The Czech Republic, or Czechia, offers a diverse array of alcoholic and alcohol-free beverages that reflect its history and craftsmanship. From the globally acclaimed Czech beers and Moravian wines to unique spirits like Slivovice plum spirit and herbal liqueurs, enjoyed on their own or as part of a cocktail. Each drink tells a story of tradition and innovation. The assortment also includes non-alcoholic options like the iconic Kofola, Czech take on cola, catering to all palates. This guide delves into the heart of Czech drink culture, showcasing the variety and depth of its liquid treasures.
1. Spirits from Czech Republic (Czechia)
1.1 Czech Liquor
1.1.1 Czech Fruit Brandy
1) Slivovice
- Plum brandy
Slivovice, or slivovitz, a traditional Czech plum brandy, is renowned for its strong, fruity flavor. This clear spirit is distilled from fermented plums and typically contains a high alcohol content. Slivovice is a cultural staple in Czech celebrations and gatherings, symbolizing hospitality and local craftsmanship. Although slivovitz is often homemade, one of the most recognized and popular commercially produced brands is R. Jelinek that has been making Vizovicka Slivovice in the town of Vizovice since the 19th century.
2) Hruškovice
- Pear brandy
Hruškovice, a pear brandy from Czechia, is appreciated for its smooth, sweet pear essence. Distilled from ripe pears, this spirit balances a delicate fruitiness with a potent alcoholic punch. It’s a popular choice for toasts and special occasions, showcasing the Czech tradition of fruit brandies.
3) Meruňkovice
- Apricot brandy
Meruňkovice, an apricot brandy, is a fine example of Czech distilling expertise. Made from fermented apricots, it offers a harmonious blend of apricot aroma and alcoholic warmth. Its popularity in Czechia stems from its rich flavor profile, making it a favorite in local celebrations.
4) Jablkovice
- Apple brandy
Jablkovice is a Czech apple brandy, valued for its crisp apple taste and smooth finish. Crafted from fermented apples, it’s a testament to the traditional fruit brandy culture in Czechia. Enjoyed both in social settings and as a digestif, it highlights the versatility of Czech spirits.
1.1.2 Other Czech Liquor
5) Tuzemák
- Domestic rum
Tuzemák, a unique Czech take on rum, stands out with its sweet, caramel-like flavor. Made from sugar beets and seasoned with various spices, it’s a distinctively Czech spirit, often enjoyed as a warming drink during colder months.
6) Borovička
- Czech gin
Borovička, a juniper-flavored liquor, is Czechia’s answer to gin. With its distinctive piney aroma and herbal notes, it’s a staple in Czech bars. Borovička is a symbol of Czech drinking culture, enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
7) Czech Vodka
- Grain or potato based vodka
Czech vodka is known for its high-quality distillation, resulting in clean, smooth taste, reflecting the dedication of Czech distillers to producing refined classic spirits. Great examples of Czech vodka include R. Jelinek Bohemia Vodka and Hanácká Vodka. Bohemia Vodka is produced from 100% potato spirits. Hanacka Vodka, claiming to be the oldest Slavic vodka, has been made in the town of Prostejov since 1518, from what and water from deep wells in the Moravia region.
8) Absinth
- Wormwood spirit
Absinth, a highly potent spirit infused with wormwood, is famous for its strong herbal flavor and high alcohol content. Originally popularized in Czechia, it’s known for its unique effects and historical significance in the bohemian lifestyle.
1.2 Czech Liqueurs
9) Becherovka
- Herbal bitter liqueur
Becherovka, a renowned Czech herbal bitters, is famous for its unique blend of spices and herbs. Originating from Karlovy Vary, this digestif is known for aiding digestion and is often enjoyed after meals. Its secret recipe, unchanged since 1807, offers a complex, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile.
10) Fernet Stock
- Bitter herbal liqueur
Fernet Stock, a bitter herbal liqueur, is a staple in Czech bars. Made from a variety of herbs and spices, it’s recognized for its distinctively strong, somewhat bitter taste. Often consumed as a digestif, it’s also popular in cocktails for its complex flavor.
11) Fernet Citrus
- Citrus-infused Fernet
Fernet Citrus is a variation of the classic Fernet Stock, infused with a refreshing citrus twist. Combining the traditional herbal base with lemon and orange essences, this liqueur offers a more approachable, slightly sweeter taste, popular among a broader audience.
12) Zelená
- Mint liqueur
Zelená, a mint-flavored liqueur from Czechia, is known for its vibrant green color and refreshing taste. Made with natural mint extracts, it’s a popular choice for after-dinner drinks and is often used to add a minty freshness to cocktails.
