Experience the essence of Czech tradition with this homemade Becherovka-inspired herbal liqueur. Known for its complex blend of herbs and spices, Becherovka is a cherished symbol of Czech culture. This recipe offers a simplified version of the iconic spirit, allowing you to create a unique herbal liqueur at home. Whether served neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, this homemade Becherovka brings a touch of Czech sophistication to your glass.
Becherovka, a famed herbal liqueur from the Czech Republic, boasts a rich history dating back to 1807. Created by Josef Vitus Becher in Karlovy Vary, this liqueur was originally intended as a medicinal tonic. The recipe, still a closely guarded secret, combines a variety of herbs and spices, contributing to its distinctive flavor. Over the centuries, Becherovka has evolved from a medicinal remedy to a celebrated Czech aperitif, enjoyed both locally and globally.
Ingredients
- 1 liter high-quality vodka or neutral grain spirit
- 15 grams dried chamomile flowers
- 10 grams dried lemon peel
- 5 grams dried orange peel
- 3 grams cinnamon stick
- 2 grams cloves
- 2 grams grated nutmeg
- 1 gram coriander seeds
- 1 gram anise seeds
- 1 gram caraway seeds
- 1 gram fennel seeds
- 1 gram dried ginger
- 1 gram allspice berries
- 1 gram cardamom pods
- 500 grams sugar
- 500 ml water
Instructions
1. Combine Ingredients: In a clean glass jar or bottle, mix the vodka or neutral spirit with all the dried herbs, spices, and peels. Seal the jar tightly.
2. Infuse: Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks. Shake gently every few days to mix the ingredients.
3. Strain: After 2 weeks, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bowl, pressing down on the solids to extract maximum flavor. Discard the solids.
4. Make Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves to form a simple syrup. Let the syrup cool to room temperature.
5. Mix: Combine the cooled syrup with the infused liquid, adjusting sweetness to taste. Add syrup gradually, tasting as you go.
6. Bottle: Transfer the liqueur into clean bottles or jars, seal tightly, and let it rest for at least another week to meld flavors.
7. Serve: Enjoy your homemade Becherovka as an aperitif or digestif, chilled, on the rocks, or as a cocktail ingredient.
Note: This recipe approximates the flavors of Becherovka but may not exactly replicate the commercial product. Adjust ingredients and proportions to suit your taste preferences. Ensure proper sanitation when handling and storing homemade liqueurs.
Nutrition Value:
1. 1 liter high-quality vodka or neutral grain spirit
- Calories: 2,310 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides no essential nutrients but serves as the base for flavor extraction.
2. 15 grams dried chamomile flowers
- Calories: 8 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 0.5 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamins A, C, and B vitamins
- Minerals: Calcium, potassium, and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Known for calming effects and potential digestive benefits. Rich in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation.
3. 10 grams dried lemon peel
- Calories: 16 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4 grams
- Protein: 0.4 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C
- Minerals: Potassium and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds citrus flavor. High in vitamin C and fiber, supporting immune function and digestion.
4. 5 grams dried orange peel
- Calories: 12 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3 grams
- Protein: 0.3 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: High in vitamin C
- Minerals: Potassium and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds zesty flavor. High in vitamin C and antioxidants, aiding in immune support and overall health.
5. 3 grams cinnamon stick
- Calories: 6 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 0.1 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin K
- Minerals: Calcium, iron, and manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Known for antioxidant properties and potential to regulate blood sugar levels. Also has anti-inflammatory effects.
6. 2 grams cloves
- Calories: 6 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1.5 grams
- Protein: 0.3 grams
- Fat: 0.3 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin K and vitamin C
- Minerals: Manganese, calcium, and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Used for digestive and analgesic benefits.
7. 2 grams grated nutmeg
- Calories: 12 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1.5 grams
- Protein: 0.3 grams
- Fat: 0.8 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Vitamin A and small amounts of vitamin C
- Minerals: Manganese, magnesium, and copper
- Nutritional Benefit: Known for antioxidant properties and aiding digestion. Also has anti-inflammatory effects.
8. 1 gram coriander seeds
- Calories: 3 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.6 grams
- Protein: 0.1 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin C and B vitamins
- Minerals: Iron, magnesium, and manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Aids digestion and balances blood sugar levels.
9. 1 gram anise seeds
- Calories: 3 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.7 grams
- Protein: 0.1 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin C
- Minerals: Calcium, iron, and manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Aids digestion and has antimicrobial properties.
10. 1 gram caraway seeds
- Calories: 3 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.7 grams
- Protein: 0.2 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin C and B vitamins
- Minerals: Iron, calcium, and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Aids digestion, reduces bloating, and has antioxidant properties.
11. 1 gram fennel seeds
- Calories: 3 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.7 grams
- Protein: 0.1 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Vitamin C and some B vitamins
- Minerals: Calcium, iron, and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Supports digestion, has antioxidant properties, and may support respiratory health.
12. 1 gram dried ginger
- Calories: 3 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.7 grams
- Protein: 0.1 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin C
- Minerals: Magnesium, potassium, and manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Used for digestive health and nausea relief.
13. 1 gram allspice berries
- Calories: 5 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 0.1 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Vitamin C and some B vitamins
- Minerals: Manganese, iron, and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. May aid in digestion and pain relief.
14. 1 gram cardamom pods
- Calories: 3 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.7 grams
- Protein: 0.1 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin C and B vitamins
- Minerals: Potassium, calcium, and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Supports digestive health and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
15. 500 grams sugar
- Calories: 2,000 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 500 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Primarily used for sweetness. High in calories, with no significant nutritional benefits.
16. 500 ml water
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Essential for hydration and supports digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall bodily functions.
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