Some modern alcoholic drinks were originally positioned by their creators as medicines. The same applies to Becherovka. In fact, this drink is a strong and thick liquor with a greenish color and a pronounced bitter taste with hints of citrus fruits.
It is known all over the world, and those who once tried it, remain forever impressed by it. This Czech liqueur is known all over the world today and is considered one of the best in its category.
Today, the plant in the Czech Republic produces five types of this alcoholic beverage. Each of them has its own unique characteristics and individual fortress. All products are sold in branded bottles:
Each of these varieties of Becherovka is available in bottles ranging from 03 to 0.5 liters.
Important! In free sale around the world, you can buy only two types of this liqueur - Lemond and Original. The remaining three types can only be bought in the Czech Republic. And you can make the purchase itself either directly at the factory or in company stores.
What do they drink it with?
Since this liqueur was originally created as medicine to improve metabolism and treat the gastrointestinal tract, there is a special cult of drinking this drink. Today, Becherovka is used as a pure form and in the form of cocktails.
Alcoholic cocktails
By itself, this alcoholic drink is quite strong and not every person can drink it undiluted. That is why today a huge variety of different cocktails based on Becherovka has appeared:
- B-Cola. It is prepared extremely simply in 150 ml of ordinary Coca-Cola, add 50 ml of liquor. The cocktail is thoroughly mixed, poured into a glass, its edge is decorated with a slice of orange and served with a straw.
- hot punch. Mix 45 ml of liquor, 85 ml of water, 10 ml of orange and lemon juice, and add 20 g of granulated sugar. The resulting mixture is heated in a water bath to 75 degrees. Then it is poured into a glass, which is decorated with a skewer with slices of citrus fruits and strawberries.
- Ocean-B. In a shaker, thoroughly mix 40 g of liquor, 150 g of grape juice and 20 g of Curacao Blue special liqueur. AT tumbler pour ice to half of its capacity, then pour the resulting cocktail. The rim of the glass is garnished with orange slices and served immediately.
- Tears Raquel This is a cocktail shot. 50 ml of liquor is poured into a wide low glass, the same portion of the Triple Sec alcoholic drink is added on top. Layers should be poured carefully so that they do not mix with each other. Before serving, the liquid in the glass is set on fire.
- Bianca- This is one of the most popular and lightest Becherovka-based cocktails. To prepare it, you need to mix 50 ml of this liquor and any sweet. Add 35 ml of champagne to them and immediately pour into a glass with ice. Such a drink should be served by decorating the edges of the glass with fresh raspberries and along with a straw.
- Bejito. In a blender or shaker, you need to mix 150 g of currant juice, 40 g of Berekhovka and 50 g of any tonic. Serve in a tall glass without a straw.
- Magic Sunset is an alcoholic drink that is served unmixed. Crushed ice is poured into a glass at a third of its height. Then 45 g of Becherovka, 10 g of grenadine and 15 ml of lemon juice are added there. Decorate with orange slices on top and serve with a cocktail tube.
- desert oasis. Has quite interesting taste with pronounced acidity. Place 2 slices of lime in a glass and sprinkle it with 1 tbsp. granulated sugar. The resulting mass should be slightly ceilinged together. Then ice is added to the glass and 50 ml of liquor is poured. Serve immediately, garnishing the rim of the glass with a mint leaf.
- Celebration-B. In a glass filled crushed ice two-thirds, pour 100 g of apple liqueur, 30 g of Czech alcoholic drink and add a few drops of ginger ale. Served with a straw and a slice of lemon.
- Concrete. This cocktail is also considered one of the most popular. It is prepared very simply by mixing soda and Becherovka in proportions of 2: 1, pour into a glass with ice and serve immediately. While drinking such a drink, you must hold it in your mouth for at least 25 seconds. This is the only way to appreciate the true taste of the resulting drink.
