The famous Becherovka liqueur is an integral part of the history of Karlovy Vary. Everyone who is going to this Czech city should definitely try the medicinal herbal drink named after its creator, Jan Becher. The mixture of Karlovy Vary herbs and local mineral water makes it unique. In this article, I talk in detail about the types and composition of Becherovka, and also share the prices of liquor in the official store.
Czech Becherovka - what is this drink
The history of the Karlovy Vary Becherovka began in 1807, when the local pharmacist Josef Vitus Becher began selling his medicinal herbal "decoction". Almost half a century later, his son Jan Becher opened the production of the already famous drink. Half a century later, Gustav Becher, the son of Johann, registered the trademark for this family liqueur, which by that time had become a legend and won many awards throughout Europe.
How Becherovka is made
If we talk about old recipes, then the collected herbs are dried and crushed, then poured into bags made of natural canvas and immersed in special containers with alcohol, where they are kept for about a week. The resulting extract is poured into oak barrels, mixing it with sugar and exclusively Karlovy Vary water. This mixture is infused in barrels for about 2-3 months, from where it is already bottled. Here is a very illustrative picture of Becherovka making.
Until the 2000s, Becherovka was produced exclusively by the family, or rather the heirs of Jan Becher. Only they knew the secret of the liquor ingredients. The company was privatized in 2001 and currently has several shareholders.
Judging by the statistics of requests, many people want to try to make such a drink on their own at home. In principle, craftsmen can try, the main thing is to buy the mixture of herbs itself, which is sold in canvas bags in Karlovy Vary at the Becher Museum at a price of 75-100 kroons. Without these herbs, Becherovka tincture will definitely be anything but a famous medicinal drink.
Liqueur Bekherevka - types and composition
There are four types of Becherovka: classic "original", lemon, Cordial and Becherovka KV14. I will tell you more about the features and composition of each of them.
Becherovka classic original
The very first Becherovka, which was "invented" in the 19th century, began to be produced by the Becher family on an industrial scale, and eventually gained the greatest popularity.
Czech Becherovka "Original" is a bittersweet herbal liqueur, which contains 38% alcohol and 10% sugar. Very tart, I must say, and with a taste of various flowers and other plants. For the preparation of this liqueur, more than twenty herbs wildly growing on the Karlovy Vary slopes are used.
How much is the Czech Becherovka "Original"
Classic Becherovka tincture in the official store at the Becherov Museum is sold at the following prices:
- 0.05 liters - 39 CZK;
- 0.10 liters - 55 CZK;
- 0.35 liters - 125 CZK;
- 0.50 liters - 161 CZK;
- 0.70 liters - 247 CZK;
- 1 liter - 321 CZK.
Becherovka lemon
The so-called Becherovka Lemond has a slightly tart citrus taste and smell. It is a light liqueur with 20% alcohol and 12% sugar. The lemon drink, along with the original, is quite popular with buyers, therefore it is also available in bottles of various sizes. In my opinion, it is really tastier than other types of Becherovka, it is the most pleasant to drink.
Becherovka lemon - official prices
You can buy lemon Becherovka in the official store at the following prices:
- 0.05 liters - 39 CZK;
- 0.5 liters - 161 CZK;
- 1 liter - 321 CZK.
Becherovka Cordial tincture
Liqueur Cordial is not so popular among compatriots, because it is practically not brought to Russia, in my opinion it is completely in vain. Becherovka Cordial is a unique drink based on a combination of linden flowers and white wine, containing 35% alcohol and 40% sugar.
Of all the types of Becherovka, Cordial is the most expensive - you will have to pay 255 CZK for a half-liter bottle, i.e. about 900 rubles. In bottles of a different volume, I have not seen this drink in an official store, but in the city I met it in stores at a price of 59 CZK for 0.05 liters.
Czech Becherovka KV14
An even lesser known type of Becherovka called KB14 is made on the basis of herbs and red wine. Like other varieties of tincture, it is believed that this one has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Becherovka should be drunk in small chilled glasses shortly before dinner.
KV 14 in the official store costs 165 CZK for 0.5 liters, and in the shops of the city you can find small bottles for 55 CZK.
In addition, you can try all types of Becherovka by taking such a gift set.
