Wikipedia Article About Aquavit on Wikipedia A snaps is a small shot of a strong alcoholic beverage taken during the course of a meal, very much like the German schnapps. Drinking snaps is a tradition in the Scandinavian countries and Finland (where it is typically associated with the Swedish-speaking minority, the Finland-Swedes (Finlandssvenskar), but can also be enjoyed by the majority). A snaps is usually vodka or akvavit, but can also be some other light-bodied spirit, as long as it isn't sweet and provided that the flavour of the spirit is in harmony with the flavour of the meal. Spirits such as whisky or brandy are never drunk as snaps. Snaps (or schnapps) comes from the ancient Norwegian word 'schnapps' meaning to 'snap up' or 'drink in a single gulp,' according to Alcohol Aficiona