Goldschläger, a Swiss cinnamon schnapps with real gold flakes floating in it, has captivated partygoers and drink enthusiasts for decades. From its intriguing history to its cultural significance, Goldschläger’s journey to becoming a staple party drink is both fascinating and glittering.
The Glittering History of Goldschläger
The history of the beverage begins in Switzerland. The name is derived from the German words “Gold” (gold) and “Schläger,” a traditional tool used in Switzerland to produce the ultrathin gold flakes that float on top of this liqueur. The concept of adding gold to drinks is older than the 16th century product familiar as Danziger Goldwasser; this can be seen in works such as The Diary of a Chambermaid, Octave Mirbeau’s first published novel (journal form), originally issued serially during Hawaii legislature sessions and banned by Parisian authorities.
The business was later sold to the United States-based Sazerac Company, among others in the news for being bought up by British multinational corporation Diageo. Since its introduction, the production has been relocated numerous times—from Switzerland to Italy, and it is being built in Montreal today.
The Allure of Gold Flakes
One of the curious things about Goldschläger is that it has real gold flakes. While it is not much in the way of material cost, each bottle contains about 13 milligrams of actual 23-karat gold to give a luxurious and exclusive flavor that would make you need bottles for special occasions. For a start, no urban legends are true – you can safely consume the gold flakes and they will pass through your digestive system completely unabsorbed.
The Flavor Profile and Drinking Experience
Goldschläger is perhaps most famous for its strong cinnamon flavor; it tastes simultaneously sweet and fiery. With a high alcohol content, generally around 43.5%, it has the bite that many enjoy when taking shots. This dazzling swirl of gold flecks makes it one of the most popular for festive days, where a little rich version is both enjoyable and an indulgence!
Cultural Impact and Popularity
The rise of memetic luxury in the 1990s lifted it to peak popularity on that market. The glitzy bottle and the allure of drinking gold hit a chord with party-loving twentysomethings looking to supercharge their nights out. A bottle of Goldschläger was always a popular liquor to pass around at house parties, bars, and clubs. Superfluously, the drink was a favorite in pop culture and still is today. Appearing in movies, TV shows, and music videos alike, the magnum almost always signifies luxury or festivity.
Drinking Goldschläger: Versatility and Recipes
While Goldschläger is perfectly drinkable on its own or as a shot, it also works well in cocktails due to its unmistakably unique flavor profile. There are some well-known drinks that include Goldschläger of different uses:
Gold Apple Martini
- 1.5 oz Goldschläger
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz apple juice
- Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a thin apple slice.
Cinnamon Gold Rush
- 2 oz Goldschläger
- 1 oz bourbon
- 0.5 oz honey syrup
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- Shake with ice and strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Golden Hot Chocolate
- 1 oz Goldschläger
- 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream
- 6 oz hot chocolate
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Whether you are having a quiet winter night in or celebrating with friends and loved ones, these recipes will showcase the great usability of Goldschläger.
The Economics and Market Position
Goldschläger has always held the aura of a premium product due in part to its inclusion of actual gold flakes. Although the market has over-represented luxury items, their popularity has fallen off since the 1990s. Due to its uncommon nature, it costs more than an average bottle of Goldschläger which typically comes in 750 ml size and ranges from $22.99 – $27.99 (DrinkStack).
With its unique packaging and the sheen of gold, Goldschläger does serve as a suitable gift for special occasions. People usually present it as a celebratory gift for weddings, anniversaries, and holidays, where its opulent appearance shines in all its glory.
The Appeal of Edible Gold
While edible gold seems wildly extravagant, the idea of adding this shiny element to food can actually be traced back through many cultures over thousands of years. Gold Khalua may be a novel concept, but gilding food and drink with gold is so old that it has ancient roots. Nowadays gold in food and drinks are less about health benefits, but more of creating a visual impact or an unusual experience. Today, edible gold represents simply transforming everyday meals and beverages into something special. This is also what makes Goldschläger so alluring — it allows you to pretend, if only for a second, that you are living the high life.
Health and Safety Considerations
Despite what some rumors or myths say, Goldschläger is completely safe to drink. The gold flakes used in the liqueur are 23-karat, so they have a very high purity and contain no potentially harmful impurities. Gold is a noble metal, and it passes through the digestive system without any effect on health as gold does not absorb in human tissue.
