Ratzeputz is a schnaps, a type of spirit popular in germany, which contains extracts and distillates of root ginger. the fresh ginger it contains is said to be beneficial to the stomach. ratzeputz today (2006) only contains 58% alcohol; whereas higher proportions of alcohol used to be common. the ingredients, which are found by most consumers to be sharp, are intended to leave a long aftertaste in the mouth and throat. ratzeputz was first created in 1877 by peter weidmann, a distiller in celle. in that town, the lüneburg heath region and its surrounding area, ratzeputz is a well-known, high-alcohol spirit-based speciality. its strong but delicate ginger flavour has helped it gain consider...

Source: Wikipedia