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. Czech liquor Becherovka, produced in Karlovy Vary, has held high positions for two centuries and is gaining more and more new fans. Invented as a medicine to improve digestion by a local pharmacist Joseph Becher in 1807, it quickly became popular, and its area of application expanded significantly. Most connoisseurs of quality alcohol use this herbal tincture mainly for gastronomic purposes, although the Czechs themselves still use liquor as a medicine, believing in its healing power. The rules for how to drink Becherovka depend on what this legendary drink is used for.
Drink Varieties
The recipe for “Becherovka” is kept secret and passed down from generation to generation in the Becher family through the male line. In addition to the owner of the enterprise, the recipe for liquor is known to his chief technologist, this exhausts the list of insiders.
It is known that for the preparation of the legendary tincture 20 herbs are used, 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 part of the “Becherovka”. Most of them are taken to say that the recipe contains anise, allspice, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, orange peel. Many believe that honey, lemon and chamomile are almost certainly part of the composition. Some managed to catch notes of wormwood in the bouquet.
The old drink recipe was refined, on the basis of which several more were created with a modified composition. Currently 5 types of Becherovka are produced:
- Original (38%) - made according to an authentic recipe from 1807;
- Cordial (35%) - liqueur with notes of lime color, made with the addition of white wine;
- Lemond (20%) - bright liqueur with a bright aroma of citrus fruits;
- KV 14 (39%) - has a red color, while its production uses red wine;
- ISE & FIRE (30%) - produced since March 2014, when tasting, the drink burns with the taste of spicy pepper, leaves a cold aftertaste in the mouth.
Only two species are exported - Original and Lemond, other Becherovka varieties can be purchased only in Karlovy Vary.
“Becherovka”, regardless of its grade, can be used in pure or diluted form, added to tea or coffee.
Recommendations for use
There are 4 common ways to use Becherovka.
- In pure form. That is how to drink “Becherovka” recommends the manufacturer. To appreciate the delicate taste of the drink, sweetish with bitter notes, it will have to be cooled to 5-7 degrees. Cool and preferably glasses under it. Shot glasses or small piles of small volume, with a very thick bottom, smoothly extending upwards. In the absence of such, you can use the usual stacks. You can not swallow a drink immediately, 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 feel even better.
- With the addition of coffee, tea. So drink “Becherovka” for medicinal purposes in order to strengthen the immune system and general well-being. 20-40 ml of liquor is added to the cup, depending on its volume. The recommended daily rate of the drink when using it as a medicine is 60 ml, divided into 2-3 doses.
- With beer. This way of drinking “Becherovka” is popular in Slovakia, neighboring with the Czech Republic. Liquor fill a stack with a capacity of 40-50 ml, next put a mug of cold beer. Preference is given to light wheat live beer. Having drunk Becherovka in one gulp, it is immediately washed down with beer. The combination of grassy aftertaste with malt gives an unusual taste sensation. The disadvantage of this method of using tinctures is one - a rapid onset of intoxication followed by a hangover.
- With juice. If you do not like strong drinks, you can dilute the “Becherovka” juice in any ratio. It combines well with cherry, cranberry, apple, orange, apricot juice, but you can use others. Lemon "Becherovka" well revealed in tandem with tonic.
“Becherovka” was created to facilitate the process of digesting food, so it is recommended to drink it after meals. Some use the drink as an aperitif, which is also not a serious violation.
How to snack “Becherovka”
Many are accustomed to the fact that strong alcoholic beverages must be eaten. On “Becherovka” this rule does not apply. Initially, they drank it to improve digestion after a hearty lunch, it would be unwise to load the stomach with additional food. Since then, there has been a tradition of “Becherovka” not to have a snack. If this is unacceptable for you, it is permissible to serve fruit as a snack. The best option would be slices of orange, sprinkled with cinnamon. Their sour taste will balance the sweet taste of liquor.
Those who can not drink strong alcohol without a snack, you can offer a cocktail based on “Becherovka”. Their recipes exist abound.
Ocean Cocktail
Composition:
- grape juice - 150 ml;
- “Becherovka” - 40 ml;
- Blue Curacao liqueur - 20 ml;
- ice cubes - to taste.
Method of preparation:
- Stir the drinks.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Pour a cocktail into it.
Serve a cocktail with a straw. The edges of the glass can be decorated with “frost” of powdered sugar. You can also use citrus fruit circles for decoration.
Cocktail “Concrete”
Composition:
- “Becherovka” - 50 ml;
- tonic - 100 ml;
- crushed ice - to taste;
- a slice of lemon, a sprig of mint - for decoration.
Method of preparation:
- Fill the glass with about half of the crushed ice.
- Mix the liquor and tonic, pour the mixture into the prepared glass.
- Decorate the glass with lemon and mint.
In Russia, this cocktail is also known as “Bedgitto”. It is necessary to drink it in small sips, holding the drink in the mouth for 15-20 seconds.
Cocktail “Bianco”
Composition:
- Martini “Bianco” - 35 ml;
- champagne - 35 ml;
- “Becherovka” - 50 ml;
- crushed ice - to taste.
Method of preparation:
- In the shaker, shake the drinks.
- Pour into a glass filled with ice.
Cocktail is served with a straw. Drink it taken 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 use of the drink allows you to fully appreciate its unique bouquet.
