Czech strong tincture Becherovka - the history of the drink and how to drink it correctly. How to drink Becherovka: useful tips

Herbal balms are produced by many enterprises in different countries of the world, but not all of them become widely known and acquire the status of elite alcohol. The Czech liqueur Becherovka, produced in Karlovy Vary, has been holding a high position for two centuries and gaining more and more new admirers. Invented as a digestive remedy by local pharmacist Josef Becher in 1807, it quickly became popular and its use expanded significantly. Most connoisseurs of quality alcohol use this herbal tincture mainly for gastronomic purposes, although the Czechs themselves still use the liquor as a medicine, believing in its healing power. The rules for drinking Becherovka depend on what this legendary drink is used for.

Varieties of the drink

The Becherovka recipe is kept secret and passed down from generation to generation in the Becher family through the male line. In addition to the owner of the enterprise, the liquor recipe is known to its chief technologist, and the list of insiders is exhausted by this.

It is known that for the preparation of the legendary tincture, 20 herbs are used, some of which grow in Karlovy Vary, some are brought from abroad, and from different countries. Many sommeliers could not resist the temptation to determine what is included in Becherovka. Most of them are taken to claim that anise, allspice, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, orange peel are present in the recipe. Many believe that honey, lemon and chamomile blossom are almost certainly included in the composition. Some managed to catch notes of wormwood in the bouquet.

The old recipe for the drink was finalized, on the basis of which several more were created with a modified composition. Currently, 5 varieties of Becherovka are produced:

Original (38%) - made according to an authentic recipe from 1807;
Cordial (35%) - lime-colored liquor, made with the addition of white wine;
Lemond (20%) - light liquor with a bright aroma of citrus fruits;
KV 14 (39%) - has a red color, red wine is used in its production;
ISE & FIRE (30%) - produced since March 2014, when tasting, the drink burns with the taste of spicy pepper, leaves a cold aftertaste in the mouth.

Only two types are exported - Original and Lemond, other varieties of Becherovka can be purchased only in Karlovy Vary.

"Becherovka", regardless of its variety, can be used in pure or diluted form, added to tea or coffee.

There are 4 common ways to use Becherovka.

In its purest form. This is how the manufacturer recommends drinking Becherovka. To appreciate the subtle sweet taste of the drink with bitter notes, it will have to be cooled to 5-7 degrees. It is desirable to cool the glasses under it. Glasses or shot glasses of small volume are suitable, with a very thick bottom, gradually expanding upwards. In the absence of such, you can use ordinary piles. You can not swallow the drink immediately, but hold it in your mouth for 30-40 seconds. If you try Becherovka at room temperature, its sharp taste may be disappointing, although the herbal aroma will be felt even better.
Added to tea, coffee. So they drink "Becherovka" for medicinal purposes, in order to strengthen the immune system and general well-being. 20-40 ml of liquor is added to the cup, depending on its volume. The recommended daily intake of a drink when used as a medicine is 60 ml, divided into 2-3 doses.
With beer. This way of drinking Becherovka is popular in Slovakia, neighboring the Czech Republic. A 40–50 ml glass is filled with liquor, and a mug of cold beer is placed next to it. Preference is given to light wheat live beer. Having drunk "Becherovka" in one gulp, it is immediately washed down with beer. The combination of grassy aftertaste with malt gives unusual taste sensations. The disadvantage of this method of using tincture is one - quickly onset intoxication followed by a hangover.
With juice. If you do not like strong drinks, you can dilute Becherovka with juice in any ratio. Cherry, cranberry, apple, orange, apricot juices go well with it, but others can be used. Lemon "Becherovka" is well revealed in tandem with tonic.

"Becherovka" was created in order to facilitate the process of digestion of food, so it is recommended to drink it after a meal. Some use the drink as an aperitif, which is also not a serious violation.

What to eat "Becherovka"

Many are accustomed to the fact that strong alcoholic beverages must be eaten. This rule does not apply to Becherovka. Initially, it was drunk to improve digestion after a hearty meal, loading the stomach with additional food would be unwise. Since then, there has been a tradition not to eat Becherovka. If this is unacceptable for you, it is acceptable to serve fruit slices as an appetizer. The best option would be orange slices sprinkled with cinnamon. Their sour taste will balance the sweet taste of the liquor.

