<P> The German term Schnaps refers to any kind of strong alcoholic drink, similar to how eau de vie (water of life) is used in French, aguardiente (burning water) in Spanish, or aguardente Portuguese . </P> <P> In Austria, Switzerland, southern Germany, and the French region of Alsace, a type of schnapps called Obstler or Obstbrand (from the German Obst, fruit) is very popular . Obstler, which are fruit brandies, are mainly associated with the southern part of the German - language area . In northern Germany, almost all traditional distilled beverages are grain - based . </P> <P> The main kinds of fruit used for German schnapps are apples, pears, plums, cherries, and apricots . Fruits other than these five are rarely used . Apples are used along with pears to make Obstwasser (fruit water); pears are used to produce Poire Williams (Williamsbirne, William's pear); several types of plums make Zwetschgenwasser (de) (plum water); cherries make Kirschwasser (cherry water); and apricots are used to make Austrian Marillenschnaps (apricot brandy). </P> <P> A raspberry - flavored spirit called Himbeergeist (raspberry spirit) is also referred to as schnapps, although it is not an Obstler . Instead, it is an infusion of fresh berries in neutral spirits, which have been steeped for several weeks before being distilled . </P>

What is the difference between schnapps and brandy