13) Griotte
- Cherry liqueur
Griotte is a Czech cherry liqueur, celebrated for its rich, fruity flavor. Made from ripe cherries, it combines sweetness with a subtle tartness, making it a delightful digestif or a versatile ingredient in various cocktails and desserts.
14) Malinovka
- Raspberry liqueur
Malinovka, a raspberry liqueur, is a sweet, fruity delight from Czechia. Crafted from ripe raspberries, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. It’s enjoyed as a standalone drink or used to enhance the flavor of cocktails and desserts.
15) Vaječný Koňak
- Egg brandy
Vaječný Koňak, also known as egg cognac, is a creamy, rich liqueur. It blends eggs, sugar, and brandy, resulting in a smooth, velvety drink. Often enjoyed during the holiday season, it’s a Czech favorite for its comforting and indulgent nature.
16) Stará Myslivecká
- Herbal liqueur
Stará Myslivecká, translated as “Old Hunter’s” liqueur, is a traditional Czech herbal liquor. Known for its complex, bittersweet taste, it’s made from a blend of forest herbs and fruits, reflecting the country’s rich hunting heritage.
17) Kmínka
- Caraway liqueur
Kmínka, a caraway seed liqueur, is unique to Czech drinking culture. With its distinctively spicy, slightly peppery taste, it’s often consumed as a digestive aid. Kmínka’s bold flavor makes it a memorable experience for those exploring traditional Czech liquors.
2. Cocktails & Mixed Drinks from Czechia
2.1 Czech Cocktails & Alcoholic Mixed Drinks
18) Czech Mule
- Ginger & vodka cocktail
The Czech Mule, a twist on the classic Moscow Mule, combines Czech vodka with ginger beer and lime juice. This refreshing cocktail is known for its zesty, spicy kick, often served in a copper mug to enhance its cold, crisp taste.
19) Prague Old Fashioned
- Whiskey & Becherovka
Prague Old Fashioned is a Czech variant of the classic cocktail, blending whiskey with Becherovka. This combination creates a unique, spiced flavor profile, enhanced with a dash of bitters and a twist of orange peel, offering a sophisticated drinking experience.
20) Slivovitz Sour
- Plum brandy cocktail
Slivovitz Sour is a Czech cocktail that mixes Slivovice, lemon juice, and a sweetener. This drink balances the strong, fruity flavor of plum brandy with the tartness of lemon, creating a refreshing and palatable cocktail, often garnished with a slice of plum.
21) Beton
- Becherovka & tonic
Beton, meaning “concrete” in Czech, is a simple yet popular cocktail made with Becherovka and tonic water. Its name hints at its strength and solid reputation. The herbal notes of Becherovka blend perfectly with the quinine bitterness of tonic, served with a slice of lemon.
22) Fernet Stock Mixed Drinks
- Fernet & mixer cocktails
Fernet Stock Mixed Drinks typically involve pairing Fernet Stock with various mixers like tonic water or cola. These cocktails are known for their bitter, complex flavor, often softened with a citrus twist, making them a favorite among those who appreciate herbal liquors.
23) Tuzemák with Kofola
- Rum & cola variant
Tuzemák with Kofola is a Czech twist on the classic rum and cola, substituting traditional rum with Tuzemák and cola with Kofola, a popular Czech soft drink. This combination offers a unique caramel-spiced flavor, popular in casual and social settings.
24) Vodka & Kofola
- Vodka & Czech cola
Vodka & Kofola mixes Czech vodka with Kofola, a local cola alternative. This cocktail is a favorite for its straightforward, familiar taste, combining the smoothness of vodka with the sweet, slightly herbal taste of Kofola.
25) Tatranka
- Tatratea-based cocktail
Tatranka is a cocktail made with Tatratea, a high-proof Slovak tea-based liquor, often mixed with fruit juices or other mixers. This drink is known for its strong, warming properties, with a flavor profile that ranges from sweet and fruity to spicy and herbal, depending on the mixers used.
2.2 Czech Hot Alcoholic Beverages
26) Grog
- Rum & hot water
Grog, a traditional hot drink, is made with rum, hot water, and a sweetener like sugar or honey, often flavored with lemon. In Czechia, this warming cocktail is popular in cold weather, offering a comforting blend of sweetness, citrus, and the rich taste of rum.
27) Svařák
- Mulled wine
Svařák, the Czech version of mulled wine, is a staple in winter months. It’s prepared by warming red wine with a mixture of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, and often sweetened with sugar. Svařák is renowned for its aromatic, cozy qualities, making it a favorite at Christmas markets and social gatherings.
28) Medovina
- Warm mead (honey wine)
Medovina, a traditional hot mead, is made by heating honey wine with spices. This ancient drink, known for its sweet, rich flavor, is deeply rooted in Czech culture. It’s often consumed during colder seasons for its warming properties and is believed to have medicinal benefits.
