Becherovka liqueur is a visiting card of the Czech Republic.

The "field" of the famous Czech herbal liquor - Becherovka - Karlovy Vary. How they drink Becherovka in the homeland of this drink, what they eat, what they mix with. Below you will find TOP tips on how to properly use herbal tincture.

Light golden liqueur with a pleasant aftertaste

Becherovka is a herbal tincture with a strength of 38%. As a raw material for this drink, infusions and extracts of more than twenty plants are used:

• chamomile flowers;
• hop cones;
• mustard seeds;
• blackberry leaves;
• blueberry fruits;
• nettle leaves;
• rose essential oil;
• wormwood grass;
• dandelion root;
• melissa leaves;
• rosehip root;
• peppermint leaves and other ingredients.

History of herbal liqueur

This alcoholic drink has existed for more than two centuries, but it appeared on the free market not so long ago. Liquor was originally invented as a remedy for gastrointestinal disorders and ailments. The "author" of Becherovka was the Czech pharmacist Josef Becher. In 1807, he invented a tincture that would relieve his patients of gastrointestinal diseases. The drink had an interesting, rich and original taste, so it quickly became popular even among perfectly healthy patients. To this day, the Becherovka recipe remains unchanged. True, this tincture is no longer found on the shelves of pharmacies - more and more often it is found in grocery store windows, in departments with alcoholic beverages.

And although Becherovka is no longer perceived as a medicine, few people know how to drink Becherovka, with what snacks to use it.

Secrets of drinking herbal liquor

If you examine the history of the herbal drink, it becomes clear why it is recommended to drink it after a meal. , infused with alcohol, were designed to improve digestive processes. Most often, Becherovka was bought by wealthy aristocrats. They used the drink after lush and long feasts with an abundance of fatty and heavy meals for the stomach. At that time, Becherovka relieved heaviness in the stomach, indigestion and other intestinal ailments.

Despite the fact that the fortress near Becherovka is rather big - 38%, the drink is great for both women and men. In the original, it is better to use herbal tincture chilled. The optimum temperature is +5 + 7 degrees Celsius. To cool the liquor to this temperature, it is best to put it in the refrigerator for 50-60 minutes. In its pure form, the original Becherovka is served without the addition of any components.

How to drink Becherovka? Small glasses are used to serve the drink. Herbal liquor is drunk in one gulp, in small doses. This allows you to enjoy the tincture, discover all the shades of herbs and appreciate the taste of the liquor.

Becherovka mixing rules

Interestingly, different countries drink Becherovka in their own way. So, in Slovakia, a liquor infused with herbs is mixed exclusively with beer - light and fresh. According to local residents, it is this drink that allows Becherovka to fully open up, making its taste exceptional and recognizable.

But if you think that in Slovakia they mix Becherovka with light fresh beer in one glass, then you are deeply mistaken. Herbal tincture is served separately in a small glass, not more than fifty milliliters in volume. The drink is drunk in one gulp, after which you can proceed to the use of light beer, poured into a tall glass. However, many people doubt such a recipe for using Becherovka. The method described above is not for everyone, because if you abuse the drink, a pronounced hangover syndrome is found in the morning.

Today Becherovka is a component of various cocktails. It goes well with most non-alcoholic drinks - for example, with tonic, orange, cherry, apple juice.

To prepare a delicious, refreshing cocktail based on Becherovka, you need to know some rules.

1. The proportions of the components are selected individually, but the proportion of alcohol should not exceed 25%.
2. Becherovka goes well even with simple non-alcoholic drinks like tea or coffee.
3. Becherovka is delicious as an ice cream syrup.
4. Becherovka does not mix with other strong alcohol - vodka, cognac, tequila, rum. Czech spirits also do not mix with wine.

Varieties and varieties of Becherovka

The original Czech herbal elixir is sold in green glass bottles. There are also several types of this alcoholic drink on sale. They were designed specifically for making cocktails.

• Becherovka Lemond. In other words, this is a lemon Becherovka. It has a strength of 20% and is in great demand among young people. This variety was developed by the eminent British designer Martin Blunt. This spirit is sold in the same bottles as the original. Only the labels differ. They are made by spraying and seem to have an ice texture.
• Becherovka Cordial. This is a classic elixir infused with herbs, mixed with linden flowers and white wine. The drink is unusual and very tasty, especially if served with ice. By the way, Becherovka, diluted with white wine, goes well with tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
• Becherovka KV 14 and 15 are herbal liqueur versions that are diluted with red wine and are great as an aperitif.

