Schnaps
[noun] [German]
1. any strong spirit
Schnaps, literally “a mouthful, gulp,” from Low German snaps, from snappen “to snap” cf. nip for “alcoholic drink quickly taken.”
So what is the difference between Schnaps and Schnapps?
• German-style Schnaps is a strong spirit produced by distilling fruit to between 40% and 50% ABV (80–100 proof)
• American-style Schnapps are produced by mixing neutral grain spirit with fruit or other flavors. This mixture is then bottled with added sugar and (usually) glycerine, producing a smooth, syrup-like drink with an alcohol content of between 15% and 50% ABV (30–100 proof)