Did you know we have three schnaps at Delatite?  

We had our first schnapps made in 2019 by local distillery Swiftcrest. The original two were a Pure Gewürztraminer and a Honey and Saffron Schnapps. We have since made a third, the Lemon Myrtle schnaps. 

What is Schnaps? 

Schnaps is a broad term that comes from Germany. It was traditionally made from distilling wine and fruit to make a clear spirit. They can also be classified as fruit brandys orEua de vie, which is the French equivalent of the word ''aquavit.'' 

In the early 1980’s it became increasingly popular in the Uk and America. These were a sweeter version, made from grain spirits, with fruit flavours added to them. They also changed names from Schnaps to Schnapps. 

How is it made? 

Our Schnapps are all made from our Estate Gewürztraminer. We send it to Hank and CarrieThierrywho then put it in their still. It goes through the distillation process at least twice. The end product is about 98% alcohol. The Lemon Myrtle is then steeped and the Honey and Saffron has honey and saffron added to it and they are all then cut with water, sourced onsite from their spring. This brings it down to the right alcohol content. The end percentage is determined by David and Swiftcrest. This is based on their personal preference.

 Who are Swiftcrest?  

Swiftcrest are a local, family-owned distillery that only sources biodynamic and organic products, are completely off-grid and are classified as carbon positive. They make delicious spirits such as gin, vodka, whiskey (unfortunately a few years away) and the most incredible Apple Pie Moonshine. 

They have been in Mansfield for 20 years and their daughter Belle went to school with Polly and Donald. 

Swiftcrest offer tours of their distillery. We did this tour last week as a ‘Team Building’ exercise and it was an amazing experience. We definitely recommend adding it to your list of things to do in Mansfield

Learn more about their tourshere:

How do we drink it?  

We like our schnapps like true Germans; in a shot glass, straight. We asked Hank from Swiftcrest how he drank them, and although he likes them neat at room temperature, he also makes a a Gewürz 75, a version of a French 75. 

Here is Hank's recipe: 

• 7ml lemon juice 
• 15ml sugar syrup 
• 30ml ourPure Gewürz Schnapps 
• Ice 
• OurEstate CuvéeGewürz 
• Strip of lemon zest 

Method 

• STEP 1 
• Pour the lemon juice, sugar syrup and schnapps into a cocktail shaker then fill up with ice. 
• STEP 2 
• Shake well then strain into a champagne flute. Top with a little Cuvée Gewürz, leave to settle (as it will bubble up) then fill up with more Cuvée Gewürz. Swirl gently with a cocktail stirrer then garnish with a strip of lemon zest if you like. 

 We are now serving this cocktail on our menu in the dining room!