Kiddush on Schnapps
It is customary in some circles to recite Kiddush Shabbos morning (at a shul kiddush or simchah) over a one-ounce cup of schnapps [or liqueur.[i]] Although most Poskim object to this custom, as kiddush must be recited over a cup which holds at least a revi’is and at least a kimelo lugmav must be drunk,[ii] there are some Poskim[iii] who defend the adherents of this practice.[iv] They reason that schnapps is different from wine since it is normally consumed in much smaller quantities and is therefore subject to a different set of measurements.[v]
It follows, therefore, that those who rely on this leniency and recite kiddush over schnapps should also recite borei nefashos over the schnapps, even though only a small amount was drunk. Although, generally, one does not recite a borei nefashos unless one drinks at least 3 fl. oz. of a beverage,[vi] schnapps – according to this view – is an exception and requires a borei nefashos even on a much smaller amount.[vii] Nonetheless, one should avoid this situation and not recite a borei nefashos unless one drinks a revi’is of some other beverage or a kezayis of another food over which a borei nefashos is recited.
When no wine or grape juice is available, there is a way of reciting kiddush over schnapps which will satisfy the opinions of many Poskim: Recite kiddush on a revi’is of schnapps and drink at least a kimelo lugmav, but instead of swallowing it in one shot, sip it slowly, over a span of up to three or four minutes.[viii] When even this is not possible, the next best option is to share the kimelo lugmav amount with others who are listening to the kiddush.[ix]
[i] Minchas Yitzchak X, 22.
[ii] Mishnah Berurah 272, note 30; Aruch Hashulchan 272:13; Minchas Shabbos 79:29; Ketzos Hashulchan 89:5.
[iii] Ketzei Hamateh (Mateh Efrayim 625:99); Eishel Avraham 272:6; Maharsham I, 175; Chelkas Yaakov I, 94.
[iv] Because the practice was defended (in part) due to the scarcity and expense of wine, some Poskim suggest that nowadays, kiddush should be made exclusively over wine or grape juice, see Nimukei Orchos Chayim 273. See also Piskei Teshuvos 289:11.
[v] This explanation is based on the view of the Taz, Orach Chaim 210:1, which is rejected by the later Poskim; see Mishnah Berurah 190, note 14.
[vi] Shulchan Aruch 190:3.
[vii] Har Tzvi, Orach Chaim 159. It follows, therefore, that those who follow the majority view and do not recite kiddush on schnapps, do not recite a borei nefashos when drinking less than a revi’is of schnapps.
[viii] Mishnah Berurah 271:68. Talking is not permitted until the minimum amount is drunk.
[ix] Mishnah Berurah 272:30. See Eishel Avraham (Buczacz) 272:6.