Attention! For the preparation of all of the above cocktails, it is recommended to use such types of Becherovka as: Lemond, ICE & FIRE and original liqueur.
There are other ways to consume this alcohol. Although it is impossible to call such drink options cocktails in the literal sense of this meaning:
However, the Czech liqueur Becherovka can and even in some situations should be consumed in its pure form, without mixing with other drinks. But it also needs to be done correctly.
How to use in pure form?
Residents of the Czech Republic believe that this liquor should be consumed after dinner in a small amount. It should be served chilled, the temperature of Becherovka should not be higher than 7 degrees.
Liquor is served in small piles, with a capacity of not more than 50 ml. Drinking this alcoholic drink should be in one gulp or dividing the portion into two times.
Like any other strong alcoholic drinks, this Czech liqueur must be eaten, but the products for this should be selected with great care.
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Video on how to drink Becherovka correctly:
Snack
The creator of this liquor, Josef Becher, insisted that it was not necessary to snack on his alcoholic drink. Only in its pure form and without mixing with other products, it has the most beneficial effect on the functioning of the whole organism. At the same time, if it is impossible to transfer the rather specific taste of the liquor, a slice of orange lightly sprinkled with ground cinnamon is ideal as an appetizer. Such an additive to alcohol will not kill the aftertaste of liquor, but rather enhance it.
Modern sommeliers and chefs say that the appetizer should be selected individually for each type of this liquor. For example, sweet varieties such as Cordial and - Lemond are best eaten with sweet foods: chocolate, fruits and confectionery. This is due to the fact that these liqueurs themselves are sweet and they are served for dessert.
For snacks of stronger types of Becherovka, it is better to use citrus fruit and deli meats not large quantities. If such an appetizer is not enough, then it is better to refuse to use liquor in its pure form, preferring a variety of cocktails based on it.
Oddly enough, but this liquor is great to drink with.
Hello friendly company!
Today's post will start with a digression into history. Studying the biographies of great writers and artists while still at school, few people noticed that they all repeatedly traveled to Karlovy Vary (at times this resort was called Karlsbad).
Even Russian emperors, starting with Peter I, very often visited this albeit pretty, but nothing special, town - there are resorts in Europe that are both cooler and healthier.
But I guessed what it was! They all went to enjoy Becherovka, the most famous Czech alcoholic drink. What kind of a miracle is this and what they drink Becherovka with - now I will tell you some interesting information.
Becherovka belongs to fernets (biters) - bitter alcoholic tinctures on herbs. This is not herbal vodka, and not a liquor, as the Czech drink is mistakenly called - even on Wikipedia. Fernets are made using a completely different technology and, in fact, they are more related to medicinal tinctures than a drink for intoxication.
History of creation
The rights to the drink were patented in 1807 by a certain Josef Becher, a German by birth, who opened a pharmacy in Karlovy Vary to serve wealthy compatriots.
Together with Dr. Frobrig from England, who treated the German Count Plettenberg Metingen, he studied local traditions, learned how the inhabitants are treated, and came up with a tincture based on the principle of making the famous Alpine balms.
This remedy was called "Gastric Medicine", then Carlsbad English Bitter ", and it became Becherovka only in 1841, when everyone appreciated unique taste and the aroma of fernet, and its industrial production began.
The trademark "Johann Becher" was registered in 1890 by the son of a pharmacist, Gustav Becher.
When Czechoslovakia became a socialist country, after the end of World War II, Becher's factories were nationalized, and the trademark was renamed Becherovka.
It is not clear who owns the rights to TM Becherovka now. For several years now, lawsuits have been going on between the Czech company Jan Becher Karlovarska Becherovka, the Russian company PR Rus and the Czech businessman Zdeněk Hoffman. Everyone has documents confirming their rights to this promoted brand.
We really don't care. The main thing is that Becherovka regularly arrives on the shelves of the store, and its recipe has not changed in 200 years, but only Becherovka Original. And what Turgenev and Chekhov drank it - we can drink it with you. And how it will be best - I will sit down.