What to eat Becherovka

In fact, the classic Becherovka does not require an appetizer. This is one of the few alcohol-containing products that are usually served empty - even a slice of lemon or orange is superfluous here. The tradition of drinking Czech herbal liquor in this way goes back to the beginning of the 19th century, when the tincture was used as a medicinal, healing agent. Naturally, pharmacists prescribed tincture without a snack, because it could create an additional load on the stomach.

However, today the elixir is not used as a medicine. In addition, it has a high strength, so drinking it without a snack is very problematic. If you find it hard to resist the temptation to intercept something for a snack, know that herbal tincture can be combined with:

• meat and fish snacks;
• citrus fruits and fruits - apples, strawberries, cherries;
• sweets - for example, peanuts in chocolate glaze or with dark chocolate;
• with dried fruits - prunes, dates, dried bananas, dried apricots.

Becherovka as a medicine

Czech alcohol can also be used for its intended purpose - as a medicine. If you have problems with digestion, drink fifty milliliters of liquor immediately after meals. In twenty to thirty minutes, the heaviness and pain in the stomach will disappear.

Becherovka can also be used for medicinal purposes to relieve symptoms of a cold and speed up recovery.

There are several rules for this use of liquor:

• Herbal tincture is slightly warmed up. Better in a water bath.
• With a runny nose, sore throat, perspiration, coughing, you need to drink at least 50 milliliters in one gulp.
• After taking it, it is better to immediately go to bed and cover yourself with a warm blanket. A few hours of healthy and restful sleep combined with herbal plant extracts will get you back on your feet.
• This method of relieving the symptoms of a cold is not used in the treatment of children.

How they drink Becherovka in the Czech Republic

In the homeland of liquor, in Karlovy Vary, alcohol is consumed in its pure form, not only chilled, but also warmed up. To do this, the herbal tincture is heated to +18 +20 degrees and drunk slowly, savoring every sip.

But most often it is the main component of low-alcohol cocktails. Soft, delicate, enveloping taste of the drink goes well with pomegranate juice and tonic. There are no exact recipes for making such cocktails - you can independently adjust the strength and change the proportions. Liquor is often mixed with champagne, and is also added when preparing mulled wines.

Elixir is often drunk with beer in the Czech Republic. The true way of preparing the drink is as follows: a very chilled or even frozen liquor is poured into a small glass, and light filtered beer is added on top. Such a drink is drunk slowly - in three or four sips.

Despite the fact that Becherovka does not combine with strong alcoholic drinks, the Czechs are convinced that young cognac or whiskey does not spoil the taste of herbal liquor. The main condition is to use only two components and serve cocktails in small piles so that you can drink alcohol in one gulp in one gulp.

Becherovka in the Czech Republic is drunk by analogy with the Riga Balsam.

A few tablespoons of the drink is added to coffee. Cream and sugar can be added to taste. Another interesting combination is Becherovka with strong and sweet tea in a one to one ratio. However, it is better to use honey instead of sugar. This infusion improves digestion.

Knowing the rules for mixing Czech liquor with other drinks, you can easily choose the option that turns out to be the most delicious for you. In conclusion, I would like to say that this elixir is not at all suitable for friendly parties and noisy feasts. It is best to use cocktails based on herbal infusion in a calm, intimate atmosphere. Ideal for romantic dates or family get-togethers.

Becherovka is not against experiments. However, remember: the liquor is very strong, so you need to know when to use it.

Rating of the best alcoholic cocktails with Becherovka according to the editors of the Alkofan website. When compiling the list, the main selection criteria were: the taste of drinks, ease of preparation at home, the availability of ingredients (the availability of free sale in large supermarkets) and the popularity of recipes.

Attention! Use the classic Becherovka (Becherovka Original). In the case of other types of drink (Cordial, Lemond, KV 14 and Ice & Fire), the taste of cocktails can change a lot.

1. "Concrete".

