“Becherovka” is a Czech herbal liqueur with a strength of 20 to 40 degrees, depending on the variety. Conceived as a medicinal tincture for the stomach and digestion, the drink over the course of 200 years has become one of the main alcohol brands in the Czech Republic. PragaTrips tells you how, when and with what it is better to drink Becherovka, as well as what it comes in.
Views of Becherovka
The manufacturer has developed six varieties of the drink, which differ in alcohol content and additives.
“Becherovka Original”. A classic liqueur - this is how Jan Becher invented it at the beginning of the last century. In addition to alcohol and water from Karlovy Vary springs, cardamom, anise, orange zest, allspice and cinnamon are used in the preparation of the original Becherovka. Strength –38%
“Becherovka Cordial”. It differs from the classics in that linden blossom is added to “Cordial”. This variety is slightly weaker - 35%.
“Becherovka Lemond”. The weakest version of the liqueur is only 20%. As the name implies, citrus fruits are added to the drink.
“Becherovka KV 14” (Becherovka KV 14). Red wine is added to the original Becherovka. The strength of the drink is 39%.
“Becherovka KV 15” (Becherovka KV 15). The 40-degree variety was the strongest in the Becher line, but later it was abandoned in favor of “KV 14”. Now they don’t produce it anymore, but suddenly you’ll be lucky enough to stumble upon a random bottle lying around somewhere.
“Becherovka Ice & Fire”. The newest liqueur in the Becher line - sold since 2014. Designed to be mixed with non-alcoholic drinks. Strength -30%. First you feel the bitterness of herbs with a cool citrus-menthol flavor, and then a hot wave of spicy pepper rolls in.
How, when and with what do you drink Becherovka?
Classic way. The creators of the liqueur advise drinking it as is, without anything from 50-gram cognac glasses. The ideal temperature for Becherovka is seven degrees. If the liqueur heats up, its taste will intensify, the herbal notes will become coarse, and the drink will smell like medicine - don’t do that. The only advantage of warm “Bekhkrovka” is its brighter aroma. When cooled to the optimal temperature, the drink will be sweetish with a touch of herbal bitterness.
It is best to drink late in the evening and after dinner. “Becherovka” is a digestif, and it helps the body absorb nutrients received from food. Initially, liqueur was a medicinal tincture for the digestive system. Of the entire Becherovka series, only KV 14 is intended as an aperitif - this variety is drunk before meals.
Manufacturers do not recommend snacking, and Becherovka does not need it: it tastes good, there is no point in interrupting it, and if you drink at the right time, then you are not hungry. The only snack that the creator of the drink allowed was an orange slice sprinkled with cinnamon.
Later varieties of liqueur allow exceptions. “Lemond” and “Cordial” are often drunk for dessert, and they are good to have with something sweet: soft cookies, a piece of cream cake, chocolate, cake. These two drinks also go well with citrus fruits, apples and grapes.
In Slovakian. In Slovakia they believe that Becherovka without beer is money down the drain. Or maybe it's the other way around. Be that as it may, Slovaks like to wash down very chilled liquor with beer - cold and preferably light, but for some, dark is fine. Malt and hops harmonize well with Becherovka herbs, resulting in a pleasant aftertaste. As you understand, “Becherovka” in Slovakian is a surefire way to get drunk quickly.
With juice. Strong varieties of Becherovka like “Original” are mixed with juices in a one-to-one ratio. The juices of cherry, pomegranate, apple, orange, black currant, and grapes are often used - they are believed to be well suited for herbal liqueur. But this is a matter of taste - experiment, select juices and ratios.
With hot drinks. In small quantities, liqueur is poured into morning tea or coffee - usually one or two tablespoons of Becherovka per cup of hot drink. You will almost not feel the taste of alcohol - only the aftertaste of herbs, the smell and a barely noticeable bitterness.
The point of this method is to invigorate the body a little. This mixture improves tone, improves digestion and strengthens the immune system. If you drink Becherovka with tea or coffee in winter, you will be less likely to catch a cold. To achieve a preventive effect, you need to drink it daily. The main medical effect of Bekhkrovka herbs is that they relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, weaken spasms of the gallbladder and stimulate the secretion of gastric juice.