The composition of Becherovka is a mystery shrouded in darkness
Like the components of other famous balms and liqueurs, what exactly and in what quantities is included in the Czech fernet - a big secret. Only the director and technologist of the plant know it, and all operations are divided in such a way that workers do not have the opportunity to control the infusion process.
It is known that alcohol is infused with 20 herbs and spices, and then it is diluted to a strength of 38 degrees with Karlovy Vary water from one source. Of the 20 components - 4 local herbs, 16 - spices from around the world.
According to expert tasters, you can definitely name wormwood, cloves, chamomile, cardamom, anise, coriander, allspice, honey, orange peel, lemon.
Today on sale you can find the following types of becherovka:
- Becherovka Original classic recipe, fortress 38%.
- Becherovka Cordial - tincture with extract lime blossom, which is added to classic version until you get 35% of the fortress.
- Becherovka Lemond - ladies' version with the addition of citrus fruits (lemon, red orange, grapefruit, kinkan, etc.). Alcohol only 20%.
- Becherovka KV 14 is a red aperitif. Alcohol 39%. Used for cocktails.
- Becherovka KV 15 is no longer in production. It was the strongest option - 40 degrees.
- Becherovka ICE & FIRE is a new product released in March 2014. Fortress - 30%.
How Becherovka is made at the factory
Large metal containers with the purest alcohol 99% are brought to the plant. Previously, in conditions of strict secrecy, the technologist fills canvas bags with herbs strictly according to the recipe stored in a safe in the director's office.
These bags are placed in alcohol for 7 days. It turns out an extract rich in aromas and taste. Next, the alcohol is poured into oak barrels of an unusual oval shape (only new ones - then they are used to make wines), water, sugar and honey are added.
Infusion is made for 3 months, then ready drink bottled in bottles, the design of which has changed 6 times over the entire time.
By the way, if you want to good gift connoisseur of quality alcohol - buy gift set from 6 bottles of 50 ml. Each has a design different years release.
How and with what to drink and what goes for a snack
The “correct” Becherovka is sold in branded boxes (cardboard and metal), often complete with 2 special 50 ml shots. It is in such portions that it is supposed to be drunk - as an aperitif after dinner.
First you need to cool the drink to 5 degrees, in general, it is better to keep the bottle in the refrigerator all the time. For a snack, it is customary to serve only a slice of orange sprinkled with ground cinnamon. Warm becherovka is more fragrant, but its taste is very sharp and bitter.
To use the drink for healing, in the evening you need to add 2 tablespoons of the original Becherovka to a cup of hot tea. It helps with stomach pains, is used as a prevention of colds, to increase immunity.
In Slovakia, bars can offer you an original way of drinking: strongly chilled Becherovka is immediately washed down with cold light draft beer. This is a kind of Czech "ruff".
It turns out very tasty, but very intoxicating. They don’t pour more than three times, otherwise even strong men turn off.
cocktails
- With juices in a ratio of 1:1. Currant, apple and cherry juice are used for this purpose.
- Concrete is a popular European cocktail of becherovka (1 part) and tonic (2 parts).
- Cocktail with the addition of ale with ginger root, drinks are used in a ratio of 1:2.
- Cocktail Bejito: 40 ml of becherovka, 50 ml of tonic (soda), plus 150 ml of blackcurrant juice.
- Layered cocktail "Rachel's Tear": 50 ml of Becherovka at the bottom, Triple Sec liqueur, also 50 ml, is carefully poured along the wall. Before serving, set on fire.
- Cherry cocktail: mix 40 ml of becherovka, grapefruit and cherry juices. Serve with cocktail cherries.
- Punch: you need to mix 50 ml of fernet, 10 ml of freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice, add 90 ml of pure water, 1 tablespoon sugar syrup. Then heat everything up to 70 degrees and serve with slices of citrus fruits - lemon, orange and lime on one skewer.
