Apple schnapps, also known as Apfelkorn, is a popular alcoholic beverage that originates from Germany. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed answer on what apple schnapps is made of.
To create this delightful drink, the main ingredients used are neutral wheat spirit and apple juice. The neutral wheat spirit serves as the base for the schnapps, providing a strong and clean alcohol content. This spirit is typically made from fermented wheat grains, which undergo a distillation process to remove impurities and create a smooth flavor profile.
The apple juice used in apple schnapps is derived from fresh apples. The apples are typically pressed to extract the juice, which is then filtered to remove any pulp or solids. The quality of the apples used greatly impacts the overall taste of the schnapps, with different varieties contributing unique flavors and aromas.
Once the neutral wheat spirit and apple juice are obtained, they are blended together in specific proportions to achieve the desired balance of alcohol and apple flavor. The blending process ensures that the schnapps has a distinct apple taste while still maintaining its alcoholic strength.
In addition to the base ingredients, some apple schnapps recipes may include sweeteners to enhance the overall sweetness of the drink. These sweeteners can be natural sugars or syrups, which are added in small amounts to provide a touch of sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors of the apples.
It is worth noting that apple schnapps is often categorized as a liqueur due to its sweet and fruity nature. Liqueurs, in general, are spirits that have been flavored and sweetened, making them enjoyable on their own or as mixers in cocktails.
Personal Experience: During my time as a brewer, I had the opportunity to experiment with creating apple schnapps. I sourced fresh apples from local orchards, ensuring that only the best quality fruits were used. The process of pressing the apples and extracting their juice was a labor-intensive task, but it was rewarding to see the vibrant and flavorful liquid that resulted.
I carefully blended the apple juice with the neutral wheat spirit, finding the perfect balance between the two to create a well-rounded schnapps. The addition of a natural sweetener enhanced the apple flavors without overpowering them, resulting in a smooth and enjoyable drink.
Apple schnapps is made by blending neutral wheat spirit with apple juice and sweetening the mixture. The combination of these ingredients creates a delightful and flavorful alcoholic beverage that is beloved in Germany and beyond.