It contains four 50 ml bottles with each of the liqueurs. Such a set costs 202 kroons in the official store at the museum, and 250 kroons in ordinary shops in Karlovy Vary.
The price of Becherovka in Karlovy Vary depends on the type of liquor and the volume of the bottle. In addition, I specifically compared the prices for Becherovka in various stores in Karlovy Vary, and noted that prices everywhere are higher on average by 25-30% than in the official store at the museum.
Therefore, if there is a desire to purchase such a Karlovy Vary curiosity as Becherovka, then it is better to do it unambiguously in the official store at the Becherov Museum.
Opening hours of the Becherovka store in Karlovy Vary:
The shop is open daily from 10.00 to 12.30 and from 13.00 to 18.00.
It is located 5 minutes walk from the central bus, right on the territory of the Becherovka Museum, which I marked on the map of Karlovy Vary attractions with a crimson badge with the letter "M". By clicking on the labels, you can briefly learn about each of the city's attractions.
Liqueur Becherovka from Karlovy Vary is exported all over the world, sometimes you can buy it in Russian stores. But, of course, it is better to drink the true Becherovka by visiting the homeland of this unique drink, the medicinal properties of which will be a good addition to the beneficial Karlovy Vary procedures.
# Czech Prague Karlovy Vary
To book any hotel with a discount on the Booking.com website. It works like a cashback - the money is returned to the card after leaving the hotel.
Becherovka is a Czech alcoholic drink, the original name is Becherovka. The real recipe for the tincture is kept in secret. But, the drink can be made at home by adding spices to taste and other components to the vodka. Becherovka will become original and exquisitely soft in taste. On its basis, delicious cocktails and healing infusions are prepared.
What does the drink consist of and how is it made?
The composition of the liqueur is currently strictly classified - only two people know it. The drink includes 20 types of herbs, which are placed in a canvas bag and placed in a container with alcohol. It is kept there for a long time and stretched. The finished drink is poured into portion containers.
Experts who have tasted the tincture are sure that it must include coriander with cloves, chamomile, wormwood, honey and lemon. In the Czech Republic, orange peel, cardamom, cinnamon, anise and allspice are added to the becherovka.
Alcohol is obtained from water taken from the springs of Karlovy Vary. That is why the tincture of Czech production is considered the highest quality and most popular.
A mixture of herbs is infused with alcohol for seven days, then the drink is poured into oak barrels. After that, water and sugar are added to the container. Each barrel has its own shape, due to which the alcohol completely comes into contact with the oak walls. The barrels are covered with lids for two to three months. After a while, the finished tincture is poured into portioned bottles.
It is important to keep the temperature and humidity at the same level when preparing the tincture.
What sorts of drink is there?
For 200 years, the Becher family has produced several types of drink. Today you can buy these types of tinctures:
- Becherovka Original is a classic drink with a strength of 38 percent. It has been produced since 1807. Until today, the recipe has not been changed and is in strict secrecy;
- Becherovka KV 14. This drink contains less sugar and red wine. It was launched in 1966. The tincture has a strength of 40 degrees. KV means that the becherovka was made on the water "Karlovy Vary";
- Becherovka Cordial is a herbal liqueur that contains a variety of herbs, linden blossom and white wine. The strength of the drink is 35 percent. The recipe has been used since 2008;
- Becherovka Lemond has also been produced since 2008. The composition of the drink is enriched with citrus fruits. The fortress is only 20 percent;
- Becherovka ICE & FIRE began to be produced only in 2014. The drink has a strength of 30 percent. It can be paired with ginger ale or tonic. The liquor has a couple of flavors at once. On the first sip, a bitter herbal taste with delicate aromas of citrus fruits is felt. After a while, the taste changes to an intense spicy pepper and a fresh icy feeling. Freshness remains in the mouth for a long time. The smell of the drink is pleasant, fresh, with menthol and citrus fruits.
Only the first and second grades of Becherovka are exported. The rest can only be bought at the factory itself.
Becherovka recipe at home
The original recipe for creating a tincture is a big secret. We only know that it consists of herbs that grow on the territory of the resort area of the Czech Republic. Homemade becherovka just tastes like a real drink.
