What Is a Kirsch Drink?
A Kirsch drink, otherwise known as kirschwasser in its native Germany, is a clear, very sour cherry brandy. It is a popular European drink that is now gaining more popularity in the United States. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
How Kirsch Is Made
-
Kirsch is made from the distillation of morellos, a dark, very sour cherry found in the Black Forest region of Germany. The cherries are fermented whole, rather than being pitted. Kirsch is aged in an ash barrel, or not aged at all, which is what gives the drink its clear complexion.
How to Drink
-
Kirsch is most traditionally served cold, before a meal as an aperitif to stimulate the appetite, but can also be served after the meal as a digestif to help with digestion. As Kirsch gains popularity, it is becoming more common to see it served at room temperature and warmed by the hands like a more traditional brandy.
-
How Much Alcohol
-
Kirsch is traditionally anywhere from 40 to 50% Alcohol by Volume, which gives it a proof of 80 to 100. That is very strong by alcohol standards.
Fondues
-
Kirsch is very popular in cheese fondues. The alcohol in the Kirsch lowers the boiling point of the cheese, which makes it more difficult for the cheese to curdle when heated.
Sweets
-
Kirsch can add an interesting sour taste to many sweet delicacies. Kirsch is used in many cakes, most notably the Black Forest cake. It is also used as a liquid center in some fine dark chocolates.
-
