The renaissance of fruit spirits: how fruit brandies and fruit schnapps are shaping cocktails and the future of the spirits world

• fruit brandy (“Obstbrand”) is produced exclusively by fermentation and distillation of fruit. Examples: Kirsch, Williams-Christ pear brandy, plum brandy. 
• Fruit schnapps (“Obstgeist”) is produced by macerating non-fermentable fruit (such as berries) in alcohol, followed by distillation.
• Fruit spirits (“Obstspirituosen”) include all products with a fruit base, including those that have been refined with flavour additives. 

In the innovative world of cocktails, fruit brandies and fruit schnapps offer new possibilities. Their intense natural flavours make them versatile ingredients that compete with classic spirits such as rum, gin or vodka. 

The market for fruit spirits with fairly sweet flavours is growing as consumers increasingly value easy drinkability paired with natural ingredients, sustainability and artisan production.  

Barrel-aged fruit brandies and organic products are becoming increasingly popular, as examples from renowned distilleries at ProSpirits show: 

• Lantenhammer  (Hall 5 / D01): Barrel-matured noble distillates. 
• Privatdestillerie Bimmerle (Hall 5 / A10): Regionality and highest quality.
• Renchtalbrennerei (Hall 5 / D32): Organic spirits as a forward-looking range.
• Schladerer (Hall 5 / C15): high-quality fruit brandies from the Black Forest.

• Rakija (Balkans): Cult distillate made from fruit such as plums, apricots or grapes.
  
  
• Pálinka (Hungary): High-quality fruit brandy with a regional character.

In Eastern Europe, rakija, a distillate made from a wide variety of different fruit, enjoys cult status. Especially in countries such as Serbia, Croatia and Bulgaria, rakija is deeply rooted in the culture. The base can range from plums (slivovice) to apricots and grapes. Rakija is traditionally enjoyed neat, but modern bar culture is also discovering new uses for it. 

Examples of these Eastern European spirits can be found in Hall 5 (including Destilerija Zaric d.o.o. Kosjeric (K09)). Other Eastern European fruit spirits such as Hungary’s pálinka (including Márkházi Pálinkafőző Társaság Kft. Márkházi Pálinka or other brands, located at the joint stand in Hall 5 / E35) or Czech slivovice expand the range and offer a wide flavour spectrum thanks to their regional diversity. They help to direct the global focus towards artisan fruit spirits.  

• Calvados (France): Apple and pear brandy with a multifaceted flavour profile. 

Other spirits trends covered at ProWein 2025 will include:

• Whisk(e)y
• Rum, Ron and Rhum
• Low Alcohol Beverages