Schnapps is a type of distilled beverage. The word Schnapps is derived from the German word Schnaps and refers to usually clear alcoholic beverages distilled from fermented grains, roots or fruits, including but not limited to cherries (Kirschwasser), apples, pears, plums and apricots. Often, the base material for making schnapps is the pulp that is a byproduct in juice production. True Schnapps has no sugar or flavoring added.
Schnapps is similar in flavor and consistency to vodka, with light fruit flavors, depending on the base material. The alcohol content is usually around 40% by volume.
Many liquors, such as peach schnapps and butterscotch schnapps, do not actually meet the strict definition of schnapps. They can be the result of differing processes that do not involve direct fermentation. Some of these use a primary alcohol, such as schnapps, vodka or rum, to extract flavors out of fruit. Often, additional ingredients are added, most commonly sugar.