Snaps facts for kids
Snaps is a special word from Denmark and Sweden. It means a small glass of a strong alcoholic drink. People often drink snaps during meals. This tradition is very common in countries like Denmark and Sweden. It is especially popular during holidays such as Midsummer, Christmas, and Easter.
Imagine a group of people at a table for lunch. The host pours a cold, clear drink into tall, thin glasses. The host raises their glass, and everyone looks at each other. They make sure to make eye contact with everyone. Then, the host calls out, "Skål!" Everyone takes a sip. They make eye contact again, and then put their glasses down. They do not pick up their glasses again until the host raises theirs. This drink is often called aquavit. This tradition is very similar across Scandinavia.
In Denmark, snaps is almost always aquavit. There are many different kinds of aquavit. In Sweden, "snaps" is a wider term. It is usually aquavit, but it can also be vodka or other strong drinks. Drinks like whisky or brandy are usually not called snaps. In Finland, one strong drink served as snaps is called Marskin ryyppy. It is named after Marshal Gustaf Mannerheim.
The word "snaps" also means "any strong alcoholic drink" in German, similar to the word Schnapps.
Snaps is often served with certain foods. A common meal includes pickled herring and potatoes. In Sweden, people also eat a strong-smelling fish called surströmming with snaps.
People in Sweden, Denmark, and Swedish-speaking parts of Finland have a fun tradition. They sing songs called snapsvisor before drinking snaps. These songs are usually about how much they enjoy drinking snaps. They might praise its taste or say how much they want some.
Snaps and snapsvisor are very important at Swedish crayfish parties. These parties are known for being very lively. People might sing many songs during a party. Each song usually means a new round of snaps. But you do not have to empty your glass every time.
Flavouring Snaps at Home
Making your own strong alcoholic drinks at home is usually not allowed in Scandinavian countries. This is unless the tax authorities approve it.
However, there is a long tradition of flavouring snaps at home in Scandinavia. This is especially true in southern areas, like Denmark. A snaps fan might buy a plain, neutral-tasting snaps from a store. Then, they add flavour to it using herbs they find in nature or grow in their garden. For example, in northern Denmark, people add different spices to snaps. This makes a version called "bjesk," which means "bitter." The Hirtshals Museum in Hirtshals tells the story of "bjesk."
Some popular flavours for home-made snaps include Blackthorn, Bog-myrtle, Dill, Persian Walnut, St. John's Wort, Woodruff, and Wormwood. People often use one herb at a time. But some people like to mix them to create a perfect new flavour.
See Also
In Spanish: Snaps para niños
