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Goldschlager liqueur, you either love it or hate it. Honestly, you have to like the cinnamon flavor if you’re into cinnamon schnapps. What usually draws people’s interest is the 24-karat gold flakes.
The gold flakes seem to be initially what causes people to show an interest in Goldschlager; the cinnamon flavor is second. For those of you that have yet to try cinnamon schnapps; you can expect a crisp cinnamon flavor with a kick.
Some describe it as taking a shot of liquor with an Atomic Fireball in your mouth. I’ve always been a big fan of the Atomic Fireball candy so… Cinnamon schnapps is fairly smooth and the impact of the hot, sweet cinnamon masks the flavor of alcohol.
However, different cinnamon schnapps brands will have their own flavor profile and intensities. Goldschlager is incredibly smooth, and the cinnamon hits quite nicely. It’s not as overpowering as some schnapps.
For years people have been enjoying Goldschläger for fancy special occasions, a regular night on the town, or when they want to pretend to live like royalty while sipping on gold.
A Brief History of Goldschlager Liqueur
Goldschlager might be popular throughout the world today, but the Swiss creators weren’t the first to make liquor with gold in it. The idea originally came from the German drink, Goldwasser. Goldwasser has been around for centuries as it was created in 1606.
Goldswasser, like Goldschlager, was infused with gold, only 23-karat instead of 24. It didn’t take long for Goldswasser to become a favorite of Peter and Katherine the Great, legendary czars.
I can’t honestly say whether it was the taste or the fact that they were ingesting precious metals which adds to showing off their extravagant lifestyle and wealth. Goldwasser is still made today.
However, Goldschlager seems to have been a little more successful in the international market. The cinnamon schnapps was originally sold in Switzerland in the 90s.
Goldschlager translates from German to “goldbeater” regarding the profession of beating bars of gold into thin sheets of leaf, which is used in Goldschlager.
As I said, Goldschlager was produced in Switzerland before being purchased by the British multinational alcoholic beverage company, Diageo.
Diageo also owns several other popular brands like Guinness, Smirnoff, Crown Royal, and Don Julio. Once the transfer was made, Goldschlager’s production was moved to Italy. Ciao, baby!
Later, in 2018, Diageo sold the Goldschlager brand to the United States-based company, Sazerac. The Sazerac company is home to many other famous brands like Buffalo Trace, Van Winkle, Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, and many others.
You may have noticed that Goldschläger has been alternatively referred to as both a liqueur and a schnapps. Liqueur is generally defined as a distilled spirit that is typically sweetened with various flavors and extracts.
Schnapps is a liquor of its own, and this alcoholic, adult beverage can take on several forms. Herbal liqueurs, infusions, fruit brandies, and flavored liquor. Schnapps is a name shared among a group of strong liquors made using the process of double distillation of a grain wash or fruit.
Some popular flavors of schnapps are peppermint, peach, banana, and butterscotch. As Goldschläger is one of the more unique beverages out there it falls in a delicious grey area and is interchangeably referenced as both a liqueur and a schnapps.
No sugar or yeast is used in the recipe, unlike many liquor mashes. The taste of the liquor is similar to a fruit or grain moonshine. However, cinnamon schnapps like Goldschlager isn’t going to denote hints of dried fruit because you’re going to be getting a blast of the warm, sweet cinnamon.
While some recipes use real cinnamon, others use artificially flavored cinnamon, and those brands typically taste more like candy with a fiery kick.
Goldschlager Liqueur Prices, Variations & Sizes
While many other distillers and liquor companies typically have several varieties, Goldschlager only offers two.
The classic Goldschläger is 87 proof (43.5% alcohol by volume) and is most often found in its 750 ml clear bell-shaped bottle. It can also be found in 50ml, 200ml, 375ml, and 1L-sized bottles.
Goldschlager 87 proof and 107 proof are the only varieties and the only difference is the 107 is bolder because it has a higher alcohol content and the heat from the cinnamon might be a little more intense.
| Name | ABV | Size | Average Price |
| Goldschlager 87 Proof | 43.5% | 750ml | $22.99 – $27.99 |
| Goldschlager 107 Proof | 53.5% | 750ml | $23.99 – $37.99 |
For an even bolder experience, Goldschläger is also now available in its line of Goldschläger Black Gold. Goldschläger Black Gold’s bottle looks similar to the classic but is outfitted with updated sleek black labeling.
The difference is not just with the appearance, however, as Goldschläger Black Gold comes in at a robust 107 proof (53.5% alcohol by volume). Goldschläger Black Gold is also available in the same sizes as the original.
Goldschlager Liqueur Alternatives/Comparisons
Cinnamon schnapps and cinnamon whiskey liqueurs are not the same! However, they are often listed as an alternative or comparison. Goldschlager cinnamon schnapps is a clear, neutrally sweetened liquor whereas cinnamon whiskey is dark.
