Himbeergeist made from wild raspberries in theBlack Forest region of Germany
Himbeergeist (lit "raspberryspirit", also known asraspberry spirit obtained by maceration and distillation,[1]eau de vie de framboise[2] or simplyframboise[3]) is ageist (a type ofeau de vie orSchnapps) made from raspberries. It is produced mainly inGermany and theAlsace region of France.
Rather than distilling afermented mash of fresh fruit intoliquor, like afruit brandy (Obstler in German),Himbeergeist is made as aninfusion.[4] Raspberries have a low sugar content that can only produce a limited amount of alcohol, soHimbeergeist is created bymacerating fresh berries in 96% pureneutral spirits.[5][6] The mixture is then steeped for several weeks to draw out the raspberry essence,distilled, diluted with purified water, and bottled at 37.5%ABV or stronger. Producers may add a small amount of sugar to round off the final taste, but under EU law, this cannot exceed 10 grams of invert sugar per litre. Added colours and flavours are also not permitted.[1]
It takes about 17 pounds (7.7 kg) of raspberries to produce one liter ofHimbeergeist.[7] It is traditionally served below room temperature,neat, in a fluted tulip glass.[2][6]
