Eau-de-vie is a type of BRANDY, distilled from fermented fruit juice. It is a clear, colorless spirit that is usually consumed as an after-dinner digestif. It is also used in cocktails and other mixed drinks. The term eau-de-vie is French for 'water of life, ' and it is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages. It is typically made from grapes, but can also be made from other fruits such as apples, pears, cherries, and plums.