The first option for creating a tincture
To prepare a tincture, take a liter of vodka or 45 percent alcohol, 150 gr. sugar, 250 milliliters of water, 10 gr. fresh and 5 gr. dried orange peel, two cardamom, 10 cloves, 8 black peppercorns, half a teaspoon of anise and one cinnamon stick.
Alcohol or vodka can be replaced with high-quality, odorless and tasteless moonshine. It is important to take diluted alcohol as a basis, since it is this alcohol that is part of the original drink.
Becherovka recipe:
- Chop the orange zest. The tincture is prepared only from the orange part. To prevent the becherovka from being bitter, the white part of the orange should be removed;
- Use a rolling pin to crush the cinnamon and cardamom;
- Pour the spicy ingredients into a jar and top with vodka or alcohol. Stir and cap;
- Place the container in the room in the dark. Shake it every 24 hours. Let the becherovka brew for a week;
- After a while, pour sugar with water in a separate container. Heat over low heat until the loose ingredient is dissolved. Remove the white foam and cool;
- Add the resulting syrup to the herbal tincture. Cork the container tightly and let stand for another four days.
After a while, the becherovka is filtered and bottled in portioned bottles. Chill it in the refrigerator or cellar for a couple of days before drinking it.
The recipe allows you to make a light brown drink with a pleasant aroma and taste. Notes of cinnamon, cardamom and anise will be well felt in the drink. It is recommended to snack on a herbal drink with orange slices sprinkled with cinnamon.
The second option for the preparation of tincture
Mix 0.5 l. water with 0.5 l. alcohol. Season to taste and let sit for a week. Then boil the syrup: for 120 grams of sugar, take a glass of water. Add the prepared syrup to the filtered infusion. Let the drink sit for another seven days to even out the taste.
Try the drink after a while. If it tastes too harsh, add a little water. If you will not use it in its pure form, you do not need to dilute it. Becherovka can be diluted with Schweppes, coffee and tea before use.
How is the drink drunk correctly?
Becherovka is poured into cognac glasses. It is served before dinner or late in the evening during a conversation. Orange wedges with cinnamon are served as a snack. Thanks to this combination, guests can enjoy the taste and aroma of the herbal drink. Drinking the tincture is recommended even to relieve fatigue at the end of a busy working day.
The Slovak people drink Becherovka with beer. 40 grams of tincture is poured into a glass and cooled. Then it is drunk in one gulp and washed down with light quality beer.
In order to treat any diseases, becherovka is added to tea or coffee. It can be drunk every day, as long as the daily dosage is not overused. If you decide to improve the work of the digestive system, before drinking the tincture, consult your doctor.
Since Becherovka is a digestive drink, it should only be drunk after a meal. One should sip on liqueur in order to enjoy its unique taste and aroma for as long as possible. The drink has a sweetish taste, it is well felt that it contains bitter ingredients.
If you drink the tincture warm, it will be much harder.
Becherovka is often used in small dosages in order to improve digestion, tone up and strengthen the immune system.
Tincture cocktails
The sharp taste and aroma of a pure drink is not to everyone's liking, so cocktails are often made from it.
The recipe for the "Beton" cocktail:
- Mix one part of the tincture with one part of the tonic;
- Add ice to the cocktail and garnish with lime or lemon.
In addition, the tincture can be diluted with apple or currant juice. The result is an unusually delicious cocktail.
Red Moon cocktail recipe:
- Fill glasses with ice;
- Add 40 ml each. tincture and 10 ml. currant juice;
- Top up with sparkling water to the very top;
- Garnish with orange wedges.
In addition to the cocktails described, Becherovka is often mixed with other alcoholic beverages. But, with other alcohol, the drink should be used very carefully, since after drinking it, a severe hangover occurs and the liver suffers greatly.
Blue Ocean cocktail recipe:
- Dilute with 40 ml. tinctures with 100 milliliters of carbonated mineral water;
- Add grape juice (50 ml.) And Curasao liqueur (20 ml.) To the drink;
- Garnish with ice, orange wedges and mint sprigs.
You can make a cherry cocktail. To do this, mix 40 ml each. tincture with grapefruit juice. Add ice and cherries. The result is a delicious aromatic cherry liqueur.
