Zauber Geist

Zauber Geist is an authentic Benedictine walnut liqueur/digestif which originated in the Monasteries of Austria where Monks have hand crafted innovative spirits for over a century. It is known that Monastic herbal liqueurs, in particular, have a strong restorative effect on the digestive tract. Zauber Geist contains distinct aromatic flavors stemming from the essential oils contained in the natural herbs, roots, seeds and spices that are internationally sourced from places like Madagascar, India, Turkey and Indonesia. This age-old recipe, which consists of only natural ingredients, delivers the same proprietary formula that captures flavors reminiscent of the past. This exclusive proprietary Zauber Geist formula is sold as a "make-it-yourself" herbal monastic elixir.

Zauber Geist F.A.Q.’s

Q1. What is Zauber Geist?

A: Zauber Geist is an authentic Benedictine walnut liqueur/digestif which originated in the Monasteries of Austria where Monks have hand crafted innovative spirits for over a century. It is known that Monastic herbal liqueurs, in particular, have a strong restorative effect on the digestive tract. This age-old recipe, which consists of only natural ingredients, delivers the same proprietary formula that captures flavors reminiscent of the past.

Q2. What does Zauber Geist mean?

A: Zauber Geist is German for “Magic Spirit”.

Q3. What is a liqueur?

A: A liqueur is a sweetened spirit flavored with ingredients like seeds, fruits, herbs, flowers, nuts, spices, roots, leaves and barks. The alcohol base is usually brandy. Spirits may be flavored in four ways: distillation - alcohol and flavoring agents are blended before being distilled; infusion - flavorings are steeped in hot water, which is then mixed with the alcohol base; maceration -flavoring agents are steeped directly in the alcohol base; percolation -alcohol is dripped through the flavoring agents to extract their essences. Proprietary liqueurs are made exclusively by specific liqueur houses with secret formulas, some of which have been closely guarded for centuries. Quality brands are typically flavored with the finest ingredients, essential oils and extracts; less expensive examples often use artificial flavorings and ingredients. Liqueurs are usually served after dinner and sipped from small glasses, a process said to aid digestion. When bitter or carminative herbs are added to the formula it then becomes a digestif. Indeed, many liqueurs were invented by Monks experimenting with herbs and other plants in the search for medicines. Liqueurs date back centuries and are historical descendants of herbal medicines.

Q4. How does Zauber Geist get its’ flavor?

A: Zauber Geist is an all natural proprietary formula that contains herbs, roots, seeds, nuts, spices, and bark. The preparation of an extract by soaking ingredients (herbs, roots, seeds, nuts, spices, bark) in an organic solvent (alcohol) is known as a maceration. The essential oils, flavors and extracts are absorbed into the liquid thereby creating a spectacular array of tantalizing tastes. You will be truly amazed at the plethora of flavors contained in each packet of Zauber Geist.

Q5. How do you make Zauber Geist?

A: In a gallon-sized glass jar, empty bag contents along with 1.5 cups of sugar and 2 cups of fresh walnuts. Next, add 3 liters of your favorite brandy. Store in a sunny location and shake every 2-3 days. After 3 weeks, take out the walnuts. After a total of 6 weeks from the start, filter the brew using food-grade cheesecloth, bottle and enjoy! Serve ice cold! (Note: During the month of June, you may substitute 6 green walnuts for the 2 cups of walnuts. Quarter the green walnuts and add them to the mix. If you are using 6 green walnuts, take them out after 1 week. Be sure to wear gloves and wrap the cutting board as the juice will stain everything!)

Q6. How long does it take to make Zauber Geist?

A: Many commercially made liqueurs are made rather quickly by adding artificial flavorings and ingredients. There is nothing artificial added to Zauber Geist. This all natural proprietary formula takes 6 weeks to yield a 3 liter batch. You will see why it is worth the wait!

Q7. I have made my own beer/wine in the past. Do I have to spend hundreds of dollars on supplies to make Zauber Geist?

A: No. You do not have to purchase yeast, hydrometers, vessels, kettles, siphons, hoses, etc. Nothing else needs to be added to the gallon glass jar other than the contents of the bag, sugar, walnuts and 3 liters of brandy.

Q8. What equipment do I need?

A: All you will need is a gallon sized glass jar, a wide mouth funnel, food-grade cheesecloth and a few empty liquor bottles.

Q9. How do I filter the “brew”?

A: After “brewing” for 6 weeks, line a wide mouth funnel with food-grade cheesecloth. Insert the lined funnel into an empty liquor bottle. Carefully and slowly pour the liquid from the gallon jar into the lined funnel. Remove the larger particles that the cheesecloth filters. Repeat until all of the liquid has been emptied from the gallon jar. Cap the bottle and chill in the freezer before serving.

After making just one batch and seeing how easy it was, you will wonder why you haven’t been doing this sooner! Zauber Geist makes a great gift during the Holidays. Please enjoy responsibly and tell a friend! Best of luck to you!