Apricot schnapps

Apricot schnapps - based on fresh and fully ripe apricots and stones (pits) - is a very delicious schnapps. Sweet, fruity and flavourful. The colour is light to dark golden.

Enjoy on its own as appetizer or after-dinner drink.

Or serve with chicken and other poultry, ham, veal, lamb, desserts, ice creams, fruit and cream salads, cakes, pies, and cookies.

Or add it to marmalades, jams, jellies, cake fillings, whipped cream, fruit sauces, marinades, salsas, ice creams, sorbets - or any other dish where you would normally use apricot cider or juice.

Apricot schnapps blends very well with...
lime schnapps · vanilla schnapps · chili schnapps · honey schnapps · orange schnapps · lemon schnapps · lemon balm schnapps · almond schnapps.

Also, see how you can easily...
turn your apricot schnapps into a liqueur.

Apricot

The apricot tree is a hardy, deciduous tree, growing to a height of approx. 10 meters.

It belongs to the same genus (Prunus) as peach, plum, cherry, almond and blackthorn (sloe).

Originates from China, Himalaya region and other parts of temperate Asia.

However, formerly it was believed that its original habitat was Armenia.

Hence the botanical name Armeniaca.

The apricot tree has broad, ovate to rounded leaves with finely toothed edges and reddish petioles.

The beautiful, fragrant flowers or blossoms are white with a reddish tint. They have five regular sepals and petals and many stamens.

Bloom takes place very early in the spring.

The yellow/golden-red, fleshy and juicy stone fruits (drupes) have thin, downy skin and yellow flesh.

The fruit contains a big, smooth stone or pit with a single seed or kernel. The kernels of several apricot varieties are edible.

The apricot fruits are eaten fresh, dried or preserved, added to savory dishes, and used in the making of juice, jams, marmalades, candy, syrups, brandy and liqueurs.

Essential oil from the apricot kernels is used for culinary and cosmetic purposes. Apricot kernel oil is often used as a substitute for oil of almonds, which is much more expensive.

More information about the apricot tree

Recipe

Use fresh, unblemished and fully ripe apricots. Organic if available. You can use any variety.

Direction:

• Carefully rinse the apricots and let them dry in the shadow - on a piece of paper towel.
• Cut the apricots in halves, remove the stones (pits) and slice the fruits.
• Put apricots and stones in a clean glass jar with tight-fitting lid.
• Cover with clear, unflavoured vodka - 40% alcohol content (80 proof).
• Let steep for 4-5 weeks in a dark place at room temperature,
  18-20°C (64-68°F).
• Shake lightly or stir with a wooden spoon and taste it from time to time.
• Strain and filter your infusion into a clean glass bottle or jar with tight-fitting lid.
• Store (age) for at least 1 month in a dark place at room temperature before serving.

Note: If for some reason you are not satisfied with your infusion, there are ways to adjust both taste and flavours - click here to see how.

Serve your apricot schnapps at room temperature in suitable glasses. And remember to keep your schnapps bottle tightly closed and in a dark place before and between servings.