opportunity to taste different varieties of schnapps before making a purchase.

Another recommended spot is Roberto's Wein at the Naschmarkt. This shop offers a wide range of schnapps, allowing you to sample small glasses before you buy. It's important to distinguish between mass-produced schnapps and traditional, high-quality schnapps. Look for the term "Edelbrand" on the label to ensure you're getting an artisanal product.

Additionally, you can explore the bars and cocktail lounges in Vienna, such as Eberts, where you can relax and admire their spirit collection. Many bars in the city serve Austrian schnapps, and some even turn into vibrant marketplaces at night. Keep an eye out for top-quality brands like Reisetbauer and Rochelt, known for their intense flavours.

Lastly, you can visit the Schnapps Museum in Vienna, which showcases the history and culture of this traditional drink. The museum may offer unique schnapps varieties and provide a memorable experience during your stay in Vienna. Remember to check the local regulations and restrictions on purchasing and transporting alcoholic beverages to ensure a smooth journey home.

How to identify authentic Austrian schnapps

While Austrian drinking culture is not well-known, Austria does have a national drink: schnapps. Schnaps is a popular fruit brandy typically from Germany, but it is also made in Austria. In fact, schnapps is a general name for distilled fruit brandies in Austria. It is a strong, clear, distilled spirit with a flavour similar to light-flavoured vodka.

The process of making Austrian schnapps involves fermenting fruit. After the fruits have been harvested, they are seeded and mashed. Importantly, the fruit is not washed, as this would remove the natural yeast needed for fermentation. Once the fruit starts to ferment, several litres of water are added to the mixture. The liquid is then moved to an air-locked pot and placed in a warm area.

Schnapps is made from a variety of fruits, including apples, berries, and apricots. In fact, Marillenschnapps, a fruit brandy made from apricots, is considered the quintessential Austrian schnapps. However, Austrians take advantage of the local bounty of fruits, including those that grow wild, to produce schnapps with unique flavours.

Austrian schnapps is typically produced in distilleries, both privately and publicly owned. However, during the harvest season, people used to transport a communal mobile pot by horse and cart for households to share.

The history of Austrian schnapps

Austrian schnapps, a distilled spirit made by fermenting fruit, is considered a fruit brandy. It is typically clear and has a strong taste, similar to light-flavoured vodka.

During the Middle Ages, monasteries played a significant role in the production of schnapps. Monks, who were skilled distillers, produced various herbal and fruit-based spirits in their own distilleries. In the Austrian countryside, especially in agricultural regions, families traditionally produced schnapps from their surplus fruit harvest. This allowed them to preserve fruits and create a beverage for personal consumption and local trade.

In the 18th century, the invention of the copper pot popularised the distillation of schnapps. These pots made the distillation process easier. During the harvest season, a communal mobile pot was transported by horse and cart for households to share. Maria Theresa, the sole female Empress of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, saw that the production of fruit brandies was a lucrative source of revenue for the state. During her reign in the 1700s, she legalised the production of up to 200 litres of distilled alcohol per household annually, with land-owning farmers permitted to produce an additional 100 litres. This decision sparked Austria's enduring love of schnapps.

The Austrian Schnapps Act, introduced in 1900, outlined specific standards for the production and labelling of schnapps. Today, there are thousands of distilleries across the country, both privately and publicly owned, specialising in the production of schnapps. Traditional methods are still employed, but modern distilleries often combine these techniques with technological advancements to produce a diverse range of schnapps flavours.

How to pack and transport schnapps

Packing and transporting schnapps, or any liquid, requires careful planning and the right materials. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Planning: Start by gathering the necessary packing materials, including boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and plastic bags. It is recommended to use a specialty box designed for transporting bottles. These boxes typically have dividers to separate and protect each bottle. If you don't have access to a specialty box, you can use a regular box but make sure it is sturdy and slightly larger than the bottle(s) you plan to transport.
• Sorting and Organizing: If you have multiple bottles of schnapps, sort them by size to determine how many can fit in each box. Group bottles of similar sizes together.
• Wrapping and Packing: Wrap each bottle of schnapps individually in bubble wrap or plastic wrap. Make sure to cover the entire bottle, including the neck and bottom. Use tape to secure the wrapping in place. Place the wrapped bottles in the box, ensuring they fit snugly. Add cushioning material such as crumpled newspaper or packing peanuts to fill any gaps and prevent the bottles from shifting during transport.
• Sealing and Securing: Seal the box with packing tape, both lengthwise and widthwise, to ensure it stays closed during transport. Wrap the tape all the way around the box several times for added security.
• Transporting: When transporting the schnapps, handle the boxes with care to avoid dropping or jostling them. Use a moving dolly or hand truck to aid in transporting heavy boxes. Try to transport the schnapps in a temperature-controlled environment to avoid extreme heat or cold, which can affect the liquid.
• Unpacking: When you reach your destination, open the boxes carefully and unpack the schnapps bottles. Check for any signs of damage or leakage during transport.

By following these steps, you can safely pack and transport schnapps to your desired location. Remember always to handle alcoholic beverages with care and abide by local regulations regarding the transportation of alcohol.

Recommended foods to eat with schnapps

Schnapps is a distilled fruit brandy, typically with an alcohol content ranging from 15% to 50% ABV. It is usually crafted from fermented fruits, such as apples, plums, pears, or cherries, resulting in a clear, fruity, and strong spirit. While it can be consumed neat as a shot, often to aid digestion, schnapps can also be paired with various foods to enhance the dining experience. Here are some recommended food pairings to consider:

Seafood and dill-flavoured sauces: In Scandinavia, a variation of schnapps called Akvavit is commonly enjoyed with seafood dishes that feature dill-flavoured sauces. This pairing can showcase how the spirit complements the flavours of the sea while adding a unique twist to your dining experience.

Ice cream: Chilled butterscotch or peach schnapps pairs beautifully with ice cream. For a full flavour infusion, try drizzling the schnapps over the ice cream. The sweetness of the schnapps flavours and the creaminess of the ice cream create a delightful sensory experience.

Meat or Carb-Heavy Dishes: After indulging in a hearty meal centred on meat or carbohydrates, a subtle flavour of schnapps, such as pear, plum, or cherry, can be an excellent choice. These milder flavours won't overpower the richness of the meal, providing a refreshing finish without being too assertive.

Desserts: Schnapps can be a versatile ingredient in desserts, adding a unique twist to your favourite treats. For example, peppermint schnapps can elevate a classic hot chocolate, especially during the festive season. It can also be baked into holiday treats, infusing your desserts with a delightful kick.

Cocktails: Schnapps is a popular base for cocktails, adding a fruity twist to your favourite drinks. Peach schnapps shines in cocktails like the Fuzzy Bellini, a combination of peach schnapps, orgeat (an almond-flavoured syrup), and prosecco. Alternatively, experiment with schnapps in margaritas, mojitos, or even a refreshing iced tea cocktail with lemon slices to balance the sweetness.

Frequently asked questions