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Learn about traditional herbal liqueurs
Miniature encyclopedia of herbal liqueurs: Where they come from and how to drink them
The origins of herbal liqueurs date back to the 13th century, when they first appeared in Italian monasteries. Since then, they’ve spread around the world and become quite popular. Herbal liqueurs are most often produced from various herbs, spices and fruits alcoholically macerated. During production, the strong flavor and aroma of all the ingredients are released into the alcohol. They usually contain 20-40% alcohol by volume.
Herbal liqueurs used to be sold in pharmacies because of the high medicinal herb and spice content and they were often drunk and enjoyed mainly as digestive aids. The combination of some herbs can calm the stomach. Today, herbal liqueurs are most frequently consumed as an aperitif, digestif or a key ingredient in cocktails.
Czechs go wild over liqueurs
The Czech Republic has a long and strong tradition of producing herbal liqueurs. Becherovka was first produced in Carlsbad in 1807. Since then, it has been one of Bohemia’s most popular liqueurs.
Did you know that...
The typically Czech Beton cocktail was introduced at Expo 67 in Montreal?
Almost everyone’s heard of Beton. But hardly anyone knows where it originated. This popular cocktail made from Becherovka and tonic water was created at the 1967 International and Universal Exposition in Montreal as a symbol of Czechoslovak-Canadian friendship.
How do you serve herbal liqueurs? Either alone or in a cocktail
Herbal liqueurs are served as an aperitif before a meal to tune the taste buds for it. They are also popular as an effective digestive aid to calm an upset stomach after a big Sunday lunch. However, then only a small amount should be drunk. That’s why so-called “liqueur glasses” are characterized by a small volume cup and a long stem for easier gripping.
The temperature at which they should be served also varies by the liqueur. For instance, Becherovka should be enjoyed frozen to make the taste of the herbs and spices stand out better. Herbal liqueurs are also important ingredients in a number of mixed drinks.
Herbal liqueur cocktails: Try these three tips for guaranteeing good mixed drinks
Something interesting to entertain friends and family
Did you know that the oldest preserved herbal liqueurs include Benedictine from France, which was created in 1510 by a Benedictine monk in Normandy? Take a look at some other liqueur pearls.