Cocktails with Becherovka
There are many of them, and we will tell you about the most common ones, which are often prepared in bars.
Punch from Becherovka. 45 gr. liqueur is mixed with 90 gr. filtered water and add 20 grams there. sugar syrup, 10 gr. orange and lemon juices. All this is thoroughly mixed and heated. The cocktail is served in a container for hot drinks, and the glass can be garnished with a lime or an orange slice.
"Oasis". Cut the lime into small pieces and throw them into the glass. Sprinkle with sugar and press down to release the juice from the lime. Top with ice, pour 50 g. “Becherovka” and mix thoroughly.
“Becherovka” with cherries. 40 grams are poured into a shaker. grapefruit juice and Becherovka. Shake, pour into cocktail glasses and garnish with cocktail cherries.
B-Ocean. Need 40 gr. “Becherovki”, 20 gr. blue “Curacao” and 150 gr. grape juice. Mix all this in a blender, add ice and pour into a glass. An orange or mint leaf is suitable for decoration.
“200 years of Becherovka.” A cocktail invented for the anniversary of the liqueur. For 30 gr. drink you need 100 g. apple juice and just a little ginger ale. Decor – mint leaf and lime.
“Bianca.” Mix 30 grams in a glass. liqueur and vermouth - white dessert. After mixing everything, pour into a glass filled with ice. Add 30 grams there. champagne and decorate the glass with lime or raspberries.
“Magic Sunset”. Pour 40 grams into a glass with ice. liqueur, 15 gr. orange juice and 10 gr. grenadine. No need to stir - just garnish with an orange slice or strawberry.
Bejito. For 40 gr. Becherovka takes 50 g. tonic or soda and 150 gr. blackcurrant juice. Mix everything in a blender, add ice and pour into a glass. Orange or mint are suitable for decoration.
Becherovka with cola. It couldn’t be simpler: mix 150 grams. cola with 40 gr. liqueur and decorate the glass with lemon.
"Raquel's Tears" Two-layer cocktail: 50 g. Becherovka pours the same amount of Triple Sec and does not stir. The top part is set on fire before serving.
The Czech Republic is famous not only for its magnificent Prague architecture, the healing water of Karlovy Vary and amazingly tasty beer, but also for its unique taste liqueur, the secret of which is kept secret and passed down from generation to generation by the descendants of the inventor - Becherovka. How to drink Becherovka correctly in order to appreciate its spicy herbal aroma and tart taste in its entirety? Let's find out what the experts advise.
What do you drink Becherovka with? Traditionally, it is consumed with beer, added to tea or coffee, and cocktails.
The secret of Becherovka's taste
The Czech liqueur was created at the beginning of the 19th century by a pharmacist from Karlovy Vary, Josef Becher. A drink made from oils and herbal extracts was conceived as a means to improve digestion and appetite. After numerous experiments with the composition, Becher created the ideal formula for a herbal liqueur, which he named after himself.
The Becherovka recipe is kept secret: only the descendants of the pharmacist and the chief technologists of the enterprise know it.
It is only known that the drink is based on extracts of more than 20 herbs, including local ones, those collected from different parts of the world, and the purest water of Karlovy Vary springs.
Connoisseurs highlight notes of cinnamon, anise, orange zest, cardamom, wormwood, cloves, allspice, coriander, lemon, chamomile and honey in the liqueur’s bouquet.
How and with what do you drink Becherovka?
Over the long history of herbal liqueur, certain traditions of its use have developed.
In its pure, undiluted form, the drink is served after a meal or in the evening, in small glasses. Before drinking Becherovka, it must be cooled to 5-7 degrees - this is how the manufacturer recommends drinking the drink. Some connoisseurs drink the liqueur slightly warmed up, but when warm, the taste of the drink becomes particularly sharp. An appetizer for liqueur can be a slice of orange sprinkled with ground cinnamon - this way its taste and aroma will be revealed more fully and brightly.