Mix 40 ml to create a punch. tinctures with lemon juice (10 ml.), orange juice (10 ml.), sugar syrup (20 ml.) and water (90 ml.). After mixing the drink well, warm it up and pour into glasses. Garnish with lemon and lime wedges.
Oasis cocktail. Place the sliced lime in the bottom of the glass. Sprinkle sugar on top and press down to release the juice. Then pour ice on top and add 50 ml. becherovka. Stir the cocktail well and enjoy its taste and aroma.
Tear of Raquel cocktail. Pour 50 ml into a glass as the first layer. becherovka. The second layer is 50 ml. liqueur Triple Sec. Ignite the top layer before serving. The sight will be beautiful, and the cocktail will be extremely tasty.
Cocktail "Magic Sunset". First, pour 40 ml into glasses. becherovka, then 15 ml. orange juice and 10 ml. grenadine. You don't need to stir. Be sure to garnish cocktails with orange slices or strawberry slices.
A cocktail with becherovka will cool you in the summer and warm you in the winter.
How do people say about the tincture?
Becherovka tincture is liked by everyone. Reviews of the drink are positive if you drink it wisely. Liqueur is considered healing, so it is added a teaspoon to coffee or tea. Cocktails are also made from it, adding other drinks, ice and spices.
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Tourists coming to the Czech Republic buy Becherovka almost first of all, because it has been one of the talismans of the Czech Republic for more than two centuries. How to drink Becherovka? Types and medicinal properties of the drink. Cocktails with Becherovka. Recipe and composition.
Photo: Becherovka in original packaging // Jirka Matousek
Becherovka is one of the most famous Czech liqueurs. This is what the Czechs themselves call this drink. Although it actually looks more like a tincture or liqueur. In the preparation, natural ingredients are used, a lot of various herbs, fruits and, judging by the taste, honey. Becherovka has long been famous for its medicinal properties. Thanks to the drink, it was possible to get rid of colds, sore throats, headaches. Moreover, the drink helped to strengthen the cardiovascular system. Becherovka is also used as an aperitif before meals.
The drink that is now known all over the world appeared in 1807. However, an interesting story preceded its appearance. Once his old friend Frobrig, who also specialized in pharmaceuticals, came to the pharmacist and owner of a pharmacy in Karlovy Vary, Josef Becher. Friends for conversations got down to business, deciding to make some new tincture, mixing alcohol with a variety of herbs. Before the departure of Frobrig, the friends had failed to do anything efficient. But the Karlovy Vary friend did not have time to linger for a long time. Therefore, Frobrig gave some recommendations to Joseph, taking his word to bring the tincture to mind, and left. Two years later, in 1807, he succeeded. Becher created a completely new unique drink that was originally intended for good digestion.
A couple of months later, Josef began selling his medicine under the name Carlsbad English Bitter, which later became a simple Becherevka. The drink was in great demand, the business was developing. In 1841, the father passed on his recipe to his son Johann Becher. He was smart and quick-witted, thanks to him production reached a higher level. 50 years later, in 1890, Johann revealed the secret of the recipe to his son Gustav, who not only completed additional buildings for the production of liquor, but also officially registered the Becherovka trademark. Since 1901, the drink "leaves" outside the Czech Republic. Branches are opened in France, Italy, Spain and other countries that actively promote the liqueur. Rumor has it that the Austrian emperor himself and his entire court took this herbal tincture with great pleasure. Since then, Becherovka has been awarded various medals at various international exhibitions. And in the center of Karlovy Vary, a museum was even built for Jan Becher.
Recipe and composition of Becherovka
Probably, many have already guessed that Becherovka's recipe is kept in strict confidence and is transmitted exclusively from father to son or closest relative in the family. Therefore, the drink is inimitable and unique in its kind. Many have tried to create something similar, and, I must say, some have managed to achieve similar taste qualities, but no one has been able to repeat the recipe exactly until now.
The approximate principle of liqueur production is as follows: a variety of herbs, imported and local, are mixed, only about twenty types - the proportions are always exact, without the slightest deviation from the recipe. After that, the resulting mixture is scattered into bags that are made of natural canvas, and then dipped in containers with alcohol and left for about a week. The resulting infusion is mixed in oak barrels with sugar and water, and then left for another 2-3 months. Interestingly, during this period, the drink is closely monitored. That is why it turns out to be so aromatic, tasty, and, most importantly, of high quality.
