Fall is time for apple schnapps

• Apple Schnapps

Apple Schnapps

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When you feel that fall nip in the air, it’s time for a nip of homemade apple schnapps. It is a wonderful thing to sip while you’re sitting on the deck, watching the leaves fall, gathered around the fire pit with family and friends.

This apple schnapps recipe is an adaptation of hochzeit schnapps, which is traditionally served at wedding dances in the North Dakota/South Dakota Kraut Triangle, home of the Germans from Russia ethnic groups. It’s from my brother and sister-in-law, Gerry and Patty Haupt, of Eureka, S.D.

If your apple schnapps turns out right, you will not taste the alcohol. But after you’ve had a glass, you will have that warm glow that let’s you know you’ve imbibed something special.

Five steps to make homemade apple schnapps

1. Assemble your ingredients. You will need a quart of Everclear, a gallon of apple cider, a quart of apple juice, 2½ cups of sugar and five or six cinnamon sticks. Note: Everclear is not sold in Minnesota.

2. You will also need a big kettle. Mix the apple cider and apple juice. Heat and add sugar to dissolve, add the cinnamon sticks and let it all steep for a while.

3. Cool the liquid and strain it to remove all the cinnamon pieces. Add the Everclear. Note: Be sure to cool the apple mixture before you add the Everclear.

4. Taste for quality control. If it seems too strong, add a little more apple juice.

5. Pour the schnapps into bottles or quart jars. Be sure to mark as schnapps so no one gets confused and drinks it for breakfast. Many people who make homemade schnapps save their empty liquor bottles for their apple schnapps. Enjoy in moderation.

Tags: apple schnapps, food, accent, updates, fall, autumn