As a medicine to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, Becherovka is added to tea or coffee at the rate of 1-2 tablespoons per cup. This drink helps improve digestion, strengthen the immune system and increase tone.
Becherovka was created in the Czech Republic, but the liqueur has spread to other countries. Traditionally it is consumed in Europe, Russia, America and Asia. The drink has gained wide popularity due to its exquisite taste, wide list of ingredients, and healing properties. In addition to the main ingredients, such as alcohol and granulated sugar, the liqueur is prepared with the addition of herbs, honey, citrus fruits, and spicy spices.
Composition of Becherovka
The creators of the liqueur keep the recipe for the drink under 7 seals, but experienced connoisseurs still got hold of a short composition. Today it is known that the liqueur is produced on the basis of 20 types of medicinal herbs. At the same time, at least 5 varieties grow in the Karlovy Vary region (Czech Republic). The remaining list of plants is supplied from abroad directly to the plant.
Experienced sommeliers, through numerous tastings, identified additional ingredients included in the drink. These include chamomile blossom, coriander, honey, lemon juice, orange, cloves, cardamom, vanilla (not in all types of Becherovka). It was also possible to establish the presence of spring water taken directly from Karlovy Vary.
Views of Becherovka
- Original.“Original” liqueur has been produced since the beginning of 1807, since then the recipe for the drink has remained virtually unchanged (as far as the sommelier knows). This type of Becherovka is considered a classic of the genre, on the basis of which other variations are prepared.
- Becherovka Lemond. The drink includes citrus essences, orange, lemon, grapefruit, and lime juice. The liqueur has a strength of 20 degrees, so it is suitable for use in pure form or in cocktails.
- Becherovka Cordial. The drink has a strength of about 35 degrees, so it will appeal to connoisseurs. The basis of the liqueur is linden inflorescences, chamomile and cardamom.
- Becherovka KV-14. Herbal alcohol contains red wine. As a rule, it is dessert, sickly sweet. The drink has a strength of 40 degrees, but is drunk easily even in its pure form.
- Becherovka Ice Fire. The black liqueur includes spicy notes of chili pepper, a menthol aftertaste, and a herbal aroma. Thanks to its strength of 30 degrees, Becherovka is used in cocktails and in pure form.
The healing properties of Becherovka
- Initially, the liqueur was produced in small quantities in order to improve health and strengthen the immune system. To this day, residents of the creator country use Becherovka for medicinal purposes, and this is not surprising.
- Liqueur increases the feeling of hunger, so it should be drunk 10 minutes before meals. Daily consumption in small quantities speeds up metabolism, normalizes stool, heart rate and blood pressure. In addition, waste is removed from the internal organs, and toxins are broken down many times faster.
- Becherovka promotes the rapid release of gastric juice, which is important for people watching their figure. Food is digested not in 4 hours, as we used to believe, but in 2-2.5. The herbal drink tones the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and reduces the risk of poisoning.
- For therapeutic and preventive purposes, you should use only classic Becherovka marked “Original”. You can add liqueur to tea and coffee or drink 20 ml daily. before the meal. It all depends on personal preference, the daily norm is 60 ml.
Method number 1. How to drink Becherovka in its pure form
- As mentioned earlier, liqueur was invented for medicinal purposes. Later, experienced tasters adapted Becherovka in their own way.
- Traditionally, liqueur is drunk neat. It is preferable to choose the evening after dinner, but you can enjoy the drug after a hearty lunch.
- As for glassware, choose glasses with a narrow bottom that gradually widens towards the edges. The volume of the dishes is 40-60 ml. First, the glasses must be cooled to 6 degrees to emphasize the taste.
- Pour Becherovka, backing 1 cm from the edge. Garnish with a slice of orange or grapefruit, sprinkle the citrus with cinnamon. Place the liqueur in your mouth, count to 40, and swallow.
- This is how they drink the drug in the Czech Republic, and this is considered correct. The second glass is poured at will after 15-20 minutes. It is worth remembering that the “blow to the head” from Becherovka does not happen immediately, but after half an hour.