Today it is known for sure that from a large number of herbs in Becherovka there are the following: cardamom, cinnamon, anise, orange peel, cloves and allspice. Since 1996, there has been one Becherovka recipe, that is, it would be more correct to say that the recipe for the drink is known, which in its taste is the closest to this liquor. And he is like this:
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of vodka
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp honey
- 0.5 tsp ground licorice root
- 0.5 tsp anise
- 5-6 peppercorns
Cooking method:
All available components must be mixed, poured into a dark bottle or other opaque container and infused for one month. Then strain well. We can assume that the homemade Becherovka tincture is ready.
Becherovka and its medicinal properties
The healing properties of this miraculous drink have been legendary for two centuries. There is nothing surprising in this, because the liqueur was created in order to treat some types of diseases, and also significantly improve appetite.
Due to the fact that Becherovka contains a large number of medicinal herbs, gastric juice is released faster, as well as antispasmodic substances of bile, tense muscles of the gastrointestinal tract relax. After drinking 20 ml of the drink, the food is absorbed much better and faster. In addition, irritation of the rectum is eliminated.
Becherovka Kordial, photo: Jirka Matousek
Types of Becherovka
When it comes to Becherovka, many imagine a classic drink of one composition. In fact, this liqueur has several different variations.
To date, the plant produces the following types of tinctures:
Becherovka original(Becherovka Original) is a classic drink, the composition of which has remained unchanged since its foundation in 1807. The strength of the liquor is 38%. Sample composition: vodka, allspice, cinnamon anise, orange peel, cardamom.
Becherovka lemon(Becherovka Lemond) - a drink with the addition of citrus fruits. Its strength is 20%.
Becherovka KV 14- a classic tincture with the addition of red wine. The strength of the drink is quite high - 40%.
Becherovka Cordial(Becherovka Cordial) - a drink with the addition of lime blossom. Fortress - 35%.
Becherovka Ice and Fire(Becherovka ICE & FIRE) is a new product of the factory, which appeared just a year ago, in March 2014. Its strength is 30%. Ideal with soft drinks like tonic or ale.
Becherovka Lemond, photo: Jirka Matousek
How to drink Becherovka
Becherovka is drunk in several ways:
Method number 1(in pure form)
This method is recommended by the manufacturer himself as the most optimal for this liqueur. The drink is served in small glasses, the temperature of Becherovka should be on average 5-7 degrees. Tincture is used after meals or before bedtime. Usually liqueur is eaten with a small slice of orange, crushed with cinnamon. The taste of the drink will be slightly sweet with bitter hints of herbs, which leave a long-lasting aftertaste. Becherovka can be served warmer, but in this case, the taste will differ. The aroma will become brighter, and the taste will be much sharper and soft pleasant notes will be replaced by rougher ones.
Method number 2(with beer)
This method is very simple. One glass of chilled liquor is drunk in one gulp, after which it is washed down with light beer. Becherovka herbs together with hops and malt create a special taste and a rather pleasant aftertaste. This option has taken root in Slovakia.
Method number 3(for medicinal purposes)
Due to its medicinal properties, Becherovka can serve as an excellent preventive medicine. And it is very simple to take it: 2 tablespoons of the drink must be added to tea or coffee. Such a combination can improve immunity, stimulate digestion and the general tone of the body. At the same time, the taste of Becherovka is practically not felt, but the herbal aftertaste can still be felt.
Method number 4(with other drinks)
For many, the original Becherovka is a fairly strong drink, so it is diluted with juice. Usually they use cherry, apple or currant. The amount of juice can be any.
In addition to juice, Becherovka can be consumed along with other spirits, in combination with other ingredients, creating delicious cocktails, which will be discussed later.
The most popular cocktails from Becherovka
1.200 years of Becherovka (B-Celebration)
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Becherovka
- 100 ml apple liqueur
- 2-3 drops of ginger ale
- ice (optional)
Pour Becherovka, apple liqueur and ginger ale into a glass with ice. Do not stir. You can garnish with mint or lime.
2. Bianca
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Becherovka
- 30 ml white dessert vermouth
- 30 ml champagne
- grandfather (optional)
Becherovka and vermouth must be mixed and then poured into a glass with ice. Add champagne to the mixture. You can decorate with raspberries or lime.
