stupid schnapps question- Switzerland
 

I will actually have some time to shop in Interlaken, Zermatt and Zurich. Saw a Samantha Brown travel channel episode in which cute bottles and schnapps of many flavors were connected.

Any info as to where I could get these cute little bottles and lots of different schnapps in the towns I have mentioned would be greatly appreciated Yes, I have bubble wrap. Thank you. Mildred

I found them in regular wine stores.

Mildred,

You will get them at most larger Coop stores, check the wine departments.

Enjoy your trip

Phil.

As above, also in the regular grocery stores' (Manor) wine departments.

Yes, wine shops. Grocery stores here are fine as well, however, note that the MIGROS grocery store (big orange M's are the logo) does not sell alcohol. Coop, Manor or any wine/liquore store will be your best bets. Not sure if you are flying out of Zurich airport, but you can also find schnapps in the duty free shops (but it's clearly more fun to visit the cute shops in the towns!)

Mildred; be sure of one thing, Schnapps in Europe is waaay strong, unlike the Us. More like Grappa in Italy. Enjoy.

Oh that's right! While in Switzerland, *grappa* was always what we had (say at the end of a meal), not schnapps.

Thanks everyone for all the specific help. I'm looking forward to the hunt.

Mildred

Among the farming community in the German speaking part of Switzerland, guests are always served a special glass with weak coffee. You should see right through the coffee.

There are usually four different Schnapps set out on the table:
Träsch (pear/apple)
Zwetschgen (prune and my favourite)
Kräuter (herbal Schnapps...great for colds)
Kirsch (cherry Schnapps)

The guest takes the coffee, puts in two cubes of sugar and then tops it off with Schnapps.

But don't drink it yet! That's a cardinal sin (but they won't shoot you anymore for it).

You then do the "Prost" (cheers) procedure.

1. Take the spoon out of your coffee glass
2. Hold the glass by the stem
3. Look your neighbour in the eye
4. Click glasses and say "Prost" or "Zum Wohl."
5. Repeat with every person who is drinking alcohol.
6. Those not drinking alcohol can also take part if they wish.

These wonderful table/schnapps manners are beginning to disappear a bit. But when you see farms with geraniums and maybe even a Swiss flag, you can be quite sure they would greet you with a glass of Schnapps.

It used to be a sign of bad manners to turn down Schnapps (especially for men). Nowadays things are different and many farmers have espresso coffee machines as well.

Sitting down at their table, you'll be asked: Wötsch e helle oder normale Cafe? (Would you like a light or normal coffee?)

Any other questions? Just ask. I'm quite knowledgeable with this kind of thing. :)

Schuler - what great information. I too appreciate participating in old traditions and feel most honored when strangers include me in their heritage. I am having lunch at a farm during my holiday and will definitely try to be appropriate.
My questions to you are
1. So, I should ask for light coffee ?
2. Are there stores that sell schnapps from casks as I saw on the tv program. I think she was in Innsbruck at the time but can't find the info on the travel channel site. What fascinated me was the bottles and the filling on premises. Was this store a one of. Most everyone is saying a wine or food store for purchase.
Thank you - Mildred

hmmm....
There are some distilleries in my area but they don't sell directly from the barrel. They've got cute bottles though.

Another good place where tourists don't usually go is Getränke Markets. These are big rooms filled with all sorts of bottled drinks. You'll find anything from mineral water to exotic schnapps to Scottish whiskys. Their prices are generally not more expensive than Coop's but their selection is wider.

I'm sure there's a Getränke Market in Interlaken and Zermatt. Don't know if there's one in Zürich near your hotel though.

Of course, Coop, Manor, Spar, Volg and Denner all have a good selection as well if your limited on time.

Schule - I will have lots of free time and will try the markets. You have been most helptul. Danke - Mildred

That should be Getränke Märkt. It's not a market with little stands but a big store. Normal shop hours.

Question 1: Should you ask for a light coffee?

You can say a light cafe with schnapps if they ask you what you'd like to drink. They might be a bit surprised since most foreigners are unaware of our Cafe Schnapps.