For those who cannot drink strong alcohol without a snack, you can offer a cocktail based on Becherovka. There are plenty of recipes out there.

Cocktail "Ocean"

grape juice - 150 ml;
"Becherovka" - 40 ml;
Blue Curacao liqueur - 20 ml;
ice cubes - to taste.

Cooking method:

Stir drinks.
Fill the glass with ice.
Pour a cocktail into it.

The cocktail should be served with a straw. The edges of the glass can be decorated with "frost" from powdered sugar. You can also use slices of citrus fruits for decoration.

Cocktail "Concrete"

"Becherovka" - 50 ml;
tonic - 100 ml;
crushed ice - to taste;
a slice of lemon, a sprig of mint - for decoration.

Cooking method:

Fill the glass about halfway with crushed ice.
Mix the liqueur with tonic, pour the mixture into the prepared glass.
Garnish the glass with lemon and mint.

In Russia, this cocktail is also known as "Bejitto". It is supposed to be drunk in small sips, holding the drink in the mouth for 15-20 seconds.

Cocktail "Bianco"

martini "Bianco" - 35 ml;
champagne - 35 ml;
"Becherovka" - 50 ml;
crushed ice - to taste.

Cooking method:

Shake drinks in a shaker.
Pour into a glass filled with ice.

The cocktail is served with a straw. Drink it slowly.

Becherovka is a famous Czech drink, which is a tincture of herbs. Invented to treat digestive problems, it soon became popular among connoisseurs of good alcohol due to its unique taste and aroma. Proper use of the drink allows you to fully appreciate its unique bouquet.

Admirers of alcoholic beverages probably know what Becherovka liqueur is. The world famous product appeared on the shelves back in 1807. A drink made from healthy herbs 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 of 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. According to the legend, the secret recipe for making 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 every adult can make a semblance of a healthy drink.

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. The finished product must be cooled;
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. The original version harmonizes well with cherry, apple and currant juices. 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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A trip to the Czech Republic is ancient Prague, amazing cuisine and an excellent climate. But there is another concept that is inextricably linked with the culture of this country and its flavor - Becherovka liqueur. This is the visiting card of the Czech Republic.

The history of this alcoholic drink began in Karlovy Vary in 1805, when the English doctor Frobrig appeared in the house 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 the tincture, which Josef Becher completed on his own.

In 1807, a Czech pharmacist completed the recipe for a tincture designed to improve digestion. Soon she went on sale under the name Carlsbad English Bitter stomach drops. After some time, Josef came up with the idea that it would be nice to perpetuate his name as well - this is how the legendary Becherovka tincture appeared, the recipe of which was kept secret for a long time.

The drug to stimulate digestion was in demand, and Josef Becher decided to tell his son about the secrets of making it. Johann Becher turned out to be more enterprising than his father - it was he who came up with the idea of creating a flat green bottle and a bright label (up to this point, Becherovka was sold in nondescript containers).

Subsequently, the family business was continued by Josef Becher's grandson and his brother. Thanks to the latter, the tincture became known far beyond the borders of 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: production secrets

"Becherovka" is the 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 species of plants: some of them grow in the Czech Republic, and some are brought from abroad. Only a few plant species are known that are uniquely part of the tincture:

Cardamom and peel.
Cloves and anise.
Allspice.

All herbal ingredients are put in a canvas bag and insisted on alcohol for about a week, then the mixture is poured into oak barrels of a specific oval shape and one of the most important components is added - sweetened Karlovy Vary water. Legend has it that someone once found out the secret recipe for the tincture and took it outside of the Czech Republic. However, "Becherovka" did not turn out the way it should be in reality, but all because of the fact that it contains healing water from Karlovy Vary.

With not yet ready tincture, they are stored in cellars for several months, while a certain temperature and humidity level are maintained in the room.

