Snaps

This article is about the Nordic alcoholic drink. For other alcoholic drinks with a similar name, see Schnapps. For other uses, see Snap.

In the Nordic countries, especially Denmark and Sweden, but not in Iceland, snaps (pronounced [ˈsnaps], Finnish: snapsi), among many nicknames, is a small shot of a strong alcoholic beverage taken during the course of a meal.

A snaps

Snaps drinking in Sweden, early 20th century.

In Denmark, a snaps will always be akvavit, although there are many varieties of it. In Sweden, snaps is a more general term; it is usually akvavit, although it may also be vodka, bitters/bitter liqueurs or some other kind of brännvin. Spirits such as whisky or brandy are rarely drunk as snaps. In Norway, a more common name is dram (from the unit of the same name).^[1][2] One of Finland's strongest alcohol drinks served with snaps is Marskin ryyppy, named after Marshal C. G. E. Mannerheim.^[3]

The word "snaps" also has the same meaning as German Schnapps (German: [ʃnaps]), in the sense of "any strong alcoholic drink".^[4]

Culture

Swedes, Danes and Swedish-speaking Finns have a tradition of singing songs, called snapsvisor ("snaps shanties"), before drinking snaps. These songs are typically odes to the joys of drinking snaps. They may praise the flavour of snaps or express a craving for it.

Snaps and snapsvisor are essential elements of Swedish crayfish parties, which are notoriously tipsy affairs. Dozens of songs may be sung during such a party, and every song requires a round of snaps. However, the glass need not be emptied every time.

Another subculture are the many nicknames for snaps, some of which might be regional. Some names are heavily associated with certain phrases used in conjunction with snaps drinking.

See also

• Liquor portal
• Drink portal

• Schnapps
• Drinking culture
• Moonshine