3. Tears of Raquel
Ingredients:
- 50 ml becherovka
- 50 ml Triple Sec liqueur
Preparing the drink is very simple and consists of two layers. First, pour Becherovka into a glass, then carefully add liquor to the cocktail. Set the top layer on fire before serving.
4. Becherovka punch
Ingredients:
- 45 ml becherovka
- 10 ml lemon juice
- 10 ml orange juice
- 90 ml filtered water
- 20 ml sugar syrup
All components must be mixed and heated. Then pour into a glass for hot drinks. The cocktail is drunk warm. A skewer with lemon, lime and orange is suitable as decoration.
The cocktails are varied and delicious. Many, however, may worry about the fact that the pricing policy of the drink is too high. In fact, answering the question “how much does Becherovka cost?” It should be said that its cost varies from 130 kroons and more. The price depends on the type of drink, the place of purchase of the product and the number of ml in the bottle.
Tourists coming to the Czech Republic buy Becherovka almost first of all, because it has been one of the talismans of the Czech Republic for more than two centuries.
If one of your friends has been to the Czech Republic, then most likely the main Czech souvenir has appeared in your bar - a bottle of Becherovka liqueur. Indeed, the country of origin of Becherovka is the Czech Republic, or rather, the famous health-improving Karlovy Vary region. This national drink has been produced since 1807, and during the days of socialist Czechoslovakia, it was the main export commodity. Today it is one of the world's most popular bitter herbal liqueurs.
The history of Becherovka
Josef Vitus Becher (1769 - 1840) was a seasoned businessman - he traded in marine and colonial goods, and experimented with perfumery and tinctures in his shop "Three Foresters". In 1805, he spent a lot of time with Prince Maximilian von Plettenberg's physician, Christian Frobrig. This pharmacist gave Becher a unique composition of herbs for tincture. In 1807 Jan Becher began to sell the English Bitter liqueur, and the word Becherovka began to be used in 1834.
The drink was initially positioned as a medicinal one: people came from afar to buy this magical tincture for stomach diseases, which heals not only the body, but also the soul. Unlike dried herbs and supplements, it was a ready-to-drink beverage, so it was very popular.
Already during the First World War, the tincture conquered Europe, Turkey and Egypt, and after the end of the ban on alcohol - the United States and Great Britain.
Since 1838 and for 40 years, the company has been run by the founder's son, Jan Becher. It was he who created the liqueur as it is exported today. In the 1945-50s, only 500 bottles of liquor were exported per year, and in the 1960s - already 100 hectoliters annually.
After World War II, the family business was nationalized and the state owned the brand for 57 years. Today the company is again transferred to private ownership.
Despite the fact that production has repeatedly passed from hand to hand, the technologists manage to preserve the traditional Becherovka recipe, recreated from the notes of Christian Froberg.
Becherovka - what is this drink?
The national Czech drink belongs to the classic bitter herbal liqueurs. The drink has a rich, sweetish and at the same time bitter-tart taste. The color of the drink is sunny golden. Many people compare it to another herbal liqueur - the popular Jägermeister. Those who know well what Becherovka tastes like admit that it is drunk much softer and more pleasant than Jägermeister. It is drunk as an aperitif or, more often, as a digestif, in the evenings from small glasses.
Becherovka is served in shot glasses for strong drinks, the manufacturer also produces gift sets complete with glasses or special porcelain cups for medicinal use.
Composition and medicinal properties of Becherovka
Only two people in the world know the exact composition of Becherovka, all these years it was passed on in the Becher family through the male line. Becherovka is made from the famous healing Carlsbad water, a mixture of herbs and spices and natural sugar. It is known exactly how many herbs are in Becherovka: 20 types of herbs and spices are collected for the liqueur, including anise, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, orange peel and others. Experienced sommeliers, who know how to distinguish the composition by the finest shades of taste and aroma, also guess wormwood and chamomile in the composition.
Only 4 ingredients are collected in the vicinity of the plant, and the rest are brought from different parts of the country and from abroad. The exact composition and proportions cannot be recreated, therefore Becherovka remains a unique drink.