Healing properties of Czech tincture

"Becherovka" is a medicinal tincture that is designed to improve performance. At least, that 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 healing 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, drinking liquor in moderation has never hurt anyone.

How to drink Becherovka tincture?

At home, it is very difficult, in addition, the drink still does not turn out the way it is produced in the Czech Republic. How to drink "Becherovka"? There are several ways to drink this drink:

Manufacturers strongly recommend drinking the tincture in its pure form, from cognac glasses, for a pleasant conversation in the company of loved ones. A classic appetizer - fresh oranges sprinkled with cinnamon. This is how you can truly enjoy the exquisite taste of the drink and appreciate its properties.
In Slovakia, for example, they like to make cocktails with Becherovka - most often they drink it with beer. Liqueur (40-50 grams) is cooled in the refrigerator, drunk in one gulp and washed down with good beer.

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 manufacturer offers several interpretations of this legendary liqueur, which differ in different tastes and methods of preparation:

BECHEROVKA LEMOND - Czech tincture with a rich aroma of citrus and kumquat. Liquor has a pronounced aroma of lemon with light orange notes. This drink is characterized by a lower strength than the traditional Becherovka - 20%.
BECHEROVKA KV is a Czech liqueur based on good red wine. This drink has a fairly high strength - 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 have been able to 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:

a little 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;
orange zest (no white part)
150 grams of sugar;
about 300 grams of pure water.

All spices must be poured with alcohol, tightly close the container and put in a dark, warm place. The tincture should stand for a week, during this time it is advisable to shake the container periodically. After a week, strain the mixture.

To prepare the syrup, dilute the sugar in water and put on a slow fire. Stirring constantly, wait for the sugar to dissolve completely, while making sure that the syrup does not boil. Cool the water and add the syrup to the tincture. It is worth noting that it is desirable to pour alcohol into water, so first you need to pour the syrup into a large container and after that add the filtered infusion.

The result should be a homemade "Becherovka". The recipe is not complicated, you can treat your friends and relatives with such a drink.

The cost of Czech tincture

The savory Czech liqueur has been popular for two centuries. This drink can be bought in stores and salons specializing in the sale of elite Becherovka tincture, the price of which varies within 1000 rubles, is a traditional drink that eloquently reflects the Czech flavor.

You need to choose a drink 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 how the tincture itself should look like in order to avoid buying uncertified goods.

The Czech liqueur Becherovka is known to lovers of a high degree for this drink and a unique aftertaste of herbs. The stress in the title is placed on the first syllable. It has existed for 210 years now. In the heart of Karlovy Vary is the Jan Becher Museum dedicated to the drink. Initially, pharmacists and friends Josef Becher and Frobirg mixed herbs, oils and spirits to create new tinctures. Frobirg left, but Josef continued to experiment and was successful.

So an unusual drink was born. It was positioned as a means to improve appetite and digestion in general. The drug was put into production.
Josef passed the recipe on to his son Johan, who knew how to keep secrets. He upgraded equipment and increased production. Johann's son, Gustav also continued to develop production. And the brother of Gustav promoted the drink and increased the supplies several times.

The recipe is still kept secret and passed on to male heirs. There are many assumptions about which herbs are included in the drink. Many have tried to unravel the mystery of taste, but have not been able to recreate it yet.

Views of Becherovka

Creating the first tincture was not the limit. There are several varieties of different strengths, differing in additional components:

The original and lemon can be purchased in many countries, but other types are sold only in the Czech Republic directly from the manufacturer.

How to drink liquor

Over the long time of the existence of this liquor, 4 main ways of drinking have appeared. One of them has medicinal properties:

Pure Becherovka. The classic version is recommended by the manufacturer and true connoisseurs of the drink. For the full disclosure of taste, it is important that the temperature of alcohol is within 5-7 degrees. Served in small glasses or shots. They are drained in small sips, savoring. The best option would be to drink a shot after lunch, before or after dinner. Snack can spoil the taste. But you can afford a slice or circle of orange sprinkled with cinnamon.
The sweetish liquor will leave a noble aftertaste of herbs, which will be noticeable for quite a long time. The aroma of the drink itself will increase if the temperature is higher than suggested, but the liquor will have rough notes and bitterness.
With fresh and regular juices. Becherovka Original has 38% alcohol, so not everyone will like to drink it in its pure form. It goes well with juices from currants, apples or cherries. Orange juice is suitable for Becherovka KV 14. The ratio of ingredients and tastes are selected individually. Usually used in proportions of 1:3 or 1:4.
Liquor + beer. The two main drinks in the Czech Republic are beer and Becherovka. This method is loved in Slovakia. A glass of the famous liquor is drunk in one gulp and washed down with a sip of light beer. Hops and malt reveal the aftertaste of herbs in a new way, giving it richness. Changes in degrees lead to rapid intoxication, so you need to be careful with this option.
medicinal method. It is applicable to Becherovka Original, which was created as a medicine. It is important to observe the doses and use no more than 1 time per day. You can drink 20 ml of "potion" 10 minutes before meals. Or add 1-2 tablespoons to coffee or tea. The general tone will rise. Liquor has a beneficial effect on the immune system, improves appetite and the digestive system.

Today I will talk about another famous Becherovka tincture. The strength of Becherovka is 38% and it was originally conceived as a medicine for the stomach, but soon they began to drink it in its pure form and even make cocktails with Becherovka. This Czech liqueur, originally from Karlovy Vary, has an incredibly pleasant aroma of several dozen herbs that have been used to make it. If you are sending to the Czech Republic, be sure to grab a couple of green bottles with this excellent drink. And for those who like to make something themselves, I will tell you the recipe for homemade becherovka.

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What is Becherovka made of?

Unusual and unique in its composition, Becherovka, the recipe of which is shrouded in mystery, just like many other tinctures and liqueurs. Despite the fact that a certain circle of people says that the composition of Becherovka is quite simple and can be made at home, not everyone can make an identical drink. One of the main things worth noting is that Becherovka is made from a mixture of various herbs.

The classic Czech Becherovka recipe dates back to 1807. The whole mixture, consisting of about twenty herbs, is lowered into a canvas bag, which is immersed in alcohol, then the future elixir is infused for a week. The next step is to pour the infused herbal extract into old oak barrels. It is worth noting that the mandatory step is the addition of water and natural sugar. All fragrant liquid is thoroughly mixed and infused for about two to three months. Thanks to the original recipe of Josef Vitus Becher, the creator of the drink, and special technological methods, the proportions of herbs, as well as the production process, are exactly followed by the company to this day. The originality of the wonderful drink is given by water brought from Karlovy Vary and oak barrels harvested for a long time, which give the tincture a special aroma. The careful control of the temperature and the chemical processes that take place in the barrels allow people all over the world to enjoy the wonderful taste of Becherovka.

Since ancient times, it is believed that Karlovy Vary gives a special taste to Becherovka. There is evidence that an unknown person conducted an interesting experiment, the essence of which was to check whether the taste of Becherovka depends on Karlovy Vary. All the necessary steps have been taken to create a tincture to a tee. The resulting extract from a mixture of herbs was created by a stranger at the Karlovy Vary factory where Becherovka is produced, and then someone transferred all the tinctures to another place, where the technological map was observed in strictness with the original. The result was stunning! Surprisingly, the taste of the produced drink was radically different from the taste of Becherovka. One can only guess what actually gives this drink the taste that distinguishes it from the rest. Maybe it really is Karlovy Vary water? Maybe the temperature regime or oak barrels are related to the final result? Let it remain a secret, because the main thing is that such a truly original drink exists!

How to drink Becherovka?

There are many variations on how to drink Becherovka correctly, it will take too much time to mention all of them, so we will note the most interesting ones. One of the main things worth writing about is that the manufacturers themselves recommend drinking Becherovka chilled. In the Czech Republic, for example, Becherovka is served before dinner in shot glasses or in the evening for a pleasant conversation in the company.

By the way, since 1807, for more than two hundred years, real lovers of Becherovka prefer to drink it in its pure form, because this is the only way to feel the original and elegant taste of all herbs. Some people take Becherovka just after a hard day at work or in the company of friends and relatives.