A very popular cocktail among young people, the name of which was formed by adding the initial syllables of two main components - Becherovka and tonic. Despite the ease of preparation, the drink has a balanced, pleasant taste with light herbal notes.

Ingredients:

• Becherovka - 40 ml;
• tonic - 200 ml;
• lemon juice - 10 ml (optional).

Thanks to lemon juice, a slight sourness appears in the taste, but it is not necessary to add it. Without juice, the amount of Becherovka must be increased to 50 ml to get a ratio of 1:5.

Recipe: fill a glass with ice, pour in Becherovka with lemon juice. Add tonic on top and mix gently (a lot of foam will appear). Garnish with lemon zest. Drink through a straw or in small sips.

Concrete

2. Bechefruit.

An excellent combination of Becherovka with grapefruit juice. The mineral water somewhat softens the taste and makes the cocktail carbonated.

Ingredients:

• Becherovka - 40 ml;
• grapefruit juice - 150 ml;
• soda (mineral water) - 50 ml;
• sugar - half a teaspoon.

Recipe: mix Becherovka, grapefruit juice and sugar in a glass. Add a few ice cubes. Slowly pour mineral water, mix. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.

bechefruit

3. "Hooligan".

Why the cocktail is named that way is unknown, the name of the author of the recipe has not been preserved in history. It can be assumed that after a few servings, bar patrons do not behave very diligently. The drink has a specific herbal taste with a slight bitterness, which is set off by cola.

Ingredients:

• absinthe - 30 ml;
• vodka - 30 ml;
• Becherovka - 30 ml;
• cola - 150 ml.

Recipe: Fill a tall glass to the top with ice. Alternately pour in absinthe, vodka, Becherovka and cola. Mix. Decorate with an orange slice. Drink through a straw.

Hooligan

4. "Alchemist".

A hot cocktail with Becherovka is remembered for its original serving, in which you need to not only drink, but also inhale the vapors, as is the case with a set fire to sambuca. From the outside, what is happening looks like alchemy or an ancient shamanic ritual.

Ingredients:

• sambuca - 15 ml;
• absinthe - 10 ml;
• white rum - 5 ml;
• Jägermeister - 5 ml;
• Becherovka - 5 ml;
• ground cinnamon - 2 pinches.

Recipe: pour all the alcohol into a cognac glass in random order. Roll the glass several times in your hands to moisten the walls. Pierce the napkin with a tube. Ignite the mixture, let it burn for about 10 seconds, throw cinnamon into the flame. Pour the cocktail into another glass (rocks), top with cognac. After 7-10 seconds, alcohol vapors from the bottom should rise into a cognac glass, which should be placed on a napkin with a tube in the center. Drink a cocktail in one gulp, then inhale the vapors.

Alchemist - served like hot sambuca

5. "Czech ruff".

Nothing but Becherovka with beer. The cocktail is popular in the bars of the Czech Republic, where tourists are offered to try it. The combination has a relatively low strength, but quickly intoxicates.

Ingredients:

• Becherovka - 45 ml;
• light beer (lager) - 90 ml.

Recipe: fill a tall glass (highball or beer) halfway with ice. Pour in Becherovka and beer (carefully). Mix lightly. You can drink in one gulp or in small sips.

Czech ruff

Another variation is to drink a glass of Becherovka and immediately drink a mug of beer in one gulp.

6. "Apple sling (Apple Sling)".

Summer refreshing instant cocktail. Before mixing, all components must be well cooled.

Ingredients:

• Becherovka - 45 ml;
• apple juice - 45 ml;
• tonic - 45 ml.

Recipe: Pour herbal liqueur, juice and tonic into a tall glass filled with ice. Stir with a bar spoon. Can be garnished with thin apple slices.

apple sling

7. "B-Cola".

A simple mix of Becherovka and cola. Fans of diluting alcohol with soda will find a lot of new things in this combination.

Ingredients:

• Becherovka - 40 ml;
• cola (coca-cola or pepsi) - 150 ml.

Recipe: Pour Becherovka and cola into a glass filled with ice. Decorate with lemon slices.

B-Cola

8. "Bianca".

Women's cocktail with Becherovka, champagne and martini. The drink is remembered for its soft, delicate taste.

Ingredients:

• Becherovka - 30 ml;
• white vermouth (martini Bianco) - 30 ml;
• champagne (any sparkling wine) - 30 ml.