Method number 2. How to drink Becherovka with coffee and tea
- It was mentioned above that liqueur is also used for medicinal purposes. Use only the drink in its pure form, marked “Original”. The daily dose is 60 ml, this amount must be divided into 3-4 doses.
- Add Becherovka to strong tea without sugar (black, green, hibiscus) and freshly brewed coffee. Combination with heavy cream (from 33%) is allowed; milk should not be mixed.
- Daily consumption for a month helps strengthen the immune system, normalize stool and the digestive tract as a whole. Becherovka is often drunk with hot drinks during the flu and cold season.
Method No. 3. How to drink Becherovka with juice
- Not everyone prefers to drink liqueur in its pure form, with beer or in combination with coffee/tea. Fans of low-proof drinks drink Becherovka in a diluted form.
- The ideal options are the types of liqueur “Original”, “KV-14” and “Lemond”. Mix the drug with juice in a 3:1 ratio. For 60 ml. Becherovka accounts for about 20 grams. thinner.
- When it comes to juices, give preference to lemon, currant, apple, cranberry, orange, grapefruit and cherry. Of course, it all depends on personal preferences, experiment.
Method number 4. How to drink Becherovka with beer
- In Slovakia, the herbal liqueur is washed down with wheat foam, preferably live. This use option is suitable for all types of drugs, the main thing is to pre-cool the liqueur.
- Choose glasses of your favorite shape with a volume of up to 50 ml, put them in the freezer for 10 minutes. It is important to ensure that the glass temperature drops to 5-7 degrees.
- Pour about 45 g. Becherovka. Fill another glass with beer. First, put the liqueur in your mouth, count to 30, and swallow. Immediately drink beer in 2 sips.
- This option involves a snack with hazelnuts or almonds without salt. It should be remembered that foam in combination with strong liquor quickly kills you on the spot.
Method No. 5. How to drink Becherovka in cocktails
- Bianca. Mix 45 ml. sparkling rose wine or martini with 50 ml. Becherovki Original. Pour into a 200 ml glass and fill with crushed ice. Drink through a straw, snacking on raspberries or lime wedges.
- Punch. Combine 85 ml in a shaker. carbonated mineral water, 45 ml. Becherovka Lemond or Original. Add 20 ml. sweet sugar syrup, 15 ml. fresh lemon juice. Shake the ingredients in the bowl, then heat to 68 degrees. Consume with a snack of citrus fruits.
- Jellyfish. Mix 40 ml. currant liqueur with 20 ml. ale (ginger). Add 35 ml. Becherovka "KV-14", juice of half a lemon. Fill a glass with cocktail and sprinkle with crushed ice. Garnish with lemon and serve chilled.
- Lagoon. Chop a whole lime into slices and sprinkle with cane sugar or powder. Soak in a wide-bottomed glass for 1 hour, then pour in 60 ml. Becherovka (any). Stir the cocktail by swirling the glass in your hand. Consume in one gulp.
- Sherry. Mix 60 ml. chilled cherry juice with 30 ml. Becherovka Original or Lemond. Add 10 gr. vodka (you can replace 30 ml Martini). Stir, garnish with fresh cherries, and consume.
- Oasis. For this cocktail you will need 50 ml of Triple Sec liqueur. Pour it into an elongated glass, drop 5 ml on top. lemon juice. Now pour in 30 ml. Becherovka of any kind, again cover with lemon juice. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and drink immediately.
- Concrete. The cocktail is often served in Europe under this name. In Russia the drink is called “Beggitto”. Mix tonic with original Becherovka in a 2:1 ratio. Cool, drink in small sips, holding the mixture in your mouth for 20 seconds.
For medicinal purposes, they drink Becherovka mixed with tea or coffee. If you want to fully experience the taste, drink liqueur in its pure form. It should be noted that the drug with beer quickly intoxicates. It makes sense for ladies to consider cocktail recipes based on Czech herbal infusion.
