Discover the world of Cologne Spirits
Cologne, the vibrant metropolis on the Rhine, is not only known for its cathedral and carnival, but also for its fine spirits. From traditional recipes to modern creations – Cologne has a lot to offer. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Cologne spirits and discover what makes schnapps from Cologne so special.
The history of Cologne spirits: tradition meets modernity
The history of Cologne spirits goes back a long way and is closely linked to the city’s culture and traditions. High-quality schnapps has been produced in Cologne for decades, delighting both locals and visitors alike. Traditional distilleries rely on tried and tested recipes and techniques to create authentic Cologne spirits that reflect the city’s unique character.
Famous liqueur from Cologne: Kabänes
One of these traditional specialties is Kabänes, a Cologne herbal liqueur from the Flimm distillery. In 1921, company founder Carl Flimm opened 3 specialty stores for wine and spirits in Cologne. His own specialty spirits are produced according to his own recipes and sold in Cologne on the right bank of the Rhine under the advertising slogan “Kölsche Mädche, kölsche Funke, han immer jän ne Flimm jedrunke”.
In 1952, the bitters “Kabänes” is introduced. The schnapps has a long and interesting history that is deeply rooted in Cologne culture.
The name “Kabänes” is derived from the Rhenish term for a small, cozy cellar room where regulars’ tables and social gatherings used to take place. The herbal liqueur was often enjoyed here, which gave it its name. Kabänes is known for its intense yet balanced taste, which is the result of a carefully balanced blend of herbs and spices. The exact recipe is a well-kept secret that is passed down from generation to generation. It is made traditionally and with great attention to detail, which makes Kabänes an authentic Cologne product that is now known and loved far beyond the city limits. The catchy advertising slogan has certainly contributed to this: “Order with your beer, Kabänes Dir.”
Other Varieties: Fruit Liqueurs from Flimm
In addition to Kabänes, Flimm has other types of schnapps in its range. A very well-known and popular schnapps from the Flimm distillery in Cologne is Flimms. It is a woodruff schnapps with a poisonous green color. It tastes like dissolved jelly. It is served well chilled as a quick shot. Flimm Waldmeister is particularly popular in the catering trade and at carnivals. The Flimm Glitter Pitter variety is also a popular Cologne schnapps. It is a vodka-based fruit liqueur with glitter in the bottle. Another high-proof schnapps is Bärbelchen Schnaps, a passion fruit liqueur with a sour note.
Pure Variety: The different types of Schnapps from Cologne
The city of Cologne now offers an impressive variety of Cologne liqueurs. Small craft distilleries combine tradition with modernity. There is something for every taste. From aromatic herbal schnapps to fruity liqueurs and fine brandies – the choice is huge. We introduce you to some modern representatives.
Everyone in Cologne knows Gaffel Kölsch. But only very few people know that the brewery now also offers a number of Cologne schnapps. Some of them are made from Kölsch, such as the Papa Rhein beer spirit. For the most part, however, they are new creations that wittily expand the beer range. Mama Nero, for example, is a herbal liqueur similar to Kabänes. Schwesterherz is a sweet blackcurrant liqueur made from natural fruit. It is drunk ice-cold as a shot. Plüsch Plumm is a peach liqueur, also from Gaffel. A new acquisition is Mexikölner, the fiery, spicy tomato shot from the Kölschbar in Cologne. Some of you may know the drink under the name “Mexikaner”, but the Cologne version is appropriately called Mexikölner.
Kölner Spritz beverage alternatives
The Sünner brewery has also been increasingly involved with spirits in recent years. Its flagship product is Sünner Gin, a juniper-based, honest gin from Cologne that can be used for cocktails and Gin and tonics. The Sünner Limoncello is fresh and fruity. It is a classic Limoncello based on the Italian originals. Our 0221 liqueur falls into a similar category. We call it the Cologne answer to Limoncello, because it differs from the Italian representatives in a Cologne way. 0221 is made on the basis of distilled Kölsch beer. This beer spirit is flavored with natural lemon and made into a liqueur. The taste is refreshingly lemony and sour. Less sweet and “soapy” than a limoncello. It is drunk as a refreshing shot, well chilled or on ice, but also as a long drink. The “kölsche Limoncello Spritz” aka “Cologne Spritz” is served with Prosecco and tonic water. It has become a popular alternative to the Aperol Spritz in Cologne’s gastronomy (you can find the 0221 Spritz recipe here).
Cologne Spirits with a higher alcohol content
In addition to liqueurs, you can also drink high-proof schnapps in Cologne. One local spirits specialty is the Kölsche Kopfnuss. Behind the catchy name lies a hazelnut liqueur with a higher alcohol content of 40% and slightly less sugar than other hazelnut liqueurs on the market. Another relatively new product is Black Gold, a pitch-black coffee liqueur. The liqueur kölsche Koks from the Zappes team goes in a similar direction. Zappes normally produces beer, Cologne’s first pilsner beer to be precise. However, the range was recently expanded to include a black coffee liqueur. The recipe and marketing are based on the well-known Espresso Martini cocktail. In detail, kölsche Koks is a shot variant based on espresso (coffee), sugar and neutral alcohol. Kölsche Koks is drunk well chilled from a shot glass or directly from the shot bottle.
Also, new on the market is the rhubarb liqueur Bützche from the team behind the popular social media site Köln ist kool and Chorweiler Kümmel from the Cologne district of the same name. The Kölner Dom Liqueur is also a Cologne representative of the category. It is a fruity wine distillate with 32% alcohol and is served, for example, as a shot in tea.
Whiskey and Gin from Cologne
If you like it a little stronger, you can of course also try Whiskey and Gin from Cologne. When it comes to Gin, Gin de Cologne is probably the most successful product. It is now available in various flavors, e.g. Gin de Cologne Orange, Rosé and the alcohol-free Zero variant. A Cologne Whiskey is the Pittermann Whiskey. Pittermann is the nickname of the bell of Cologne Cathedral, but it is also the name of an excellent small-batch Whiskey from Bilderstöckchen. Our gin liqueur Ginsch, which is matured in Kölsch barrels, naturally also falls into the category of spirits from Cologne. It is also drunk neat, like a Whiskey or Rum, but is also suitable for all cocktails and long drinks that are normally mixed with Gin. Simply replace the Gin with Ginsch and the drink becomes a Cologne original. We recommend, for example, the Cologne Mule (Ginsch with ginger beer) or the Cologne Negroni (you can find the Ginsch recipes here).
Cologne Liqueurs as a souvenir or gift
For visitors to the city, a bottle of Cologne schnapps is the perfect souvenir to take a piece of Cologne home with you. But a bottle of Cologne schnapps is also suitable as a gift from Cologne, as the drinks represent the warm and convivial culture of the Rhine metropolis in a wonderful way. The labels on the bottles are often lovingly designed, making the gift a real eye-catcher. Whether for special occasions or simply as a small gift – Cologne spirits are always a good choice. Try the different varieties and discover the unique world of schnapps from Cologne. Cheers!