Recipe: Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass, gently stir with a bar spoon (foam will appear), then pour into a serving glass filled with ice. Garnish with berries, fruit slices or zest. Drink through a straw.

Bianca

9. Avalanche

Hot cocktail, which can be called one of the varieties of mulled wine. Great for warming up on cold winter evenings.

Ingredients:

• Becherovka - 45 ml;
• red wine (semi-dry or semi-sweet) - 120 ml;
• liquid honey - 20 ml;
• lemon or lime juice - 10 ml.

Recipe: Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and heat but do not bring to a boil. Pour hot cocktail into cups. Decorate with a cinnamon stick on top.

Avalanche

10. "Czech Collaborator".

Famous shot with Becherovka (cocktail in a stack). According to legend, an American firm hired a Czech immigrant. Every Friday at the end of the shift, the man drank several servings of this cocktail. Over time, other employees and even the management of the company adopted this tradition.

Ingredients:

• Becherovka - 25 ml;
• Schnapps (can be mint) - 25 ml.

Recipe: mix heavily chilled Becherovka with schnapps in a glass, drink in one gulp.

Czech Employee

11. "Baby Becher".

Ingredients:

• vodka - 30 ml;
• Becherovka - 30 ml;
• tonic - 120 ml.

Recipes: Pour vodka, Becherovka and tonic into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with mint or citrus zest. Drink in small sips.

Baby Becher

12. Beherita.

An unusual combination of Becherovka with tequila, hence the name. The other ingredients complement the flavor perfectly.

Ingredients:

• white tequila - 60 ml;
• Becherovka - 60 ml;
• sugar syrup - 15 ml (water and sugar in equal proportions);
• egg white - 30 ml;
• peach juice - 60 ml.

Recipe: mix all the ingredients in a shaker, pour the mixture through a strainer (strainer) into a glass with ice.

Beherita

World famous thanks to the original recipe and unsurpassed taste. Connoisseurs of elite alcohol are often interested in what ingredients are present in Becherovka, how to drink this drink correctly and what medicinal properties it has.

The history of the invention of the drink

Becherovka liqueur was invented in the early 19th century by the Czech pharmacist Josef Becher. In addition, Dr. Frobering, a native of Britain, took part in the development of the main recipe. These scientists met in Karlovy Vary, studied the healing properties of plants together and conducted research, collected medicinal herbs in the vicinity of the city and created from them. Before returning to his homeland, the Englishman gave Becher a note in which he noted the main ingredients of the future liquor and their proportions.

Over time, the Czech pharmacist finalized the recipe and, since 1807, began selling the tincture in the form of a remedy that normalizes the functioning of the digestive system. Since the drink was popular, its production was expanded, the design of the bottle was finalized and a trademark was registered. In the late 19th century, herbal liqueur was introduced to the European market.

Composition and types of liquor

The exact recipe and proportions of the ingredients used are a trade secret and protected by the state. Becherovka, whose composition of herbs and spices includes more than 20 plant species, contains the following components:

• water from Karlovy Vary springs;
• alcohol;
• sugar;
• anise, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, wormwood, allspice, etc.;
• orange peel.

The liqueur is produced using a complex technology, but the natural healing properties of herbs are fully preserved during the manufacturing process. In addition, the liquid does not contain preservatives, dyes and flavors.

Under the brand name Becherovka, 5 varieties of the drink are produced:

1. Original Becherovka. It is based on a classic recipe, unchanged since 1807. The alcohol content is 38%.
2. Becherovka Cardial. Dessert type of tincture with a strength of 35%. It is made with the addition of white wine, honey and linden flowers. It is bottled in brown bottles decorated with golden inscriptions.
3. Becherovka Lemond. A low alcohol drink containing 20% ​​alcohol. It has a sweet taste, mild lemon aroma and light yellow color. Among the main ingredients are citrus fruits. It is sold in branded transparent bottles with a yellow-blue label.
4. Becherovka KV14. Strong type of liquor, alcohol content - 39-40%. It has a burgundy hue due to the red wine it contains. Does not contain sugar, suitable for people with diabetes. The design of the bottle contains red and black colors.
5. Becherovka ICE&FIRE. Relatively new product on the market, first released in 2014. The strength of the drink is 30%. The liquid has a specific taste and intense fresh aroma. The recipe contains chili peppers, menthol, citrus fruits, various herbs and spices. Pairs well with ginger ale, tonic and other drinks. The bottle is made of black glass and decorated with a beautiful label made in a modern style.