The surprising fact is that in Slovakia Becherovka is washed down with light beer;
Becherovka is one of the main components of several cocktails;
According to the idea of the creator J.V. Becher, the liquor can be added to coffee or tea, as it is a natural infusion on a mixture of useful herbs;
For piquancy, you can add tonic to Becherovka, the resulting drink is called "Concrete", you can also add ice and lemon juice there;
If you like cherry or apple juice, then be sure to try Becherovka with them, you might really like it;
Some connoisseurs also note the unusual combination of Becherovka, bitten with an orange slice, which is sprinkled with cinnamon.

There are other varieties of the drink. The production of a classic liqueur does not stop at one option and offers to get acquainted with Becherovka, which has non-standard flavors of linden, citrus or red wine and various degrees of strength. New flavors will definitely touch the strings of everyone's soul. For example, "Becherovka KV" - classic Becherovka with the addition of red wine (strength - 39-40%); "Becherovka cordial" - classic Becherovka with a taste of linden flowers (strength - 35%); "Becherovka Lemond" - aromas of kumquat and citrus fruits (alcohol content about 20%) have been added to the main taste of the classic range of taste.

Finally, I would like to write that Becherovka is a liquor that is unique in its composition and taste rainbow, which should not be compared with similar tinctures and liqueurs. Each drink is unique in its own way, which is prepared according to its technological maps and has its own zest.

Cocktails with Becherovka at home

I picked up 6 with Becherovka that you can make at home. All ingredients for cocktails can be found in any store.

Becherovka 45 ml Lemon juice 10 ml Water 90 ml Orange juice 10 ml Sugar syrup 20 ml

All ingredients are mixed in one container and heated. Served in a tea cup with citrus pieces.

Becherovka cocktail with coffee

Becherovka 20 ml Ice 3-5 pcs Coffee liqueur 10 ml (can be replaced with sugar syrup) Coffee 10 ml

Mix all the ingredients in a shaker, shake vigorously and pour into a glass through a sieve so that the ice does not get in.

Cocktail spring field

Becherovka 15 ml Sparkling wine (white) 100 ml Peach puree 15 ml

All ingredients are poured into a glass one by one. Cocktail is ready

Cranberry cocktail

Becherovka 45 ml Cranberries 8 pcs Grapefruit juice 20 ml Sugar syrup 15 ml Ice

Crush the cranberries in a glass and add some crushed ice. Add the rest of the ingredients.

Becherovka 45 ml Soda water 100 ml Sugar syrup 10 ml Lemon juice 15 ml Wild berry jam to taste Egg white 15 ml Ice

Mix everything except soda in a shaker. Add ice and shake again. Pour into glass and add soda.

Becherovka 45 ml Red wine 120 ml Lime juice 10 ml Honey 20 ml

Mix all ingredients and heat up. Served in a teacup.

Becherovka. Recipe for cooking at home

The preparation time of the tincture is about two weeks. I take the number of ingredients to get 1.5 liters of the finished product.

Ingredients:

600 ml 95% alcohol;
850 ml of water.
8-10 pcs. black pepper grains;
Cardamom 3-4 pcs. (about 1 g);
1 cinnamon stick (about 5 g);
13-17 pcs. cloves;
one teaspoon of anise (2 g);
200 ml glass of sugar (150 g);
Orange peel (no white layer, 1×5 cm strip);

Mix the mixture of spices and zest with 600 ml of alcohol and 600 ml of water in a glass container and leave in a dark, preferably warm, place for a week. During this time, shake the contents periodically.

After a week, open the container and try the tincture. If it seems to you that the taste and aroma of spices is not enough, you can insist for another few days, and then filter the spices through a sieve.

To prepare the syrup, take a glass of sugar and dilute with 250 ml of water. We warm the syrup in a water bath, stirring constantly. When the sugar dissolves, let the syrup cool. The syrup is then poured into empty jar and only then tincture is added to it.

So the Becherovka tincture is ready, you can drink it right away, but it’s better to insist another week in a closed jar for the drink to fully ripen. Enjoy your time with Becherovka produced at home.