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What to drink in Switzerland? Top 100 Swiss Alcoholic Beverages

Last update: Wed Feb 19 2025
Top 100 Swiss Alcoholic Beverages
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Swiss Alcoholic Beverage Types

01

Wine Variety

CANTON OF VALAIS, Switzerland
4.2
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Petite Arvine is a white grape variety that is mostly cultivated in Valais and Aosta Valley, although its exact origin is still somewhat vague. This late ripening grape is used in the production of dry and sweet wines which are typically intense and fragrant, with floral, citrus, and fruit aromas.


Most styles can benefit from aging, and they usually have well-balanced acidity and minerality. Dry wines made from Petite Arvine grapes pair well with white meat, seafood, charcuterie, and cheese.

THE BEST Petite Arvine Wine Varieties
1 2022 Sopraquota 900
Rosset Terroir
2022 Sopraquota 900

4.8

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James Suckling - 98 points 2024

02

Wine Cocktail

SWITZERLAND and  2 more regions
4.1
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Glühwein is a type of mulled wine enjoyed in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is a staple at Christmas markets and is often enjoyed as an après-ski drink. This German version is a classic, combining red wine, citrus zest, and spices such as anise, cinnamon, and cloves.


It is usually sweetened to taste. The ingredients are mixed and heated and should never be boiled. Variations sometimes use white instead of red wine, and some versions come with a liquor shot (mit Schuss). First bottled versions of German mulled wine appeared in Augsburg in the 1950s, and often these pre-sweetened and pre-spiced versions are reheated and served at Glühwein stands. 
03

Pear Brandy

MARTIGNY, Switzerland
3.7
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Williamine is a fruit brandy distilled from locally grown Williams pears. It is produced in Martigny, Valais, and the name has been protected by Morand distillery since 1953. A highly-prized version comes with the whole pear inside the bottle.


Williamine is a clear and transparent spirit with intense fruity aromas and flavors reminiscent of ripe pears. It is bottled at 43% ABV. It can be enjoyed as an aperitif or a digestif, but it can also be incorporated into cocktails or long drinks.

04

Apricot Brandy

CANTON OF VALAIS, Switzerland
3.6
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Abricotine is a clear, colorless fruit brandy that is characterized by its dominant apricot flavor and subtle almond nuances. It is distilled from pitted and fermented Luizet apricots that are cultivated in the Valais area and are especially suitable for distillation.


The final distillate is cut with water to achieve the desired 40% ABV. Abricotine is best appreciated as a digestif, preferably served neat and well-chilled, but it also incorporates well in cocktails and desserts.

05

Pear Brandy

SWITZERLAND and  2 more regions
3.5
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Poire Williams is a type of eau-de-vie (fruit brandy) that is distilled from fermented Williams pears. The production of this clear and colorless spirit is mostly associated with France, Switzerland, and Germany. The drink is often sold with a whole pear inside the bottle—this is achieved by attaching the bottle to a branch with a small pear.


The fruit is tucked inside and then allowed to grow inside the bottle. When it’s ripe, the fruit is cut off, and the distilled spirit is then poured inside. This brandy is usually of high quality, with clean and crisp flavor and ripe pear aromas. 
06

Spirit

CANTON OF NEUCHÂTEL, Switzerland
3.4
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This alcoholic beverage is produced with a base of a neutral spirit that is infused with a blend of botanicals, primarily the leaves of Artemisia absinthium, an ancient medicinal plant that is also known as wormwood or simply absinthe.


Other flavorings usually include different combinations of anise, fennel, melissa, coriander, or other botanicals. The result is a clear spirit often called white or blanche absinthe. Green or verte absinthe is made with maceration of plants, while some, usually low-quality versions, can be artificially dyed.