29) Hot Fernet Stock
- Fernet & hot water
Hot Fernet Stock is a simple yet comforting hot drink, combining Fernet Stock with hot water. This concoction highlights the herbal, bitter qualities of Fernet, making it a perfect choice for a warming digestif or a soothing evening beverage in the chilly Czech winters.
3. Brewed & Fermented Alcoholic Beverages from Czechia
3.1 Czech Wine
Czech wine, particularly from the Moravian and Bohemian regions, offers a diverse palette of flavors. White wines are predominant, known for their aromatic and crisp characteristics, while red wines are emerging with a spectrum from light and fruity to rich and tannic. Rosés add a refreshing touch with their versatility. The Czech wine scene is also highlighted by Burčák, a young, partially fermented wine, symbolizing the rich, traditional, and varied wine culture of the Czech Republic.
30) Moravian White Wines
- Dry & aromatic whites
Moravian White Wines are celebrated for their crisp, aromatic qualities. Predominantly grown in the Moravia region, these wines range from dry to sweet and are known for their fruity and floral notes. Varieties like Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, and Müller-Thurgau showcase the region’s winemaking expertise.
31) Moravian Red Wines
- Light & fruity reds
Moravian Red Wines, though less common than whites, are gaining recognition for their quality. These wines, including varieties like Frankovka and Modrý Portugal, offer a spectrum of flavors from light and fruity to rich and tannic, reflecting the diverse terroir of Moravia.
32) Bohemian Wine
- Traditional Czech wines
Bohemian Wines, produced in the Bohemia region, are known for their historical significance and traditional winemaking methods. While less famous than Moravian wines, they offer unique varieties like Rulandské šedé (Pinot Gris) and Svatovavřinecké (St. Laurent), providing a distinct taste of Czech viticulture.
33) Czech Rosé Wines
- Refreshing & versatile rosés
Czech Rosé Wines are a delightful offering from both Moravia and Bohemia. These rosés, known for their freshness and versatility, range from dry to semi-sweet. They often feature a balanced acidity and are perfect for summer sipping or pairing with a variety of cuisines.
34) Burčák
- Young fermented wine
Burčák is a unique Czech beverage, a partially fermented young wine available in early autumn. This cloudy, sweet, and slightly alcoholic drink is made from freshly crushed grapes, capturing the essence of the harvest season. Burčák is a seasonal treat, embodying the joy and bounty of Czech vineyards.
3.2 Czech Beer
Czech beer culture is renowned for its rich variety, dominated by lagers which are globally acclaimed. The Czech Pilsner, with its golden hue and balanced bitterness, is the cornerstone of this tradition. Beyond this, the range extends to full-bodied dark lagers, smooth and creamy varieties, and robustly bitter beers. Each type reflects a unique aspect of Czech brewing expertise, from traditional recipes to innovative flavors, making Czech beer a dynamic and diverse segment in the world of brewing.
35) Pilsner Urquell
- Original Pilsner beer
Pilsner Urquell, the world’s first pale lager, originated in Pilsen, Czechia. This beer is celebrated for its golden color, clear appearance, and perfect balance of bitterness and maltiness. It set the standard for the Pilsner style, influencing beer culture globally.
36) Budweiser Budvar
- Traditional lager
Budweiser Budvar, brewed in České Budějovice, is known for its rich, full flavor and deep golden hue. This lager, with its unique Czech Saaz hops, offers a refined bitterness and a complex, aromatic profile, embodying centuries of brewing tradition.
37) Gambrinus
- Popular Czech lager
Gambrinus, named after the legendary king of beer, is a popular Czech lager known for its balanced taste and moderate alcohol content. It provides a smooth, refreshing drinking experience, making it a favorite in pubs and homes across Czechia.
38) Staropramen
- Prague’s famed lager
Staropramen, hailing from Prague, is one of Czechia’s leading lagers. With its rich, full-bodied flavor and a hint of bitterness, it reflects the brewing heritage of the capital city. Staropramen is enjoyed for its consistent quality and satisfying taste.
39) Kozel
- Velvety smooth lager
Kozel, famous for its velvety smoothness, is a Czech lager with a distinct taste. It’s known for its easy drinkability, mild hop character, and a hint of caramel sweetness, making it a popular choice for a wide range of beer enthusiasts. To demonstrate the versatility of Czech beer, Kozel is available in different strengths, including an alcohol-free variant, as well as “Černý” dark beer and “Řezaný”, a mixture of light and dark lagers.
40) Radegast
- Bitter Czech lager
Radegast, a beer with a distinctly Czech character, is renowned for its pronounced bitterness and crisp finish. Brewed in Nošovice, it epitomizes the robust flavor profile that many Czech beers are known for.
