Kirsch, also known as Kirshwasser, is the oldest of the fruit brandies made from double distillation of the fermented liquid of a small black cherry with sweet flesh. The term is German and implies "cherry water". Unlike other cherry liqueurs, the taste of Kirshwasser is not that sweet. The best quality Kirshwasser must have a highly sophisticated taste with delicate flavours of cherry. Kirshwasser can also be mixed in various drinks like Lady Finger, Black Forest and Florida Cocktail. Kirshwasser can be taken raw as well. It is generally served cold and in small amount. Kirsch is one of the essential ingredients in Spanish fondue preparation. Its alcohol content varies among 40% to 50%. Near about 22 pounds of black cherry is required to prepare 750 ml of Kirsch.