Becherovka, whose types differ in their components, is often used by bartenders to create many alcoholic cocktails. In the public sale, you can find 2 types of drink, the rest are sold in company stores in the Czech Republic or are included in souvenir and gift sets.

Medicinal properties

Thanks to the medicinal herbs included in the composition, Czech liquor has a beneficial effect on the body and has the following medicinal properties:

• improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract: promotes better absorption of food, speeds up metabolic processes, increases the amount of gastric juice secreted, increases appetite, normalizes stools, etc.;
• can be used to prevent heartburn, flatulence and belching;
• fights colds;
• helps to increase immunity;
• relieves insomnia and improves the quality of sleep.

Despite all the positive qualities, Becherovka Original and other types of this liquor are alcoholic beverages and, if consumed excessively, can harm human health. The recommended daily dose by doctors is 20 ml.

How and with what to drink correctly

If you do not know what Becherovka is drunk with, follow the recommendations of the manufacturers and use herbal liquor undiluted. The drink should be served well chilled in a small glass or cognac glass. You can drink tincture as an aperitif or as a digestif. The best appetizer in these cases is an orange slice sprinkled with cinnamon powder. If you want to manage insomnia, drink liquid before bed.

Also, the liquor can be heated to a warm state and consumed in small sips. This will get rid of diseases of the throat and cough.

In addition, many doctors advise for medicinal purposes to regularly add 1-2 tsp. Becherovka in tea or coffee. This method will increase the body's immune resistance to viruses and bacteria, give vigor and good mood.

Use in cocktails

Czech liqueur goes well with many alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, so it is often included in cocktails. The most common mixes:

1. Becherovka s. This method of drinking was invented in Slovakia and gained popularity all over the world. First, they drink a small glass of chilled liquor in one gulp, and then a glass of light beer. It is believed that in this case, hops and malt reveal the herbal flavor of the tincture in a new way. However, due to the combination of strong alcohol with a weaker liquor, intoxication quickly sets in.
2. Becherovka with juice, tonic or other soft drinks. Traditionally, the liqueur is diluted with apple, cherry or currant juice. If you add a tonic to the original Becherovka and dip a slice of lemon into the cocktail, you get a taste reminiscent of a lemon variety of the drink. Perhaps a combination of Becherovka with Coca-Cola and Sprite.
3. Becherovka with other types of alcohol. The drink can be combined with champagne, ginger ale, and other liquors.

When making cocktails, add ice, mint, sugar syrup, ginger, water, lemon, lime or orange slices, other fruits and berries (raspberries, grapefruit, cherries, etc.). Alcoholic drinks that Becherovka categorically does not combine with include,.

Liquor with a complex composition Becherovka is one of the most famous and truly legendary Czech drinks. Invented by the pharmacist Josef Becher, this tincture has evolved from a common medicinal product into the most recognizable herbal liqueur in the world over its long history. The strength of the drink is 38 degrees, its color has an unusual greenish-yellow tint and a bitter aftertaste with the aroma of herbs and citrus fruits.

In the article:

Becherovka - a bit of history

In 1805, two friends, representatives of the pharmaceutical business, Josef Becher and Dr. Frobrig met on vacation in Karlovy Vary. Becher owned one of the best pharmacies in the city, and Dr. Frobrig was a practicing physician. This meeting was marked by an experiment on the invention of a new herbal tincture for the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract. Some time after the departure of a friend, Josef finally developed and put into production an alcohol-containing tincture, which he called Carlsbad English Bitter.

Carlsbad English Bitter

Becherovka tincture was originally sold in pharmacies as an auxiliary drug. But, after the transfer of rights to the production of tincture to his son Johann in 1841, sales increased due to equipment upgrades and a change in packaging. 10 years before the end of the 19th century, the grandson of the famous pharmacist, Gustave Becher, improved the appearance of the drink, completed the production buildings and officially registered the Becherovka trademark.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the tincture began to be in demand outside the Czech Republic. It began to be actively bought by enterprises engaged in the distribution of alcoholic beverages. In particular, among the fans of the tincture was the royal court of the Emperor of Austria.

