Peach Schnapps: What is it and How to Drink it

Peach Schnapps is a peach flavoured liqueur that was created in the 1930s. It’s made from peach juice, sugar and distilled alcohol which gives it that distinctive peach taste. This post will cover where to drink peach schnapps, what it tastes like and how you can mix it with other drinks for some delicious cocktails!

What is Peach Schnapps?

Peach schnapps is one of the most famous of the peach types of alcohol. Schnapps is a German word that refers to different types of spirit drinks. Peach wasn’t original among the common ones used to make it but apricots were. But when peach schnapps was created using a neutral grain spirit with the peach, it became popular, especially with anyone with a sweet tooth.

One of the most famous brands of peach schnapps is Archers. This was launched in 1988 and is a peach liqueur that comes in a distinctive frosted bottle. It is so well known that people will often refer to peach schnapps just as Archers – ordering an ‘Archers and lemonade’ regardless of the brand available! However, the drink is actually more like the American version of schnapps than the original German one.

Peach Schnapps Nutrition and Alcohol Content

Peach schnapps typically sits around 15-20% ABV, making it a relatively light option for your cocktails. A standard 1.5 oz shot packs about 72 calories, primarily from sugars. If you’re watching your sugar intake, keep that in mind—though with its sweet, juicy flavor, it’s definitely worth the splurge in a well-made cocktail.

The Evolution of Peach Schnapps: A Historical Perspective

Peach Schnapps’ journey to fame holds an intricate tapestry of history. The initial creation of peach schnapps can be traced back to the 1930s in Germany. However, it was not until the late 20th century that it began to gain significant recognition, particularly in the United States and the UK. 

The launch of Archers in 1988 marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of peach schnapps. Archers, with its distinctive frosted bottle and high-quality peach liqueur, played an instrumental role in establishing American schnapps as a popular choice among spirit drinkers worldwide. 

Today, along with Archers, brands like DeKuyper and McGuinness have also joined the peach schnapps family, further expanding the reach and diversity of this alcoholic beverage.

Peach Schnapps vs. Peach Brandy: What’s the Difference?

Peach schnapps and peach brandy, while both peach-flavored spirits, have distinctive differences. Peach schnapps is a clear, sweet, peach-flavored liqueur made by blending peach juices with a neutral grain spirit, resulting in a strong, fruit-forward drink. It’s light, sweet, and has a very clear, bright peach flavor. 

Peach brandy, on the other hand, is made by fermenting peaches and then distilling the juice. This results in a deeper, more complex flavor profile, with a rich, caramel-like sweetness and slightly smoky undertones. 

The alcohol content also tends to be higher in peach brandy compared to peach schnapps drinks. In essence, while peach schnapps is often used in cocktails for its sweet, fruity flavor, peach brandy can be enjoyed straight or as a sophisticated addition to cocktails.

What Other Types of Peach Alcohol is Available?

While peach might not be as popular as some fruits in the drinks world, there are plenty of options.

Peach liqueur is a clear sweet liqueur that is made with peach and often has touches of other fruit in it such as oranges. Bols makes a peach liqueur, as does Briottet, Divas and La Playa.

Creme de peche is another peach liqueur that tends to be a little creamier and is made by brands like Continental and Joseph Cartron.

All three are very similar but the amount of alcohol in each is what tends to separate them.

Alternatives to Peach Schnapps

If you’re out of peach schnapps, don’t panic. You can easily substitute it with apricot brandy for a slightly more robust fruit flavor, or try peach vodka for a cleaner finish in your cocktails. Peach liqueur works in a pinch too, though it’s a bit sweeter. Each alternative brings its own twist, so play around and see what works best for your drinks!

What Does Peach Schnapps Taste Like?

No surprise but it tastes like peaches! If I’m honest, it isn’t one of my favourite spirits but then I’m not a big fan of the taste or flavour of peach anyway.

Most peach schnapps is made with fruit syrup, sometimes with spices and other flavours added to it on the grain spirit base. Most are between 15-20% ABV or 30-40 proof.

Tasting Guide: How to Savor and Appreciate Peach Schnapps

You can drink peach schnapps straight but even the most hardcore fan tends not to, as it is very sweet. But if you do serve it this way, have it at room temperature in tulip-shaped glass flutes, 1-2 ounces per glass. It is usually served as an aperitif or after-dinner drink.

In terms of mixers, peach schnapps is often served with orange juice or lemonade to make a delicious drink with heavy fruit flavors.

