Top 75 German Spirits and Liqueurs

Marillenschnaps is a type of fruit brandy that is distilled from apricots. The drink is traditionally associated with Wachau—a region known for apricot production—though it is also produced in other Austrian and German regions. High-quality apricot brandy should be double-distilled from fresh apricot mash to create a clear and potent spirit with an alcohol content that typically goes around 40% ABV. This brandy will display apricot and floral aromas with a warming, fruity, and long aftertaste. Like other types of fruit brandies, apricot schnaps is also traditionally enjoyed neat, though it can also work as an ingredient in cocktails and long drinks. Expand

Himbeergeist is a German raspberry spirit that is made by macerating fresh raspberries in neutral alcohol. No artificial flavorings or colorings are added, and the infusion is then distilled before it is bottled. Himbeergeist has to have a minimum of 40% ABV. It results in a clear and colorless spirit that displays clean raspberry aromas. The drink should be served well-chilled, and it is best enjoyed slowly sipped. It is recommended to enjoy it as a digestif. Optionally, it can be mixed with coffee or used in cocktails, and it goes exceptionally well with sparkling wines. Himbeergeist is also incorporated into fruit-based desserts, and it can be used as an ice cream topping. Expand

This popular German herbal liqueur was developed in 1934 by Curt Mast. He created the base of the drink with 56 different herbs, roots, and fruits that are macerated in a combination of alcohol and water. The procedure is repeated several times, and the drink is left to age in oak casks before it is combined with alcohol, caramel, sugar, and water to achieve a drinking strength of 35% vol. Since Mast was a hunter, he drew the inspiration for the now classic Jägermeister logo—a stag with a glowing cross between its antlers—from the tale of St. Hubertus, the patron saint of hunters. Nowadays, Jägermeister is a renowned international drink that should always be served ice-cold and is predominantly enjoyed as a shot, but it can also blend well in cocktails.Expand

Poire Williams is a type of eau-de-vie (fruit brandy) that is distilled from fermented Williams pears. The production of this clear and colorless spirit is mostly associated with France, Switzerland, and Germany. The drink is often sold with a whole pear inside the bottle—this is achieved by attaching the bottle to a branch with a small pear. The fruit is tucked inside and then allowed to grow inside the bottle. When it’s ripe, the fruit is cut off, and the distilled spirit is then poured inside. This brandy is usually of high quality, with clean and crisp flavor and ripe pear aromas. It is traditionally enjoyed as a digestif. Expand

The term kräuterlikör denotes different types of European herb liqueurs, predominantly German, which are also known as halbbitter (half bitters). They appeared soon after the introduction of distillation and were primarily invented as medical remedies. The most notable kräuterlikör brands include Jägermeister, Underberg, Becherovka, Unicum, Riga Black Balsam, Killepitsch, Kuemmerling, and Aromatique. Although all varieties can be incorporated into cocktails and long drinks, they are traditionally enjoyed well-chilled and neat, preferably as a digestif.Expand

This clear, colorless fruit brandy is double-distilled from the fermented cherry mash. Because it was originally produced with sour morello cherries, it is believed that it first appeared in Schwarzwald, Germany, where the morello cherries were traditionally cultivated. The drink is mainly produced in Germany, Austria, Alsace, and Switzerland, with various, local cherry varieties. Because cherry pits are also crushed in the process, kirschwasser is characterized by its cherry notes, pungent flavor, and mild bitter-sweet finish. It can be served as an aperitif or a digestif, preferably well-chilled and over ice, but it also incorporates well into cocktails, desserts, cheese fondue, or even espresso.Expand

Asbach Uralt is a German brandy that was first distilled in 1892 by Hugo Asbach, a Cologne native. With the knowledge he gained at various French distilleries, Asbach distilled his first batch of brandy and opened a company in Rüdesheim am Rhein. He initially labeled his brandy as Rüdesheim Cognac, but after the Treaty of Versailles, which stipulated that only French products can be named Cognac, Asbach coined the term Weinbrand (wine brandy) and gave his product its current name. Aged in Limousin and German oak, classic Asbach Uralt is an amber-colored brandy that is smooth and warming, with subtle sweetness and peppery nuances that are accompanied by aromas and flavors reminiscent of honey, vanilla, caramel, plums, nuts, chocolate, and coffee. Apart from the classic version, Asbach Uralt is available in several specialty versions that include various aged styles. This brandy is best enjoyed neat, though it is sometimes incorporated into long drinks. It is also one of the ingredients in Rüdesheimer Kaffee.Expand

Killepitsch is a German herbal liqueur (kräuterlikör) that is made with 98 different herbs and spices. The drink has been produced since 1858 by the Busch family from Düsseldorf, and the original recipe is still kept secret. Killepitsch is a rich and smooth dark red liqueur that is characterized by bittersweet flavor and aromas of dried fruit and warming spices. It is best served well chilled, and it is mostly enjoyed as a digestif. Killepitsch is bottled at 42% ABV.Expand

XUXU is a German strawberry liqueur that is made with a combination of fresh strawberry mash, vodka, and a splash of lime to balance out the sweetness. The fruit content in the liqueur reaches the impressive 66%, and no additional sugars, apart from the natural fruit sugar, is added to the blend. Because of its composition, XUXU displays fresh and fruity strawberry aromas and flavors. This sweet liqueur can be enjoyed as a shot, but it also perfectly blends into cocktails and long drinks. It is also commonly used in dessert-making, and it blends exceptionally well into custards and ice creams. The drink is produced in Erding, Bavaria by Georg Hemmeter. Expand

St. Kilian Distillers is a German single malt whisky distillery founded in 2012 in Rüdenau, Bavaria.

