Goldschlager

Goldschäger is a Swiss cinnamon schnapps liqueur containing 24-karat gold leaf flakes suspended in the bottle, produced at 43.5% ABV (87 proof) — making it one of the strongest flavored schnapps commercially available. The gold flakes are genuine 24-karat gold and are purely decorative, adding no flavor. Produced by The Sazerac Company.

Goldschäger was created in Switzerland and became a popular bar staple in the US through the 1990s, known for the visual spectacle of gold flakes swirling in the clear cinnamon spirit. At 43.5% ABV it is stronger than most flavored liqueurs and produces genuine cinnamon heat — more intense than Fireball (33% ABV), which contributed to its reputation as a bold cinnamon shot. A common bar myth holds that the gold flakes cut the throat to accelerate alcohol absorption; this is false. The flakes pass through the digestive system harmlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the gold in Goldschäger real?

Yes — the flakes in Goldschäger are genuine 24-karat gold leaf. Each 750ml bottle contains approximately 13mg of gold — a negligible amount by weight and value. At current gold prices, the gold content in one bottle represents a fraction of a cent. The gold flakes are inert, tasteless, and pass through the digestive system without being absorbed. The 24-karat designation means pure gold (no alloy), which is biologically inert and considered safe for consumption in small quantities by food safety authorities in Switzerland and the US. The gold is entirely a visual and novelty feature rather than a flavor or functional ingredient.