- B-Cola cocktail: 50 ml of chilled Becherovka and 150 ml of Coca-Cola.
- The Bianca cocktail is made as follows: 30 ml of Becherovka, champagne and dessert white vermouth are mixed. Ice is added fresh raspberries and lime.
- Cocktail Oasis: cut a whole lime into circles, sprinkle with sugar, wait for the juice to appear, then add 50 ml of fernet.
- In 2017, the 200th anniversary of the creation of the drink will be celebrated. By this date, a special B-Celebration cocktail has already been created: 100 ml of XXX apple liqueur (or whatever is) is poured into a glass, then 30 ml of Becherovka and 5 drops of ginger ale. Garnished with mint and lime slice.
Well? I am impressed and interested. I will buy a bottle of Becherovka - purely for health. And I recommend you. But remember that overuse alcoholic beverages harms your liver, wallet and family idyll.
Next time I will tell you how metaxa differs from cognac and why it is so tasty. So I'm waiting for you to visit - subscribe to notifications and new articles.
Goodbye everybody! Dorofeev Pavel.
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When tourists come to the Czech Republic, almost the first thing they buy is Becherovka, because it has been one of the mascots of the Czech Republic for more than two centuries. How to drink Becherovka? Types and medicinal properties drink. Cocktails with Becherovka. Recipe and composition.
Photo: Becherovka in original packaging // Jirka Matousek
Becherovka is one of the most famous Czech liqueurs. That is how the Czechs themselves call this drink. Although in fact it is more like a tincture or liqueur. The preparation uses natural ingredients, a lot of different herbs, fruits and, judging by the taste, honey. Becherovka has long been famous for its healing properties. Thanks to the drink, it was possible to get rid of colds, sore throats, and 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 to the whole world appeared in 1807. However, before its appearance interesting story. One day, Josef Becher, a pharmacist and owner of a pharmacy in Karlovy Vary, was visited by his old friend Frobrig, who also specialized in pharmaceuticals. Friends chatting got down to business, deciding to make some new tincture, mixing alcohol with a variety of herbs. Before the departure of Frobrig, the friends did not succeed in anything sensible. But the Karlovy Vary friend did not have time to linger for a long time. Therefore, Frobrig gave some recommendations to Josef, 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, which 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 simply Becherevka. The drink was in great demand, business developed. 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 more high level. 50 years later, in 1890, Johan 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. In France, Italy, Spain and other countries, branches are opened that actively promote the liquor. Rumor has it that the Austrian emperor himself and his entire court used 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 they even built a museum for Jan Becher.
Recipe and composition of Becherovka
Probably, many have already guessed that the Becherovka recipe is kept in strict confidence and is transmitted exclusively from father to son or the closest relative in the family. Therefore, the drink is unique and unique in its kind. Many tried to create something similar, and, I must say, some managed to achieve similar taste qualities, but no one has been able to repeat the recipe exactly until now.
The approximate principle of liquor production is as follows: a variety of herbs, imported and local, are mixed, about twenty species in total - the proportions are always accurate, without the slightest deviation from the recipe. After that, the resulting mixture is scattered into bags that are made of natural canvas, and then lowered into 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 carefully monitored. That is why it turns out so fragrant, tasty, and, most importantly, of high quality.
Today it is known for sure that of the large number of herbs in Becherovka there are the following: cardamom, cinnamon, anise, orange peel, cloves and allspice. Since 1996, there has been one recipe for Becherovka, that is, it would be more correct to say that the recipe for the drink is known, which, in terms of taste, is 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 ingredients must be mixed, poured into a dark bottle or other opaque container and infused for one month. Strain well afterwards. We can assume that the home-made tincture of Becherovka is ready.
Becherovka and its medicinal properties
For two centuries now, real legends have been circulating about the healing properties of the miraculous drink. There is nothing surprising in this, because the liquor was created in order to treat certain types of diseases, as well as to greatly improve appetite.