The flavor profile is a bit different as well since Goldschlager tends to have an original taste, while cinnamon whiskey tastes more like cinnamon-flavored whiskey.
Most of the cinnamon-flavored distilled spirits are labeled schnapps, and on a rare occasion you might find a “cinnamon liqueur”. They’re basically the same thing. That being said, there are a decent handful of companies that make cinnamon schnapps.
Unfortunately, some well-known brands are no longer being produced or seem to have faded into the abyss, like Fire-Water; I can’t find it anywhere right now.
| Region | Name | Proof | ABV | Size | Average Price |
| Netherlands | DeKuyper Hot Damn! | 100 | 50% | 750ml | $15.99 – $24.99 |
| USA | Hiram Walker Cinnamon Schnapps | 90 | 45% | 750ml | $10.99 – $15.99 |
| USA | Aftershock | 80 | 40% | 750ml | $18.99 – $19.99 |
| Canada | Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey | 66 | 33% | 750ml | $13.99 – $17.99 |
DeKuyper Hot Damn!
DeKuyper Hot Damn cinnamon schnapps has more of a Red Hots or Big Red cinnamon gum flavor to it.
Hiram Walker Cinnamon Schnapps
The flavor profile of Hiram Walker Cinnamon Schnapps is a combination of cinnamon and vanilla. This perfect blend is reminiscent of a cinnamon roll.
Aftershock
This cinnamon whiskey may not be a schnapps, but it makes a great alternative for those who want the cinnamon flavor but also like whiskey. The flavor profile is more like a hot cinnamon candy like the Atomic Fireball.
Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey
Again, it’s not a schnapps, but it works when you need it. People love the flavor profile because of the blast of cinnamon and subtle hints of apple juice and pepper.
If you want to make a DIY Goldschlager-type drink, you could always buy some Liquor Quik Goldrush Cinnamon Schnapps. Goldrush is the essence of cinnamon schnapps.
You can add it to clear rum or vodka to give you a similar taste as Goldschlager, gold flakes, and all.
How To Drink Goldschlager Liqueur
Goldschlager is fairly versatile, allowing you more room to enjoy it how you want to. Some people prefer to shoot it while others make elegant and sophisticated cocktails. Drink it over ice or chill the bottle and sip it.
Mixed Drinks & Cocktails
Here are a few delicious drink recipes to try.
Golden Bull: ½ ounce of Goldschlager and ½ ounce of your preferred energy drink.
Oatmeal Cookie
- ¾ oz Goldschlager
- ¾ oz Irish Cream
- ¾ oz Butterscotch Liqueur
Shot-O-Happiness
- 1 oz Goldschlager
- 1 oz Dekuyper Razzmatazz Liqueur
- A splash of Pineapple Juice
- A splash of Sweet & Sour mix
- A splash of 7-up or similarly flavored soda
The Oil Spill
- ¾ shot of Goldschlager
- ¼ shot of Jagermeister
Golden Apple
- 1 ½ oz Goldschläger
- ¾ cup Apple Cider
- Stir or shake your ingredients together
- Rim your glass with syrup and cinnamon sugar
- Pour into a cocktail glass, and garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Goldschlager use real gold?
Yes, the gold flakes are 24-karat gold.
2. How much gold is in Goldschlager?
On average, there are approximately 0.1 grams of gold in each 1-liter bottle.
3. Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to Goldschlager?
Yes. If you have had an allergic reaction when wearing gold jewelry or if you have allergies to cinnamon, then you should avoid Goldschlager and any other cinnamon schnapps.
4. Can the gold in Goldschlager cut your throat?
Absolutely not! Goldschlager uses 24-karat gold sheets and the precious metals used in the concentration don’t have sharp or rough edges, so they can’t cut anything. They’re very much like gold paper.
5. Is Goldschläger gluten-free?
Yes, Goldschläger is gluten-free. In general, most pure distilled spirits are naturally gluten-free, even if their base component has gluten.
The distillation process removes any gluten that may have been present in the ingredients. However, once you start getting into liqueurs and flavored alcohols, it can get trickier due to the additions.
It’s best to do your research on anything you consume if you have celiac disease or a gluten allergy.
Interesting Facts & Myths
Goldschlager is the only alcohol with gold flakes
This, my friends, is a myth. Smirnoff Gold Collection was a cinnamon-flavored vodka with fine sheets of 23-karat gold leaf. However, I can’t say for certain if they still produce it or if it was a limited edition.
You can cash in the gold of a 750ml bottle & get back what you paid for the bottle
Sadly, this is also a myth. Most places that buy gold or precious metal would have no interest in such a small amount of gold flakes. Honestly, they can barely register a weight on most scales.
However, if someone was willing to buy them for the going price of this precious metal, you could possibly make a few bucks.