Composition of Becherovka

The Becher family carefully guards the recipe for making the tincture. To date, it is known that the composition of the herbal mixture includes at least twenty varieties of herbs growing in the Czech Republic and beyond. Experienced tasters were able to identify some ingredients, including: coriander, chamomile flowers, wormwood, cloves, honey, anise, cardamom, cinnamon, allspice, as well as orange and lemon zest.

The original taste of the drink gives a unique composition of water. In Karlovy Vary, there are 12 different sources of mineral water, which is an effective remedy for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Proportions and composition are kept in the strictest confidence.

According to one of the legends, an employee of the enterprise found out the composition of the drink and took it abroad. In the process of mixing the components and further tincture, the liquor was very different from the original. Many then thought that the main secret of the branded liqueur was water from Karlovy Vary. Therefore, no one in the world has yet been able to repeat the success of the drink.

The production process consists of mixing various herbs and spices, placing them in canvas bags and immersing them in pure alcohol. Containers with alcohol are heated on special equipment to a certain temperature, after which they are left in a warm place to cool. The process takes seven days, after which the finished concentrate is poured into large oak barrels, sugar, mineral water and alcohol are added, covered with lids and the drink is infused for 2-3 months in a cool room. The next step is filtration, the cooling process and the last purification from unwanted impurities.

Liquor is famous for being a natural tincture without the addition of preservatives, dyes, flavors and stabilizers.

It is customary to pour the infusion into branded green glass bottles. The design of the label and the flattened shape of the bottle have become a recognizable brand since the registration of the trademark.

On sale you can find gift sets:

• small bottles of 50 milliliters, the labels of which are designed in retro style;
• packed in a cardboard box, a bottle with a white porcelain cup or several small glasses;
• a set of all five varieties of Becherovka. It is quite expensive, but such a gift will certainly please lovers and will be a worthy decoration of any bar.

Views of Becherovka

Today, five varieties of liquor are produced under the Becherovka trademark. Among them:

Becherovka Original (Original)

Becherovka Original

The classic recipe of 1807, which won its place of honor among. The strength of the drink is 38 degrees.

Becherovka Cardinal (Cardinal)

Becherovka Cardinal

Premium tincture with a slightly lower degree of 35 degrees. Distinguished by honey flavor, lime-colored drink and white wine content. It is bottled in milky brown bottles. It is a favorite delicacy of the fair sex. Used as a dessert.

Becherovka Lemond (Lemon)

Becherovka Lemond

Low alcohol drink (strength reaches only 20 degrees). It has a sweet taste with minty and citrus notes. The color of the bottle is white, which matches perfectly with the light golden tint of the liqueur. The label is made in yellow and blue colors.

KV-14

Becherovka KV-14

Strong herbal infusion with a high alcohol content (40 degrees). It contains absolutely no sugar, making it suitable for people with diabetes. Red wine, which is part of the liqueur, gives the drink a noble burgundy hue. The bottle is decorated in red and black colors. Sold only in specialized stores and included in the gift set.

Ice and fire

Becherovka Ice & Fire

The recipe was developed in 2014 specifically for making cocktails. It is medium in strength (30 degrees). Ideal with tonic or ginger ale. It is distinguished by a variety of tastes, alternately replacing each other up to a chilling feeling as an aftertaste. Externally, the bottle is made of black glass. The label is made in a modern style, combining cool blue and hot yellow colors.

At the moment, Becherovka is popular among lovers of strong drinks, and occupies a worthy place in the arsenal of bartenders. Its 200-year history allows us to talk about the quality of the tincture. The Czechs themselves called the liquor "Living Drink" due to its healing properties.

If one of your friends has been to the Czech Republic, then most likely you have the main Czech souvenir 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 times of socialist Czechoslovakia, it was the main export product. Today it is one of the most popular bitter herbal liqueurs in the world.

History of Becherovka

Josef Vitus Becher (1769 - 1840) was an experienced businessman - he traded in maritime and colonial goods, and also experimented with perfumes and making tinctures in his shop "Three Foresters". In 1805 he spent much 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 selling English Bitters, and the word Becherovka began to be used in 1834.