Due to the fact that Becherovka includes 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 20 ml of a drunk drink, food is much better and faster absorbed. In addition, irritation of the rectum is eliminated.
Becherovka Kordial, photo: Jirka Matousek
Views of Becherovka
When it comes to Becherovka, many imagine classic drink one composition. In fact, this liqueur has several different variations.
Today, the plant produces the following types of tincture:
Becherovka original(Becherovka Original) is a classic drink, the composition of which has not changed since its foundation, in 1807. The strength of the liquor is 38%. Approximate 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 — 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 only a year ago, in March 2014. Its strength is 30%. Ideal with soft drinks such as tonic or ale.
Becherovka Lemond, photo: Jirka Matousek
How to drink Becherovka
Becherovka is drunk in several ways:
Method number 1(in its purest form)
This method is recommended by the manufacturer himself, as the most optimal for this liquor. The drink is served in small glasses, the temperature of Becherovka should be on average 5-7 degrees. The tincture is used after meals or before bedtime. Usually they bite the liquor with a small piece of orange, crushed with cinnamon. The taste of the drink will be slightly sweet with bitter hints of herbs that leave a long-lasting aftertaste. Becherovka can be served warmer, but in this case taste qualities will differ. The aroma will become brighter, and the taste will be much sharper and soft pleasant notes will be replaced by coarser 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(in medicinal purposes)
Due to its medicinal properties, Becherovka can serve as an excellent preventive medicine. And taking it is very simple: 2 tablespoons of the drink must be added to tea or coffee. Such a combination can improve immunity, stimulate digestion and the overall 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 enough strong drink, so it is bred with juice. Usually use cherry, apple or currant. The amount of juice can be any.
In addition to juice, Becherovka can be consumed with other alcoholic beverages, in combination with other ingredients, creating delicious cocktails, which will be discussed further.
Most popular cocktails from Becherovka
1. 200 years of Becherovka (B-Celebration)
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Becherovka
- 100 ml apple liqueur
- 2-3 drops ginger ale
- ice (optional)
Pour Becherovka, apple liqueur and ginger ale into a glass filled with ice. Do not stir. 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, then poured into a glass with ice. Add champagne to the resulting mixture. Garnish with raspberries or limes.
3. Raquel's tears
Ingredients:
- 50 ml becherovka
- 50 ml Triple Sec liqueur
The preparation of the drink is very simple and consists of two layers. First, pour Becherovka into a glass, then carefully add liquor to the cocktail. Burn the top layer 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. After that, pour into a glass for hot drinks. The cocktail is drunk warm. As decorations, a skewer with lemon, lime and orange is suitable.
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 is worth saying that its cost varies from 130 crowns and more. The price depends on the type of drink, the place of purchase of the product and the number of ml per bottle.
When tourists come to the Czech Republic, almost the first thing they buy is Becherovka, because it has been one of the mascots of the Czech Republic for more than two centuries.
Admirers of alcoholic beverages probably know what Becherovka liqueur is. The world famous product appeared on the shelves back in 1807. Made of useful herbs the drink is considered the hallmark of the Czech Republic. Its creators were the pharmacist Josef Becher and the English doctor Frobrig. Mixing different herbs and oils with alcohol for the sake of experiment, the men invented the basis for preparing an unusual tincture. Its original purpose was to improve the digestive processes.
The old recipe for Becherovka has not been disclosed. And only the rule of application is not a secret. The product is supposed to be consumed before meals in an amount of 20 ml. In moderate dosages, Becherovka only benefits.
Store-bought variations of the drink
The healthy intoxicating company is now located in the city of Karlovy Vary. Consumers are offered five types of liquor:
What is known about the composition of Becherovka?