Video: how to drink Becherovka
Herbal balms are produced by many enterprises in different countries of the world, but not all of them become widely known and acquire the status of elite alcohol. The Czech liqueur Becherovka, produced in Karlovy Vary, has held a high position for two centuries and is gaining more and more new admirers. Invented as a digestive medicine by local pharmacist Josef Becher in 1807, it quickly became popular and its use expanded significantly. Most connoisseurs of high-quality alcohol use this herbal tincture mainly for gastronomic purposes, although the Czechs themselves still use liqueur as a medicine, believing in its healing power. The rules for drinking Becherovka depend on what this legendary drink is used for.
Types of drink
The Becherovka recipe is kept secret and passed down from generation to generation in the Becher family along the male line. In addition to the owner of the enterprise, the recipe for the liqueur is known to its chief technologist; this completes the list of insiders.
It is known that 20 herbs are used to prepare the legendary tincture, some of which grow in Karlovy Vary, some are brought from abroad, and from different countries. Many sommeliers could not resist the temptation to determine what is included in Becherovka. Most of them claim that the recipe contains anise, allspice, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and orange zest. Many people believe that honey, lemon and chamomile flowers are almost certainly included in the composition. Some managed to catch notes of wormwood in the bouquet.
The old recipe for the drink was modified, and on its basis several more were created with a modified composition. Currently, 5 varieties of Becherovka are produced:
- Original (38%) – made according to an authentic recipe from 1807;
- Cordial (35%) – liqueur with notes of linden blossom, made with the addition of white wine;
- Lemond (20%) – light liqueur with a bright citrus fruit aroma;
- KV 14 (39%) – has a red color, red wine is used in its production;
- ISE&FIRE (30%) – produced since March 2014; when tasting, the drink burns with the taste of spicy pepper and leaves a cold aftertaste in the mouth.
Only two types are exported - Original and Lemond; other varieties of Becherovka can only be purchased in Karlovy Vary.
Becherovka, regardless of its type, can be consumed pure or diluted, added to tea or coffee.
There are 4 common ways to consume Becherovka.
- In its purest form. This is how the manufacturer recommends drinking Becherovka. To appreciate the subtle sweetish taste of the drink with bitter notes, it will have to be cooled to 5–7 degrees. It is advisable to cool the glasses for it. Small glasses or shot glasses are suitable, with a very thick bottom, gradually expanding towards the top. In the absence of such, you can use ordinary stacks. You don’t have to swallow the drink right away, but hold it in your mouth for 30–40 seconds. If you try Becherovka at room temperature, its sharp taste may disappoint, although the herbal aroma will be even better.
- Added to tea, coffee. So they drink Becherovka for medicinal purposes to strengthen the immune system and overall well-being. Add 20–40 ml of liquor per cup, depending on its volume. The recommended daily intake of the drink when used as a medicine is 60 ml, divided into 2-3 doses.
- With beer. This way of drinking Becherovka is popular in Slovakia, neighboring the Czech Republic. Fill a 40–50 ml shot glass with liquor, and place a mug of cold beer next to it. Preference is given to light wheat live beer. Having drunk Becherovka in one gulp, it is immediately washed down with beer. The combination of a herbaceous aftertaste with malt gives an unusual taste sensation. There is only one drawback to this method of consuming the tincture: rapid onset of intoxication followed by a hangover.
- With juice. If you don’t like strong drinks, you can dilute Becherovka with juice in any ratio. Cherry, cranberry, apple, orange, and apricot juices go well with it, but others can be used. Lemon Becherovka opens up well when paired with tonic.
Becherovka was created to facilitate the process of digesting food, so it is recommended to drink it after meals. Some people use the drink as an aperitif, which is also not a serious violation.
How to snack on Becherovka
Many people are accustomed to the fact that strong alcoholic drinks must be taken with a snack. This rule does not apply to Becherovka. Initially, they drank it to improve digestion after a hearty lunch; it would have been unwise to load the stomach with additional food. Since then, there has been a tradition of not eating Becherovka. If this is unacceptable for you, it is acceptable to serve sliced fruit as a snack. The best option would be orange slices sprinkled with cinnamon. Their sour taste will balance the sweet taste of the liqueur.