Located in a former textile factory, the distillery is named after St. Kilian, an Irish-Scottish missionary who worked in Würzburg. St. Kilian Distillers is renowned for its innovation and diverse product range, including special editions created in collaboration with famous personalities and musical bands.

Their "White Dog" won the award for the best in the world in 2018.Expand

Slyrs Distillery is a pioneering German whisky distillery located in Schliersee, Bavaria, founded in 1999 and widely regarded as a benchmark for Bavarian single malt whisky. Inspired by Scottish whisky-making traditions but firmly rooted in its Alpine environment, Slyrs produces single malt whisky from Bavarian malted barley and pure Alpine spring water.

Distillation takes place in traditional copper pot stills, followed by maturation primarily in new American white oak casks, with additional expressions finished in sherry, port, or other specialty barrels. The continental Alpine climate - marked by warm summers and cold winters - accelerates interaction between spirit and wood, resulting in whiskies that are typically rounded, expressive, and gently fruity, with notes of vanilla, malt, spice, and soft oak.

Over the years, Slyrs has built a strong reputation both in Germany and internationally, combining regional identity, technical consistency, and a clear house style. The distillery is also positioned as a visitor destination, offering tours and tastings that emphasize transparency and craftsmanship, reinforcing its role as a leading figure in modern German whisky production.Expand

Saltwater’s is inspired by maritime adventures and offers premium gin and rum with a coastal essence. Each product is crafted to embody the adventurous spirit of the sea, often incorporating a hint of sea salt.

With botanicals sourced from around the globe, Saltwater’s aims to evoke the flavors of distant travels and the longing for home.Expand

The name "Bene Gin" is inspired by Benedict of Nursia, the founder of the Benedictine Order, whose year of birth, 480 AD, is reflected in the alcohol percentage of this gin. The brand's logo resembles the Benedictine medal, while the copper color, a signature of the brand, pays homage to Saint Benedict as the patron saint of engravers. Bene Gin is produced by HIS Hamburgische Gesellschaft für Investitionen und Spirituosen mbH, based in Hamburg, Germany.

Known for its premium quality and unique character, Bene Gin is crafted using carefully selected botanicals that deliver a harmonious balance of juniper, citrus, and subtle spice notes. The distillery emphasizes sustainability and tradition, reflecting these values in both its production process and branding.Expand

JJ's Manöverschluck is a premium spirit brand from Hamburg, Germany, crafted by sailors for sailors and maritime enthusiasts. The brand offers a range of award-winning spirits, including rums sourced from Jamaica, Panama, Antigua, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela, as well as Tennessee bourbon and whiskey.

Each variant is uniquely flavored: the Jamaica rum is enhanced with sun-ripened tangerines and butterscotch, while the Panama & Antigua blend features Bourbon vanilla and a hint of sea salt. The concept of JJ's Manöverschluck was born during a sailing trip, aiming to create a spirit that captures the essence of maritime adventures.

The brand's design reflects nautical themes, with bottle colors reminiscent of buoys and life vests, and a logo symbolizing a sailing maneuver.Expand

Franz Fies Schwarzwälder Edelobstbrennerei, founded in 1948 by Franz and Elise Fies, is a family-owned distillery located in Oberkirch-Ringelbach, in the heart of the sun-kissed Ortenau region of Germany's Black Forest. The distillery specializes in crafting premium fruit brandies and liqueurs, utilizing traditional methods to transform locally sourced fruits into high-quality spirits.

Their product range includes the "Original Fies" line of fruit brandies, the "CHRONUM" series, and the "MOMENTUM" collection, each offering unique flavor profiles that reflect the rich heritage of the Black Forest. Committed to excellence, the distillery is certified according to the International Food Standard (IFS), ensuring that each bottle meets rigorous quality standards.

Visitors are welcome to tour the distillery to experience firsthand the meticulous craftsmanship that defines Franz Fies Schwarzwälder Edelobstbrennerei.Expand

Brennerei Ziegler, founded in 1865 in Freudenberg am Main, Germany, is renowned for its high-quality fruit brandies, spirits, liqueurs, and whisky. The distillery emphasizes traditional craftsmanship, with experienced artisans overseeing every step from fruit harvesting to bottle labeling.

This dedication to quality has established Ziegler as a leading name in the industry.Expand