41) Bernard
- Family-brewed lager
Bernard, a family-owned brewery product, is a Czech lager recognized for its traditional brewing methods. It offers a range of flavors, from classic hoppy lagers to unique special editions, all reflecting the brewery’s commitment to quality and taste.
42) Svijany
- Award-winning lager
Svijany, an award-winning Czech lager, boasts a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Its balanced flavor profile, combining a mild hop bitterness with a malty body, makes it a well-respected name in Czech beer culture.
43) Starobrno
- Historic Moravian beer
Starobrno, a traditional Moravian beer, is brewed in the city of Brno. It offers a distinct blend of hops and malt, resulting in a beer that is both flavorful and refreshing. Its deep roots in the region make it a beloved part of Moravian culture.
44) Velvet
- Creamy dark lager
Velvet is a creamy dark lager unique to Czechia. Known for its smooth, velvety texture and rich, malty flavor, it offers a different experience from the typical Czech lagers. Velvet is a testament to the diversity of Czech brewing.
3.3 Other Brewed & Fermented Alcoholic Drinks from Czechia
45) Medovina
- Traditional honey wine
Medovina, a honey wine, is deeply rooted in Czech tradition. This fermented drink, made from honey, water, and sometimes spices, ranges from sweet to dry. Medovina is known for its rich, aromatic flavor and is often enjoyed during festive occasions.
46) Czech Cider
- Apple-based cider
Czech Cider is a relatively new but growing segment in Czechia’s alcoholic beverage scene. Made from fermented apple juice, these ciders vary from dry to sweet, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional beers and wines. They reflect the growing interest in diverse fermented drinks in Czechia.
4. Non-Alcoholic Drinks from Czechia
4.1 Czech Alcohol-Free Beverages
47) Kofola
- Czech cola alternative
Kofola, a popular Czech soft drink, is a unique alternative to traditional cola. Known for its herbal and slightly sweet taste, it’s a staple in Czech cafes and households. Kofola, with its distinctive flavor and regional popularity, is a symbol of Czech beverage culture.
48) Malinovka
- Raspberry soda
Malinovka is a refreshing raspberry-flavored soda beloved in Czechia. Its sweet, fruity flavor makes it a favorite among all age groups, especially during the warm summer months. Malinovka is a delightful representation of Czech non-alcoholic fruity drinks.
49) Vinea
- Grape soda
Vinea, a light and sweet grape soda, is another Czech favorite. Made from white or red grapes, it offers a unique taste that’s less sugary compared to traditional sodas. Vinea is a go-to refreshment for those seeking a subtly sweet, fruity beverage.
50) Mattoni
- Iconic sparkling mineral water
Mattoni, a renowned Czech mineral water, is famous for its high mineral content and refreshing taste. Available in both still and sparkling varieties, Mattoni is often the water of choice in Czech dining due to its quality and heritage.
51) Rajec
- Natural mineral water
Rajec is a natural mineral water sourced from the Czech Republic. Known for its purity and balanced mineral content, it’s a popular choice for everyday hydration and is believed to have health benefits due to its unique composition.
52) Poděbradka
- Therapeutic mineral water
Poděbradka, a therapeutic mineral water from Poděbrady, is valued for its high mineral content, particularly calcium and magnesium. It’s not just a beverage but also a health supplement, often recommended for its medicinal properties in aiding digestion and overall wellness.
4.2 Hot Alcohol-Free Beverages from Czechia
53) Czech Hot Chocolate
- Thick & rich chocolate
Czech Hot Chocolate is a luxurious, thick beverage, more akin to melted chocolate than the watery version often found elsewhere. It’s intensely rich and creamy, making it a favorite treat during the cold Czech winters, often enjoyed in cafes and at home.
54) Turecká Káva
- Turkish-style coffee
Turecká Káva, or Turkish-style coffee in Czechia, is a strong, unfiltered coffee made by boiling finely ground coffee beans. It’s known for its robust flavor and thick consistency, often served with a glass of water to balance its intensity.
55) Bylinkový Čaj
- Herbal tea
Bylinkový Čaj refers to a variety of herbal teas enjoyed in Czechia. These teas, made from local herbs like mint, chamomile, or linden, are not only delicious but also revered for their health benefits, reflecting the Czech preference for natural, wellness-oriented beverages.
56) Zázvorový Čaj
- Ginger tea
Zázvorový Čaj, or ginger tea, is a popular hot drink in Czechia, especially during winter. Made from fresh or dried ginger, it’s known for its spicy, invigorating flavor and health benefits, such as aiding digestion and boosting immunity.
In summary, the Czech Republic’s drink repertoire, blending timeless tradition with contemporary flair, stands as a testament to the country’s enduring passion for quality and taste in every sip.