For those who cannot drink strong alcohol without a snack, you can offer a cocktail based on Becherovka. There are plenty of recipes for them.
Cocktail "Ocean"
- grape juice – 150 ml;
- Becherovka – 40 ml;
- Blue Curacao liqueur – 20 ml;
- ice cubes - to taste.
Cooking method:
- Stir your drinks.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Pour the cocktail into it.
The cocktail should be served with a straw. The edges of the glass can be decorated with “frost” made from powdered sugar. You can also use citrus fruit slices for decoration.
Cocktail "Concrete"
- Becherovka – 50 ml;
- tonic – 100 ml;
- crushed ice - to taste;
- a slice of lemon, a sprig of mint - for decoration.
Cooking method:
- Fill the glass about halfway with crushed ice.
- Mix the liqueur with tonic and pour the mixture into the prepared glass.
- Garnish the glass with lemon and mint.
In Russia, this cocktail is also known as “Beggitto”. You should drink it in small sips, holding the drink in your mouth for 15–20 seconds.
Cocktail "Bianco"
- Martini “Bianco” – 35 ml;
- champagne – 35 ml;
- Becherovka – 50 ml;
- crushed ice - to taste.
Cooking method:
- Shake the drinks in a shaker.
- Pour into a glass filled with ice.
The cocktail is served with a straw. It is customary to drink it slowly.
“Becherovka” is a famous Czech drink, which is a tincture of herbs. Invented to treat digestive problems, it soon became popular among connoisseurs of good alcohol due to its unique taste and aroma. Proper consumption of the drink allows you to fully appreciate its unique bouquet.
Having visited the Czech Republic, three words will forever remain in your memory: Karlovy Vary, Czech beer and, of course, Becherovka! This wonderful drink is the calling card of the country, because almost every visitor believes that they should bring home a bottle of this liqueur.
Interesting! Becherovka in the Czech Republic is considered the “thirteenth healing spring” in Karlovy Vary.
Varieties of tincture
| Name | Alcohol | Characteristic |
| 20% | The lightest tincture with a citrus aroma of lemon and orange. | |
| Becherovka Original | 38% | A classic version of this liqueur, unchanged since 1807. |
| Becherovka KV 14 | 39-40% | Red wine is added to the liqueur. The tincture is used as an aperitif. |
| Becherovka KV 15 | 40% | This Becherovka variety is similar in composition to KV 14, but it has been discontinued from mass production. |
| Becherovka Cordial | 35% | The liqueur is based on white wine and linden blossom. |
| Becherovka Ice&Fire | 30% | A very interesting view of Becherovka. The tincture has an almost black color and a combination of chili pepper and menthol. |
Unfortunately, only two varieties are produced for export: Becherovka Lemond and Becherovka Original.
The remaining three, except Becherovka KV 15, are produced and can only be purchased in the country.
How and with what to drink?
There is no strict canon for the use of this drink. But there are 4 most common options:
- As a medicine. It is best to take the Original variety. Add 2 tablespoons of tincture to tea or coffee. This combination will increase immunity, improve tone and normalize digestion. It is recommended to drink no more than two cups per day.
- As a digestif. It is recommended by the manufacturer to drink Becherovka in its pure form. The classic option is to serve after meals at a temperature of up to 10 degrees. As a snack, you can use a slice of orange with cinnamon.
- In the form of cocktails. For lovers of weaker drinks, they suggest combining Becherovka with various juices. Excellent options would be sour juices: apple, cherry or currant.
- The favorite version of Slovaks is with beer. The originality of the method lies in not mixing drinks. First, drink a glass of chilled liqueur, and then wash it down with light beer. Remember! The combination of two strong alcohols leads to rapid intoxication.
Becherovka Original from Directive!
Have you decided to try the historical taste of real Becherovka? Then hurry up and order this drink for yourself and your friends on our website! Experienced store consultants will advise on all questions of interest.