The collected herbs in jute bags are dipped in alcohol, heated and macerated for a week - all active substances from the dry mixture pass into alcohol tincture. The resulting extract is diluted with water, mixed with sugar and transferred to oak barrels for several months. This creates an incredibly tasty and aromatic liqueur (or tincture, which is also correct) called Becherovka.
The medicinal properties of Becherovka are due to its bitter taste: herbs cause the secretion of gastric juice and bile, increase appetite and promote digestion. That is why 20 grams of liqueur taken before a meal relieves heartburn, poor appetite, belching and other digestive disorders. Becherovka in therapeutic doses also helps with more serious diseases, for example, it helps to heal the mucous membranes of internal organs with stomach and duodenal ulcers.
Let's not forget that the liqueur is made on the basis of the healing water of the Karlovy Vary region: by itself, it improves metabolism and normalizes many processes in the body.
To maximize the benefits of Becherovka, it is important to choose the right dose. As Hippocrates said, "everything is a medicine, and everything is poison - it's just a dose." For medicinal purposes, Becherovka should be drunk correctly at 20 milliliters per dose. In terms of volume, this is slightly more than a tablespoon. For colds, it is enough to add a few drops of liquor to the tea.
Since Becherovka is essentially an alcoholic tincture with a strength of 38 degrees, it also has contraindications. It is not recommended to drink it during an exacerbation of cardiovascular diseases, with an increase or decrease in pressure, liver diseases. Despite the beneficial properties, you should not give it to children - in this case, it will only harm.
Types of Becherovka
As we have already said, the composition of the original Becherovka includes 20 types of herbs. However, there are other versions of the drink with additional ingredients such as lime blossom, red wine or citrus fruits. Although the buyer is primarily familiar with the classic version of Becherovka in a green glass bottle with a yellow-blue label, today the plant produces other varieties of Becherovka as well.
The brand portfolio includes the following varieties:
- Becherovka Original is a classic of the genre, according to the secret recipe of the founding father. Fortress - 38 degrees.
- Becherovka Cordial is a linden blossom tincture, its strength is slightly lower.
- Becherovka Lemond is a liqueur with a bright citrus hue, its strength is only 20%.
- Becherovka KV 14 is an interesting version with red wine in the composition.
- "Ice and Fire" (ICE and FIRE) is an innovative product in the line with a strength of 30 degrees. Ideal for tonic or ginger ale cocktails.
In Russia, you can buy only two types of liqueur, original and lemon. When traveling around the Czech Republic, you can stock up on other varieties.
A great variety is observed in relation to containers - this drink is sold in volumes from 50 ml to 3 liters.
Any kind of liqueur retains the recognizable taste of Becherovka: bittersweet, bright and spicy, with a long-lasting pleasant aftertaste.
How to drink Becherovka and what to eat
Over the long history of its existence, enthusiasts have come up with many ways to drink Becherovka. The manufacturer on the website recommends drinking pure liquor, serving it chilled. This tradition goes back to the time of the creation of the liqueur, because then it was a medicinal tincture, and no one thought about what glasses to pour Becherovka into and what to serve.
However, today strong herbal liqueur is usually accompanied by other drinks. Of course, we are not talking about vodka or cognac, but tea, coffee and juices will perfectly complement the taste of Becherovka.
- One of the popular ways to consume it is to drink Becherovka with beer. This is often done in Slovakia - a glass of cold Becherovka is washed down with light beer. This method appreciates the aftertaste that the beer acquires after the liquor. This method also has an obvious side effect: rapid intoxication. However, if the procedure is not repeated too often, it will be possible to evaluate the taste of the unusual tandem without consequences.
- If the bitter taste of the tincture confuses you, try drinking Becherovka with apple juice. Dilute in the proportion in which you will enjoy drinking the drink.
- Various cocktails are prepared on the basis of herbal liqueur. Their names can be very different, but Becherovka goes well with tonic, blackcurrant and cherry juice. For example, the Magic Sunset cocktail contains 40 ml of Becherovka Original, 150 grams of fresh orange juice and Grenadine syrup in an arbitrary proportion. On the official website of the manufacturer on the basis of Becherovka, it is recommended to prepare a cocktail "Beton": a traditional version with tonic (proportions to taste) or Beton espresso - "Becherovka original" (40 ml) + tonic (100 ml) + espresso coffee (15 ml).