Although a doctor Pierre Ordinaire is often credited as the inventor of absinthe, the truth is that the plant has been used for centuries before the alleged Ordinaire’s creation. 
THE BEST Absinthe Spirits
1 Wan’R
Absintissimo
Wan’R

5.0

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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding 2021

2 Holy Spirit Verte
The Golan Heights Distillery
Holy Spirit Verte

5.0

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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding 2019

3
THE HERBALIST YASO
Absinthe prototype03

5.0

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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024

4 Traditionelle Absinthe
La Muse Verte
Traditionelle Absinthe

5.0

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USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100 2022

5 Absinthe Lucien
Distillerie Bourgeois
Absinthe Lucien

5.0

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World's Best Absinthe - Winner 2024

07

Wine Variety

CANTON OF VAUD, Switzerland
3.4
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Chasselas is the most planted white grape variety in Switzerland. Although there are many theories about its origin, it is likely that the grape is native to Switzerland, where it also shows the best result, particularly in Vaud (its place of origin) and Valais, where it is better known as Fendant.


This early-ripening and bountiful grape perfectly reflects the terroir and produces light white wines that are low in alcohol in acidity. They are usually slightly aromatic, light-bodied, easy-drinking, and mineral, which makes them an excellent pairing with various courses. 
08
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Kafi Luz or Kafi Fertig is a Swiss coffee that is usually made with Träsch—fruit brandy produced from pear and apple pomace that is mainly enjoyed in Central Switzerland. The recipe includes a splash of fruit brandy (schnaps), sugar, boiling water, and instant coffee.


The drink should be pale and transparent, and it is typically served in a tall stemmed glass. This coffee was invented sometime in the 18th century when drinking schnaps was a common practice in Switzerland, especially in rural areas where each day would begin with a shot of brandy. 
09

Spirit

CANTON OF ZUG, Switzerland
2.9
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This renowned cherry brandy has been produced in the Zug region for over two hundred years. It is distilled from local cherry varieties and results in a clear, colorless spirit that is characterized by an intense, fruity flavor and subtle almond nuances.


Best served slightly chilled, Zuger kirsch is traditionally enjoyed neat, preferably as a digestif. The brandy is also known for its versatile culinary use. It is one of the essential ingredients in Zuger kirschtorte (Zug cherry cake) and spiced Basler läckerli cookies.

10

Plum Brandy

CANTON OF JURA, Switzerland
n/a
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Damassine is a Swiss plum brandy that is traditionally produced in the Canton of Jura. It is distilled from fermented damson (damassine) plums. These small red plums are cultivated across Europe, but their origin still remains unclear.


The brandy is clear and colorless, with a strong cherry aroma and subtle herbaceous and almond notes. Damassine holds a protected AOP (PDO) status, and the entire production must take place in the designated area. When distilled, the brandy can only be mixed with regional water to reach the desired 40% ABV.


It has to be aged for a minimum of six months. 
11
Cherry Brandy
CANTON OF ZUG, Switzerland
n/a
12
Wine Variety
CANTON OF VALAIS, Switzerland
n/a
13
Pear Brandy
CANTON OF VALAIS, Switzerland
n/a
14
White Wine
SIERRE, Switzerland
n/a
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Swiss Alcoholic Beverage Producers

01

Spirit

STANS, Switzerland
5.0
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Seven Seals Innovation, based in Stans, Switzerland, is a pioneering company specializing in the production of whisky and rum. Known for its innovative "Stockhausen" method, the company has revolutionized the maturation process by significantly reducing the time required for spirits to reach their optimal flavor profile.


Seven Seals combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, offering a range of premium products that cater to diverse tastes. Their portfolio includes the Classic Line, featuring finishes such as Amarone, Peated Port, Port, and Sherry Wood, as well as the Zodiac Line, a series of limited editions inspired by the zodiac signs, each with unique flavor profiles. 
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2024

The World Whiskey Masters - Gold

2022

European Spirits Challenge - Gold

2023

02

Spirit

LUCERNE, Switzerland
5.0
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AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold

2023, 2021, 2020

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold outstanding

2020

World Gin Awards - Country Winner

2022

03

Wine

CADEMARIO, Switzerland
5.0
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AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold

2021, 2018

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum

2017

04

Beer

FISCHINGEN, Switzerland
5.0
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Brauerei Kloster Fischingen is a traditional brewery located in the Fischingen Abbey in the canton of Thurgau, Switzerland. The brewery has a rich history, dating back to its founding in 1050. It operates within the historic framework of the abbey, which was once home to monks who brewed beer for their community.