Best Brands of Peach Schnapps

When it comes to peach schnapps, not all bottles are created equal. If you’re looking for top-notch quality, DeKuyper Peachtree is a staple for its authentic flavor and smoothness, perfect for cocktails. Archers is another crowd favorite, known for its crisp taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, give Hiram Walker a try—great for adding that extra peachy kick. Remember, the brand you choose can make or break your schnapps-based creations!

Peach Schnapps Pairings: What Foods Go Well with It?

Peach Schnapps pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods, especially those with a sweet or spicy profile. Its sweet, fruity essence complements the richness of desserts like peach cobbler or a creamy vanilla cheesecake. 

The fruity undertones can also balance the spiciness of Asian or Mexican cuisine, making it an excellent companion to these dishes. Even a simple cheese board with sharp varieties can be enhanced by the sweetness of peach schnapps. At your next gathering, consider offering peach schnapps with these pairings for a delightful gastronomic experience.

Famous Peach Schnapps Cocktails

Sex on the Beach is one of those cocktails guaranteed to bring a smirk to the face but the drink itself is a tasty long one. It has peach schnapps, orange and pineapple juice, vodka then cranberry juice and black raspberry liqueur such as Chambord to give the distinctive split colour.

Fuzzel Navel is one of the easiest peach schnapps cocktails and is the same as a Screwdriver but uses peach schnapps. You can also add some vodka to give it an extra kick when it is known as a Hairy Navel.

The Woo Woo is another famous drink that blends vodka, peach schnapps and cranberry juice. It also gets adapted to a punch style drink for parties.

The Peach Daiquiri uses light rum, peach schnapps and lime juice to make a fruity but still sweet drink.

The Bellini may be one of the best-known peach cocktails. It uses both peach schnapps and peach puree with lemon juice and Prosecco.

Peach Schnapps in Culinary Uses

In the culinary world, Peach Schnapps lends its sweet, fruity character to a range of dishes, enhancing them with its unique flavor profile. It can be used in baking, imparting a succulent peach flavor to cakes, pies, and tarts. It’s also a popular addition to sauces and marinades, especially for chicken and pork, offering a hint of sweetness that balances the savory elements. 

In dessert courses, Peach Schnapps can take center stage in recipes like peach sorbet or peach-glazed fruit salads. Even in the simplest of applications, such as drizzling over vanilla ice cream, Peach Schnapps delivers a delightful twist. This versatility makes Peach Schnapps a valuable ingredient in both sweet and savory culinary creations.

DIY: Making Peach Schnapps at Home

While the process of making peach schnapps at home might seem intimidating, it’s actually quite straightforward. The key to crafting a homemade version that captures the sweet, fruity essence of peaches lies in using quality ingredients and having a little patience during the fermentation process. Now, let’s walk you through the steps.

Simple Steps to Make Peach Schnapps at Home

1. Gather your ingredients: You’ll need ripe peaches, sugar, vodka, and a neutral grain spirit like Everclear®.
2. Prepare the peaches: Wash, pit, and slice the peaches. Place the slices in a large jar.
3. Add sugar: Pour sugar over the peaches according to your taste. The sugar not only adds sweetness but also aids in the extraction of flavor from the peaches.
4. Pour in vodka and neutral grain spirit: The vodka provides the alcohol base while the grain spirit imparts a neutral flavor.
5. Seal and store: Securely seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 3-4 weeks. This allows the peaches to infuse their flavor into the alcohol.
6. Strain and bottle: After the infusion period, strain the mixture into a clean bottle using a cheesecloth to remove any fruit pieces.
7. Serve or store: Your homemade peach schnapps is ready to be served, or it can be stored in a cool, dark place for future use. Enjoy responsibly!

Peach Schnapps FAQs

Can you make peach schnapps at home?

Yes! Homemade peach schnapps is easy to make by infusing fresh peaches with vodka and sugar. It’s a fun DIY project for cocktail lovers looking to customize their flavors.

Is peach schnapps gluten-free?

Most commercial peach schnapps brands are gluten-free, but it’s always best to check labels or contact the manufacturer if you have specific dietary concerns.

What’s the best way to store peach schnapps?

Store peach schnapps in a cool, dry place, ideally at room temperature. Once opened, it’s best to use it within a year for optimal flavor.

Can you drink peach schnapps straight?

Yes, peach schnapps can be enjoyed on its own as a shot or sipped over ice, though it’s typically used in cocktails for its sweet, fruity flavor.

What cocktails use peach schnapps?

Peach schnapps is a key ingredient in cocktails like the Fuzzy Navel, Sex on the Beach, and Woo Woo. It adds a sweet, fruity punch that complements a variety of drinks.

Tasty, Fruit Drinks

Peach schnapps is a simple way to make tasty, fruit drinks including some of the more famous cocktails. What’s your favourite way to serve it?