Becherovka - Russian for Belch or Czech Spirit

I was in Prague last year for work. The first time back in the country since 1991. Things a changed a little. Gone were the fabulous meals in French restaurants for budget travelers. At least the old clock tower, or Prague Orloj, was still there and as impressive as ever. The city was cleaner and the buildings brighter as I walked the streets of old town.

When it was time to go I asked a colleague who lived in Warsaw but visited Prague regulalrly what to buy. He didn't hestitate, "Becherovka." Becher-what?

There wasn't time to debate the issue since we were late to catch a train. I stopped by the nearest liquor store and grabbed two pint bottles of the traditional variety and a 0.75 liter bottle of lemon flavored Becherovka, known as Becherovka Lemond. With bottles clanking I raced for the train.

I knew nothing about this Czech treasure when I bought it, but it only took one taste for me to be hooked.

Becherovka is an herbal bitters flavored with 34 herbs (the exact mix is a 200 year-old trade secret). Despite an alcohol content of 38 percent (76 proof) the drink is smooth and goes down well straight, usually chilled. I've also read that the original can be served with tonic water, a drink known as "beton," though I haven't tried it yet. As much as I enjoyed the original, the Lemond version was even better.

Becherovka, like Prague-itself, seems to get better with time. I look forward to returning to the country and, hopefully, visiting the distillery itself to get an even better taste of the spirit of the Czech Republic.

You can purchase Becherovka online at http://www.melandrose.com/ for $29.99 for a 750 ml bottle. This was the best price I could find and seems to be a bargain.

For those who refuse to take their spirits straight, there are a number of cocktails that can be prepared with Becherovka. For a sampling of the possibilities check out the following link.
http://www.ultimate-brands.co.uk/products/becherovka_cocktails.htm