The brewery is known for producing a variety of craft beers, often brewed according to traditional methods, using high-quality ingredients such as local barley and hops. The beers are typically characterized by their unique flavors, influenced by the region's natural resources and the centuries-old brewing techniques preserved by the abbey.
AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold

2024, 2022

BEST Brauerei Kloster Fischingen Beers (Styles and Brands)
05

Wine

SALGESCH, Switzerland
5.0
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AWARDS

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or

2023, 2022

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum

2019

06

Spirit

GENEVA, Switzerland
5.0
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AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding

2021

BEST Absintissimo Spirits
07

Liqueur

CANTON OF BERN, Switzerland
5.0
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AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold outstanding

2020

BEST Langatun Distillery Liqueurs
08

Spirit

SWITZERLAND, Central Europe
5.0
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AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2023

BEST Rumundo Spirits
09
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AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum

2022, 2019, 2018, 2017

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show

2016

10

Wine

SWITZERLAND, Central Europe
5.0
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AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show

2021

BEST St. Jodern Kellerei Wines
11
Wine
SIERRE, Switzerland
5.0
12
Wine
SWITZERLAND, Central Europe
5.0
13
Beer
BERN, Switzerland
5.0
14
Beer
BADEN, Switzerland
5.0
15
Beer
ST. GALLEN, Switzerland
5.0
16
Beer
WINTERTHUR, Switzerland
5.0
17
Beer
GENEVA, Switzerland
5.0
18
Beer
GENEVA, Switzerland
5.0
19
Beer
BADEN, Switzerland
5.0
20
Spirit
ALLE, Switzerland
5.0
21
Wine
SWITZERLAND, Central Europe
5.0
22
Beer
CANTON OF AARGAU, Switzerland
5.0
23
24
Spirit
ST. GALLEN, Switzerland
5.0
25
Liqueur
SWITZERLAND, Central Europe
5.0
26
27
Spirit
SWITZERLAND, Central Europe
5.0
28
Spirit
BADEN, Switzerland
5.0
29
Wine
AIGLE, Switzerland
5.0
30
Wine
SIERRE, Switzerland
5.0
31
Wine
ASCONA, Switzerland
5.0
32
33
Wine
SWITZERLAND, Central Europe
5.0
34
Wine
SWITZERLAND, Central Europe
5.0
35
Wine
SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland
5.0
36
37
Wine
SWITZERLAND, Central Europe
5.0
38
Wine
SWITZERLAND, Central Europe
5.0
39
Wine
SWITZERLAND, Central Europe
5.0
40
Wine
SWITZERLAND, Central Europe
5.0
41
Wine
SWITZERLAND, Central Europe
5.0
42
Wine
SWITZERLAND, Central Europe
5.0
43
Beer
BASEL, Switzerland
5.0
44
Wine
BADEN, Switzerland
5.0
45
Wine
SALGESCH, Switzerland
5.0
46
Wine
BELLINZONA, Switzerland
5.0
47
Liqueur
MARTIGNY, Switzerland
4.9
48
Wine
GRINDELWALD, Switzerland
4.8
49
50
Spirit
SWITZERLAND, Central Europe
4.8
51
Liqueur
SWITZERLAND, Central Europe
4.8
52
Spirit
BERN, Switzerland
4.8
53
54
Wine
SWITZERLAND, Central Europe
4.8
55
Wine
GLARUS, Switzerland
4.8
56
Wine
SWITZERLAND, Central Europe
4.8
57
Wine
SIERRE, Switzerland
4.8
58
Wine
SWITZERLAND, Central Europe
4.8
59
Wine
GENEVA, Switzerland
4.8
60
Wine
SION, Switzerland
4.8
61
Wine
SWITZERLAND, Central Europe
4.8
62
Wine
ZÜRICH, Switzerland
4.8
63
Wine
SWITZERLAND, Central Europe
4.8
64
Spirit
DANIS, Switzerland
4.5
65
Spirit
MONTREUX, Switzerland
4.5
TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Swiss Alcoholic Beverages