Schnapps vs Liqueur: What’s the Difference?

Updated August 2026.

US “schnapps” is usually a liqueur label, not a second class. is the US liqueur / cordial distilled-spirits class (usually 15% or more). German Schnaps is a different fruit or grain distillate — not that US type. Baileys Original is 17% official as a liqueur example. A 1.5-ounce pour at 15% is about 0.38 of one drink.

Related: cordial vs liqueur, liquor vs liqueur, elderflower liqueur.

Name vs class

Language 1.5 oz drinks
US liqueur / cordial From labeled ABV
US “schnapps” Neck
German Schnaps
Baileys Original 0.43

Count the neck. Pour math: liqueur drinks.

Sources

  • 27 CFR 5.150. baileys.com US Original 17%.
  • Brand schnapps ABVs unused as a ranking. NIAAA December 2025.
  • 27 CFR 5.150 (usually ≥15%)

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