Becherovka is a Czech herbal liqueur made from a secret recipe of more than twenty herbs. It has an alcohol by volume of 38% and originates from Karlovy Vary.
History
Becherovka is named after Czech pharmacist Josef Vitus Becher, who began selling it in 1807. His son Johann Becher started industrial production in 1841. After World War II, the company was nationalized and the name changed to Becherovka. Production returned to private ownership in 2001 when it was acquired by Pernod Ricard.
How it is made
The liqueur is made by infusing a mixture of more than twenty herbs in cloth bags with alcohol for about a week. The extract is then mixed with water and sugar using only Karlovy Vary water. The classic bottle shape has remained unchanged since 1807.
Types and styles
Becherovka Original is the classic 38% liqueur. Other varieties include Becherovka Cordial with linden extract (35%), Becherovka Lemond with citrus flavor (20%), Becherovka KV 14, a red aperitive (40%), and Becherovka Unfiltered, an unfiltered version that appears cloudy.
How it is served
Becherovka is typically served chilled in small glasses without food. It can be added to tea or coffee, and is used in cocktails such as Red Square, Curiosity, and Czech Mulled Wine. Some people enjoy it mixed with beer, usually light beer.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Бехеровка, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.