Neutral alcohol is necessary because many berries have a sugar content that is too low to economically ferment and distill raspberries, for instance, contain between 4.5 and 6.0% sugar.

Himbeergeist made from wild raspberries in the Black Forest region of GermanyĪ Geist (meaning 'spirit' in German) is a type of schnapps, similar to fruit brandy, that is created by infusing macerated fresh berries in neutral spirits and steeping for some time before distillation. Slivovitz is a popular schnapps made from Damson plums found throughout the region pálinka is a traditional distilled beverage made of any fruits grown in Hungary. The different kinds of Obstler are similar to the varieties of Rakija found in the Balkans and Eastern Europe. Several types of plums make Zwetschgenwasser ('plum water') cherries make kirschwasser ('cherry water') and apricots are used to make Austrian Marillenschnaps (apricot brandy). Apples together with pears produce Obstwasser (fruit water) pears are used to produce Birnenbrand when made from the Williams pear, it is known as Poire Williams or Williamsbrand. The main kinds of fruit used for Obstbrände are apples, apricots, cherries, pears, plums (both mirabelle and purple plums), and quinces. Obstler is mainly associated with the southern part of the German-language area in northern Germany, almost all traditional distilled beverages are grain-based. Obstler is traditionally produced in Austria, Switzerland, southern Germany, and the culturally German regions of Alsace and Lorraine in modern-day France. An Obstler, or Obstbrand (from the German Obst, fruit and Brand, brandy), is a traditional type of schnaps made by fermenting macerated fruit and distilling to produce a clear, unsweetened fruit brandy.

Peppermint schnapps hibiscus