Schnapps

In the US, schnapps means a sweetened, flavored liqueur — peach, peppermint, butterscotch, apple. Traditional German schnapps is different: a dry, unsweetened fruit brandy.

American flavored schnapps is usually 30–60 proof, notably lower than standard spirits, because of the added sugar and flavoring. Peppermint versions tend to sit at the higher end.

Peach schnapps is the base of a Fuzzy Navel and Sex on the Beach; peppermint schnapps goes into peppermint patties and hot chocolate; apple schnapps into appletinis.

Its sugar makes it very stable — an opened bottle stays good for years in a cool, dark spot. Flavor slowly fades over time, but it won't spoil.