The best snack for Becherovka will be fruits and berries, but meat and fish delicacies do not go well with the taste of Becherovka. Apples, oranges, dates, dried fruits and especially dark chocolate - this is the best way to serve Becherovka.
In the Czech Republic, Becherovka is drunk exclusively in the evenings, after a hearty dinner - here the drink is perceived as a digestif. Czechs recommend eating it with a slice of orange flavored with cinnamon. Too warm "Becherovka" is difficult to drink, although it becomes more aromatic, so chill the drink properly before serving.
Storage period
It is believed that this herbal balm has no expiration date - that is, Becherovka can be stored for as long as you like. However, it is better to use an open bottle within six months, since this is the shelf life of the Karlovy Vary mineral water, on the basis of which Becherovka is made.
Acquaintance with Becherovka
The modern factory that produces the liqueur meets the growing demand for the drink. It was built in Karlovy Vary in just one year. The first bottles were produced here in 2010. Do you want to know what herbs are part of Becherovka, what is it and what is the best way to drink Becherovka? The factory is ready to tell about all this in detail during the excursion.
It is prepared only with Karlovy Vary water. Therefore, the people received another name "Karlovy Vary Spring No. 13".
Becherovka - Czech liqueur, strength 38%. Produced in Karlovy Vary. It is prepared from local medicinal herbs according to the technology unchanged since 1807. It was originally used as a gastric medicine.
Recipe
A mixture of 20 herbs is placed in a canvas bag and dipped in alcohol. After a week of infusion, the extract is sweetened, diluted with water and kept for 3 months in special oak barrels.
Becherovka's squad
The exact formulation and proportions are unknown. But it is unambiguous that it includes:
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Carnation
- Allspice
- Orange peel
There is a legend that someone managed to get the recipe for this drink out of the Czech Republic. But when they tried to reproduce it, the liquor turned out to be completely different from the original. Therefore, many believe that it is the Karlovy Vary water that determines the taste of this tincture.
Medicinal properties
Becherovka is drunk to improve digestion and increase appetite. To do this, take it in 20 ml before meals. Doctors are skeptical about the miraculous properties of the drink and doubt the effectiveness of its effect on the digestive system. However, moderate consumption of the drink has not hurt anyone yet.
How to drink correctly
Served in small glasses before dinner. They drink it as a standalone drink, or add it to tea or coffee.
Becherovka cocktails deserve special attention. The most popular is with tonic: the drink is mixed in a 1: 2 ratio (2 parts of tonic). Despite this, the cocktail is quite strong, for which it received its popular nickname "Concrete".
The Czechs themselves sin by mixing it with Czech beer. Ruff lovers can take note, the rest are not recommended to practice such "mixes".
Views
In addition to the traditional tincture, other varieties began to appear, these are:
- Becherovka Cordial (Cardinal) - with the addition of linden honey, strength 35%.
- Becherovka Lemond - Brighter citrus flavor. Less strong - 20%.
- Becherovka KV is a mixture of traditional liqueur with red wine. The fortress is about 40%.
History of creation
The authorship belongs to the pharmacist Josef Becher. Together with their colleague, the British physician Mr. Frobring, they tried to develop new drugs based on various medicinal herbs and tinctures.
Leaving the Czech Republic, a British doctor instructed him to finalize his recipe, based on local plants. Becher managed to bring the matter to an end, and since 1807, the elixir appeared on the shelves of his pharmacy. Carlsbad English Bitter is its first name. It was sold as a medicine in the form of drops.
Until 1841, Becherovka was known only to the clients of his pharmacy. But after he betrayed her recipe to his son, Johann opened a small liquor factory and by 1841 had started the production of this drink. He entrusted the design of bottles and labels to his brother-in-law Karl Laub. Since then, the appearance of the bottle has never changed again.
Becherovka gradually gained popularity. At the beginning of the 20th century, the company was already fighting off numerous attacks by bootleggers who were desperately trying to reproduce the recipe for this liqueur.
All this time, the recipe was kept secret and passed on from father to son. During World War II, the Becherovka recipe was buried in the family garden. In 1945, it was discovered by the Czech authorities, and since then the liquor has become the public domain of the country.
