Goldschläger

Goldschläger is a Swiss cinnamon schnapps (43.5% alcohol by volume or 87 proof; originally it was 53.5% alcohol or 107 proof), a liqueur with very thin, yet visible flakes of gold floating in it. The actual amount of gold has been measured at approximately 13 mg in a 1-Litre bottle of Goldschläger. As of November 2012, this amounts to €0.56 EUR or lower on the international gold market.

History

Goldschläger was produced in Switzerland until the 1990s, when the brand was acquired by Diageo, a British multinational alcoholic beverages company. Production was then moved to Italy. The German word "Goldschläger" ("gold beater") designates the profession of gold leaf makers, who beat bars of gold into micrometre-thin sheets.

Composition

The drink contains actual gold flakes, which are approximately 1 mm wide and 3 mm long. The gold flakes in Goldschläger have a thickness of approximately 0.1 micrometres and are safe to consume. They pass through the body unaltered without causing any harm or discomfort.

Consumption

Goldschläger is often used for shots and cocktails because of its sweet, spicy flavor and the novelty of the gold flakes. It is also a popular choice for cinnamon toast shots, which combine Goldschläger, baileys irish cream, and butterscotch schnapps.

Health effects

While the gold flakes in Goldschläger are safe to consume, the high alcohol content of the liqueur can lead to alcohol intoxication if consumed in excess. Symptoms of alcohol intoxication can include slurred speech, impaired balance, poor coordination, flushed skin, vomiting, and unconsciousness.

See also

• List of liqueurs
• Cinnamon
• Gold
• Alcohol intoxication