The drink was originally positioned as a medicinal drink: 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, this was a ready-to-drink drink, 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 son of the founder, Jan Becher. It was he who created the liquor the way it is exported today. In the 1945-50s, only 500 bottles of liquor per year were exported, 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 the production has changed hands many times, the technologists manage to preserve the traditional Becherovka recipe, recreated according to 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 compare it with 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, 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 purposes.

The composition and medicinal properties of Becherovka

Only two people in the world know the exact composition of Becherovka, all these years it was passed down in the Becher family through the male line. Becherovka is made from the famous Carlsbad healing water, a mixture of herbs and spices and natural sugar. It is known exactly how many herbs there are in Becherovka: 20 types of herbs and spices are collected for liquor, among which are anise, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, orange peel and others. Experienced sommeliers, who know how to distinguish the composition by the subtlest 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, so Becherovka remains a unique drink.

The collected herbs in jute bags are dipped in alcohol, heated, and the maceration process is carried out for a week - all the active substances from the dry mixture are transferred to the alcohol tincture. The resulting extract is diluted with water, mixed with sugar and transferred to oak barrels for several months. So it turns out an incredibly tasty and fragrant liquor (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 liquor 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 liquor is made on the basis of the healing water of the Karlovy Vary region: in 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 a poison - it's just a matter of dose." Becherovka for medicinal purposes, it is correct to drink 20 milliliters per single dose. In terms of volume, it is a little more than a tablespoon. For colds, just add a few drops of liquor to 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 cause harm.

Views 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 - 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 and blue label, today other varieties of Becherovka are also produced at the plant.

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 tincture with lime blossom, its strength is slightly lower.
• Becherovka Lemond ("Becherovka lemon") is a liqueur with a bright citrus hue, its strength is only 20%.
• Becherovka KV 14 is an interesting version with red wine.
• "Ice and fire" (ICE and FIRE) is an innovative product in the line with a strength of 30 degrees. Ideal for cocktails with tonic or ginger ale.

In Russia, you can buy only two types of liquor, original and lemon. Traveling in the Czech Republic, you can stock up on other varieties.

A great variety is also observed in relation to containers - this drink is sold in volumes from 50 ml to 3 liters.

In any kind of liquor, the recognizable taste of Becherovka remains: bittersweet, bright and spicy, with a long pleasant aftertaste.

How to drink Becherovka and what to eat

Over the long history of existence, enthusiasts have come up with many ways to drink Becherovka. The manufacturer on the site recommends drinking the liquor in its pure form, serving chilled. This tradition has been going on since the creation of the liquor, because at that time it was a medicinal tincture, and no one thought about what glasses to pour Becherovka into and with what to serve.

However, today it is customary to accompany strong herbal liquor with other drinks. Of course, we are not talking about vodka or cognac, but tea, coffee and juices perfectly complement the taste of Becherovka.

1. One popular way to consume is to drink Becherovka with beer. This is often done in Slovakia - they wash down a glass of cold Becherovka with light beer. In this method, the aftertaste that the beer acquires after the liquor is valued. This method also has an obvious side effect: rapid intoxication. However, if the procedure is not repeated too often, it will be possible to appreciate the taste of an unusual tandem without consequences.
2. If you are confused by the bitter taste of the tincture, try drinking Becherovka with apple juice. Dilute in the proportion in which you will be pleased to drink the drink.
3. Various cocktails are prepared on the basis of herbal liquor. Their names can be very different, but Becherovka goes well with tonic, blackcurrant juice and cherries. For example, the Magic Sunset cocktail includes 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, based on Becherovka, it is recommended to prepare a Beton cocktail: 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 - these are the best things to serve Becherovka with.

In the Czech Republic, Becherovka is drunk exclusively in the evenings, after a hearty dinner - here the drink is perceived as a digestif. And the 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 cool the drink properly before serving.

Shelf life

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 Karlovy Vary mineral water, on the basis of which Becherovka is made.

Acquaintance with Becherovka

The modern factory where the liquor is produced meets the growing demand for the drink. It was built in Karlovy Vary in just one year. The first bottles here were released in 2010. Do you want to know what herbs are included in Becherovka, what kind it is and what is the best way to drink Becherovka? We are ready to tell about all this in detail at the plant during the tour.