It will not be possible to elicit the full composition of Becherovka from manufacturers, since all technological nuances are classified. But still it became known that the drink is made from more than 20 types medicinal plants. Some raw materials are collected by experts in the Czech Republic, the rest of the herbs are imported from other countries. However, information about some of the ingredients of the drink and the method of its preparation was leaked to the masses.
Presumably Becherovka tincture consists of the following components:
All components are placed in a canvas bag and infused for a week. Then the substance is poured into oval oak barrels and water from the healing springs of Karlovy Vary is added. If the legend is to be believed, secret recipe cooking Becherovka spread beyond the Czech Republic. But in a foreign country, the drink did not turn out to be of high quality, and all because it did not contain healthy sweetened water.
The tincture is stored in oak barrels for several months. At this time, a certain air temperature and humidity are maintained in the basement.
Is it possible to make Becherovka at home?
Will Becherovka work at home? Since the liqueur recipe is kept behind seven seals, it will not be original. But to make a likeness healthy drink every adult can.
List of components:
- Vodka - 1 l;
- Pure alcohol - 200 ml (if alcohol is diluted with water to a concentration of 55%, it is taken in an amount of 1.2 l);
- Granulated sugar - 150 g (can be replaced with fructose - 90 g);
- Anise - 1 tsp without a slide;
- Cardamom - 2 - 3 boxes;
- Allspice or black pepper - 7 - 10 peas;
- Spring or bottled water - 250 - 300 ml;
- Cinnamon sticks - 5 g;
- Carnation - 15 - 20 heads;
- Orange peel without a white layer - a strip 5 cm long.
How to make Becherovka with your own hands at home:
- Pour the spices with alcohol in a glass bowl and keep in the dark for exactly 7 days. The container must be tightly closed. Shake it daily, and on day 8 - pass the contents through the filter;
- Use sugar and water to make syrup. Mix the components and bring to a boil 2-3 times, removing the foam cap. Do not allow the syrup to boil. finished product needs to be cooled down;
- Slowly add the strained tincture to the syrup, gently mixing. Let the mixture brew for another 1 week;
- Store the finished liquor in a cool place.
Czech liqueur Becherovka: how to drink correctly
The original Becherovka is drunk undiluted and chilled to a temperature of 5-7°C. Small glasses are used. At least, this is what those people who listen to the recommendations of the manufacturer do. The aroma of hops will weaken a little, but the taste will become more noble.
However, some consumers use liquor as an aperitif, as it has choleretic properties and stimulates the appetite. Other admirers of the drink see it as a digestif - an alcoholic stimulant of digestive processes.
How to drink Becherovka for medicinal purposes is better to find out from the manufacturer. Representatives of the company say that the product in the amount of a few drops can be added to tea or coffee. When to drink liquor - before or after a meal, depends on the variety of Becherovka. For example, the ICE & FIRE variety is useful to take after a meal. If the consumer likes the KV 14 variety more, he should take into account that the drink stimulates the secretion of gastric juice.
In Slovakia, people know how to drink Becherovka correctly, but deviate from tradition and wash down the liquor with light beer. Hops, malt and herbal base create a unique taste effect. But the intoxication of such a symbiosis is very strong.
Becherovka is widely used in the production of cocktails. original version harmonizes well with cherry, apple and currant juice. KV 14 is best mixed with orange juice. Suitable for cocktails and liqueurs, for example, Triple Sec and Blue Curacao. As part of cocktails, a harsh drink reveals its best qualities.
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This article talks about an alcoholic drink called Becherovka, its types, history of creation and medicinal properties. Also from the article it will become clear how to use this drink and what cocktails you can make with it. Probably not many people know what it is. Becherovka is a herbal rum tincture.
The history of the creation of Becherovka
The history of the creation of this drink began in 1805, in Karlovy Vary, when the Englishman Dr. Frobrig, together with the count, who came to improve his health in those places, stopped to stay at the guest house "At the Three Larks". Josev Becher's pharmacy was located in the same house. Soon Frobrig and Becher became friends and began to jointly create herbal tinctures.
