What does kirschwasser mean?
Kirschwasser is a light, clear liqueur associated with German cuisine and hospitality. It is produced from distilled cherries and diluted with water, giving it a smooth, refreshing character and a flavour that is recognizably fruity but less concentrated than that of undiluted cherry liqueur. The drink is commonly served chilled, often in small portions and sometimes alongside coffee or dessert. In English, “kirschwasser” normally retains its German name rather than being replaced by a descriptive phrase, so its appearance can indicate that the drink is specifically the traditional German product. The compound name transparently reflects its composition: Kirsch is the German word for cherry, while Wasser means water. Although “kirsch” can refer both to a cherry liqueur and to the cherries used to flavour drinks, “kirschwasser” names the diluted beverage itself. It is therefore distinct from cherry brandy, a broader category that may include stronger or differently prepared spirits.
nounA clear, cherry-flavoured liqueur made with distilled cherries and diluted with water. It is a traditional German drink, usually served chilled in small glasses.
- A clear German cherry liqueur diluted with water and typically served chilled.
"They chilled the kirschwasser and served it with the dessert."
"A small glass of kirschwasser was waiting beside the coffee."
"The restaurant offers homemade kirschwasser as an after-dinner drink."
Rare; kirschwasser is normally used as an uncountable noun.
"The shop stocks several kirschwassers from German producers."
Its name is almost a recipe: German Kirsch means “cherry,” and Wasser means “water.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kirschwasser come from?
Kirschwasser is borrowed unchanged from German, where it is formed from Kirsch, meaning “cherry,” and Wasser, meaning “water.” German Kirsch ultimately comes through French kirsch from the Latin ceresia, a term associated with cherries. The resulting English loan preserves the German compound structure, and the drink has been known under this name since the 19th century.
How kirschwasser is actually used
The word is usually treated as a German loanword and is uncommon outside contexts where German food and drink are being discussed. Kirschwasser refers to a specific beverage rather than to flavoured water in general.
Easily confused with kirschwasser
Cherry brandy is a general term for a brandy flavoured or made with cherries, whereas kirschwasser specifically denotes a clear German cherry liqueur diluted with water.
Kirsch is an undiluted or more concentrated cherry liqueur, while kirschwasser is the lighter drink made by diluting it with water.