Becherovka - what kind of drink is this? Becherovka at home

Traveling to the Czech Republic is an ancient Prague, an amazing cuisine and an excellent climate. But there is one more concept, inextricably linked with the culture of this country and its color - the liquor "Becherovka." This is the visiting card of the Czech Republic.

An interesting story of "Becherovka"

The history of this liquor began in Karlovy Vary in 1805, when the English physician Frobrig appeared at the home of the local pharmacist Josef Becher. Men very quickly found a common language, largely due to joint professional interests. The doctor and the pharmacist very often spent time together, mixing various herbs and oils with alcohol. Soon they created the basis for the preparation of tincture, which Josef Becher completed independently.

In 1807, the Czech pharmacist worked out the recipe for tincture intended to improve digestion. Soon it went on sale under the name of gastric drops "Carlsbad English Bitter". After some time, Josef came to the idea that it would be nice to perpetuate his name - so appeared the legendary tincture "Becherovka", the recipe of which was kept secret for a long time.

The medicine to stimulate digestion was in demand, and Josef Becher decided to tell about the secrets of his making to his son. Johann Becher proved to be more enterprising than his father - it was he who created the idea of creating a flat bottle of green and a bright label (until now Becherovka was sold in a plain container).

Subsequently, the family business continued the grandson of Josef Becher and his brother. Thanks to the latest tincture has become known far beyond the Czech Republic. At one time, even the Austrian king was pleasantly surprised by the rich taste of "Becherovka" and annually ordered more than 50 thousand liters of tincture for the royal court.

Czech tincture: the secrets of production

Becherovka is a symbol of the Czech Republic. Of course, no one will tell all the secrets of its manufacture and production.

But a wide audience knows that it includes more than 20 plant species: some of them grow on the territory of the Czech Republic, and some are imported from abroad. Only a few species of plants are known, which uniquely form part of the tincture:

• Orange peel.
• Cardamom and corn.
• Carnation and anise.
• Allspice.

All the vegetable components are put in a canvas bag and insist on alcohol for about a week, then pour the mixture into oak barrels of a specific oval shape and add one of the most important ingredients - sweetened Karlovy Vary water. Legend has it that someone once learned the secret recipe for making tinctures and took it outside the Czech Republic. However, "Becherovka" did not turn out the way it should really be, but all because of its curative water from Karlovy Vary.

Oak barrels with still not ready tincture are stored in the cellars for several months, while in the room a certain temperature and humidity level is maintained .

Healing properties of the Czech tincture

"Becherovka" is a medicinal tincture that is designed to improve the digestive system. At least, this was the original purpose of this liqueur. Currently, doctors are rather skeptical about the healing properties of this drink, believing that it does not have a therapeutic effect on the digestive system.

"Becherovka", the recipe of which is carefully kept secret, is recommended for use as follows: 20 ml immediately before meals. By the way it is said, the consumption of liqueur in moderate amounts has not harmed anyone yet.

How correctly to drink tincture "Becherovka"?

At home, it is very difficult to prepare a liqueur ; in addition, the drink still does not work as it is produced in the Czech Republic. How correctly to drink "Becherovka"? There are several ways to drink this drink:

• Producers strongly recommend to drink tincture in pure form, from cognac glasses, for pleasant conversation in the company of relatives. A classic snack is fresh oranges, sprinkled with cinnamon. This way you can really enjoy the exquisite taste of the drink and evaluate its properties.
• In Slovakia, for example, they like to make cocktails with "Becherovka" - most often it is drunk with beer. Liqueur (40-50 grams) is cooled in the refrigerator, drank in a salvo and washed down with a good beer.

• To stimulate the digestive system, tincture is added to coffee or tea. Thus, it can be used almost every day.
• Cocktails with Becherovka are very popular. So, for example, one of them is called "Concrete". To make it very simple: proportionally mix the Czech tincture and svepes (tonic), add a few ice cubes and a couple drops of lemon juice.
• Very tasty to drink "Becherovka" with cherry or apple juice.

Types of Czech tincture

Becherovka is part of Czech culture. And if earlier this drink was made only on the basis of one recipe, now the producer offers several interpretations of this legendary liqueur, which differ in different tastes and methods of preparation:

• BECHEROVKA LEMOND - Czech tincture with a rich flavor of citrus and kumquat. Liqueur has a pronounced aroma of lemon with light orange notes. This drink is characterized by a smaller strength than the traditional Becherovka - 20%.
• BECHEROVKA KV is a Czech liqueur, the main part of which includes good red wine. This drink has a rather large fortress - about 40%.

Becherovka at home

Of course, no one knows the exact recipe - this drink is prepared exclusively in Karlovy Vary. However, many lovers of this liquor could create a recipe that, to some extent, can convey the taste and aroma of the Czech traditional drink. To prepare this tincture, you will need the following ingredients:

• Slightly more than 1200 ml of alcohol with a strength of 50-55%;
• 5 grams of cinnamon;
• 15-20 pieces of cloves;
• 1 gram of cardamom;
• 2 grams of anise;
• 8-10 peas of sweet pepper ;
• Orange peel (without white part);
• 150 grams of sugar;
• About 300 grams of clean water.

All spices must be poured with alcohol, tightly closed the container and put in a dark warm place. Tincture should stand for a week, during this time, the container should be shaken periodically. A week later, strain the mixture.

To prepare the syrup, you should dilute the sugar in water and put on a slow fire. Constantly stirring, wait until the sugar is completely dissolved, while making sure that the syrup does not boil. Cool the water and add the syrup to the tincture. It is worth noting that the alcohol is preferably poured into the water, so first you need to pour the syrup into a large container and then add the filtered infusion.

In the end, you should get home "Becherovka." The recipe is not difficult, you can treat your friends and relatives with such a drink.

Cost of Czech tincture

Spicy Czech liqueur has been popular for two centuries. This drink can be bought in shops and salons specializing in the sale of elite alcoholic beverages. Tincture "Becherovka", the price of which varies within 1000 rubles, is a traditional drink that eloquently reflects the Czech flavor.

Choose a drink you need very carefully, for fear of fakes. Pay attention to the shape of the bottle and the label. It is advisable to visit the official website of the company and see what the tincture itself should look like, in order to avoid buying an uncertified product.