After some time, the count and Frobrig left, and after their departure, Josev Becher discovered a note with a recipe on which his new friend left the inscription "I'm interested in this." Then Becher began to carefully study it and make adjustments. It took him 2 years to get final result and in 1807, the liquor came out. Becher began selling it in his pharmacy as a digestive aid.
After the tincture began to be popular, Becher told his son the recipe for creating a drink, and he, in turn, improved appearance bottles, which was no longer changed to today. At the end of the 19th century, it was registered trademark"Becherovka", and a little later herbal liqueur was introduced to the European market. Later, the family business passed into the hands of the grandson of Josev Bercher and his brother.
However, during the Second World War, the production of this drink was sharply reduced, and after the fall of fascism, it became the property of the state. And only in the 50s of the XX century, thanks to Vaclav Lupinek, the liquor survived the revolution and is on store shelves to this day.
Types of becherovka
Today in stores you can find several types of this drink. However, they are all based on the first recipe from 1807.
- Becherovka original - classic taste drink, unchanged from the year of issue. Fortress - 38˚.
- Becherovka Cordial - herbal tincture with linden flowers, honey and therapeutic effect. Fortress - 35˚.
- Becherovka lemon - the weakest tincture, with a strength of only 20˚, this tincture is especially suitable for women.
- Becherovka KV 14 - this liqueur contains red wine. Fortress - 40˚.
- Becherovka Ice and Fire is a liqueur that combines the flavors of menthol and chili. Fortress - 30˚.
Composition and medicinal properties
The exact composition of the first bottle is not known even now. However, no one doubts the benefits of this product, most likely, this is due to the fact that initially this liquor was still a medicine. It is believed that at least 20 different herbs are included in this liqueur, but only a few of them are known so far, only those whose taste can be felt.
- Carnation
- Cinnamon
- Cardamom
- Allspice
- Orange and lemon peel
- Sagebrush
It is important to remember that this drink has a fairly high calorie content and its use in large doses is prohibited.
The creator himself claimed that taking just 20 ml of the drink before meals will improve the functioning of the stomach, improve the absorption of food and increase the secretion of gastric juice. By adding a couple of spoons to tea, you can quickly overcome the signs of disease and insomnia. The use of liquor will also help in the fight against heartburn, bloating, and even increase immunity. Also, the drink is an excellent antispasmodic and sedative.
Modern medicine fully proves this statement. But for a positive effect on the body, you need to use the drink exclusively as a medicine, that is, regularly 20 ml each. It is also important to remember that with excessive use, all positive traits turn into negative and cause great harm to the body.
How to drink becherovka
The correctness of the use of Becherovka is subject to controversy, to this day. The thing is that initially Becherovka was used as a medicine to improve digestion, and today it is an ordinary liquor with a slightly specific taste, which is consumed chilled in large quantities. To date, there are several ways to use this drink.
- This is the method recommended by the manufacturer. A drink is served in a small glass after dinner or before bedtime. You can have a bite of liquor only with a slice of orange. Drink the drink preferably chilled.
- Not really the usual way consumption of alcoholic beverages. Heat Becherovka to 19-21˚ and drink in small sips.
- This method is used for medicinal purposes. In a cup with very sweet tea (tea is sweetened not with sugar, but with honey), 2 tablespoons of the drink are added and drunk before bedtime. This will increase the body's resistance to viruses and increase local immunity.
- This variant of use was invented in Slovakia. A glass of Becherovka drunk in one gulp is washed down with a mug of beer. Of course, this will allow you to experience a unique taste, but the combination strong alcohol with a weaker one will lead to rapid intoxication.
- This is the most modern way use of liquor. Traditional liqueur goes well with other drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. From soft drinks better choose natural juices such as apple or cherry juice. I even pour ice cream with this liqueur.
However, there are also drinks with which it is strictly forbidden to mix Becherovka, this applies to vodka, wine and cognac.
