Schnapps traditionally referred to an unsweetened spirit distilled from fruit and sometimes flavored with herbs and spices.

 

In its modern American usage, it often refers to something closer to a liqueur: a sweetened spirit flavored with fruits, spices, or herbs, and of varying proof. Typically, schnapps is used as a label for sweeter libations flavored with things like peppermint, cinnamon, mint, or menthol among others. Many schnapps are also considerably higher proof than other liqueurs and cordials although they may be flavored with similar ingredients.