Becherovka is a Czech herbal liqueur that has been around since the early 19th century. It has a unique flavor profile that is both bitter and sweet, with hints of cinnamon, anise, and other spices. Here are a few cocktail recipes that feature Becherovka as a key ingredient:
Becherovka Sour
2 oz Becherovka
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Egg white
Shake all ingredients together without ice, then add ice and shake again. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
Becherovka Tonic
2 oz Becherovka
Tonic water
Lime wedge
Fill a glass with ice, add Becherovka, and top with tonic water. Squeeze a lime wedge over the top and drop it in the glass.
Becherovka Old Fashioned
2 oz Becherovka
1/2 oz simple syrup
Dash of Angostura bitters
Orange peel
Stir Becherovka, simple syrup, and bitters together with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel.
Becherovka and Ginger Ale
2 oz Becherovka
Ginger ale
Lime wedge
Fill a glass with ice, add Becherovka, and top with ginger ale. Squeeze a lime wedge over the top and drop it in the glass.
Becherovka Collins
2 oz Becherovka
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Club soda
Lemon wedge
Shake Becherovka, lemon juice, and simple syrup together with ice. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a lemon wedge.
Related Сocktails
Jägermeister Sour
2 oz Jägermeister
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Egg white
Shake all ingredients together without ice, then add ice and shake again. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
Fernet and Coke
2 oz Fernet Branca
Coca-Cola
Lime wedge
Fill a glass with ice, add Fernet Branca, and top with Coca-Cola. Squeeze a lime wedge over the top and drop it in the glass.
Aperol Spritz
3 oz Prosecco
2 oz Aperol
1 oz soda water
Orange slice
Fill a glass with ice, add Prosecco and Aperol, and top with soda water. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.
Campari and Soda
2 oz Campari
Soda water
Orange slice
Fill a glass with ice, add Campari, and top with soda water. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.
Cynar Negroni
1 oz gin
1 oz Cynar
1 oz sweet vermouth
Orange peel
Stir gin, Cynar, and sweet vermouth together with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel.
What Can Becherovka Liqueur be Mixed With?
Becherovka is a versatile herbal liqueur that can be mixed with a variety of other ingredients to create delicious cocktails. Here are some suggestions for what Becherovka can be mixed with:
Tonic water: Becherovka and tonic is a simple and refreshing drink that highlights the herbal and spicy notes of the liqueur.
Lemon juice: Mixing Becherovka with lemon juice and a bit of simple syrup creates a tangy and slightly sweet cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on a warm day.
Ginger ale: Becherovka and ginger ale is a spicy and warming combination that’s perfect for cooler weather.
Soda water: Mixing Becherovka with soda water and a bit of citrus juice creates a light and refreshing drink that’s perfect for any occasion.
Fruit juices: Becherovka can be mixed with a variety of fruit juices, including orange, grapefruit, and cranberry, to create complex and flavorful cocktails.
Vermouth: Mixing Becherovka with sweet or dry vermouth and a dash of bitters creates a sophisticated and complex cocktail that’s perfect for sipping before or after dinner.
Other liqueurs: Becherovka can also be mixed with other liqueurs, such as Cointreau or Chartreuse, to create unique and flavorful cocktails.
About Becherovka Liqueur
Origin: Becherovka is a herbal liqueur that originated in Karlovy Vary, a spa town in the Czech Republic. It was first produced in the early 19th century by Jan Becher, who used a secret blend of herbs and spices to create the distinctive flavor of the liqueur.
Ingredients: The exact recipe for Becherovka is a closely guarded secret, but it’s known to contain a blend of herbs and spices, including cinnamon, anise, and ginger. Other ingredients may include cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, and citrus peels. The herbs and spices are macerated in a neutral spirit before being distilled and blended with water and sugar.
Texture and Proof: Becherovka has a smooth and slightly syrupy texture, with a sweet and spicy flavor profile that’s balanced by a bitter finish. It typically has an alcohol content of around 38-45% ABV, depending on the country of origin.
Usage and Serving: Becherovka is often consumed as a digestif or aperitif, but it can also be used in cocktails. It pairs well with citrus juices, soda water, and other herbal liqueurs, and is often served over ice or mixed with tonic water.
Festive drink: Becherovka is a popular festive drink in the Czech Republic, where it’s often served during holidays and celebrations. It’s also commonly consumed as a cure for various ailments, including indigestion and hangovers.
Production: Becherovka is produced in the town of Karlovy Vary using a traditional production method that involves steeping the herbs and spices in high-quality alcohol for several weeks. The resulting infusion is then blended with sugar and water to create the final product.
Manufacturer: Becherovka is produced by the Jan Becher company, which was founded in 1807 by the pharmacist Jan Becher.