From Becherovka to Pilsner: 8 Must-Try Czech Drinks

Is beer what comes to mind when you think about Czech drinks? I’m not surprised if it does!

Czech beer is simply legendary. But it doesn’t mean we can’t go beyond that.

The Czech Republic has much more to offer in terms of beverages. Wines, soft drinks and brandies are all popular choices for locals and visitors alike.

So let’s explore the Czech drinking culture!

The Most Popular Czech Drinks

This list is mostly alcoholic, but don’t worry—I’ll also mention something alcohol-free.

Don’t forget about some Czech snacks to accompany your drinks!

🍾Czech Alcoholic Drinks

Czech Beer (Pivo)

The Czech Republic’s most renowned drink is beer, or pivo. Beer brewery in the Czech Republic dates back to the 10th century.

Here are some key features of Czech beer culture:

• Pilsner style: The Czech Republic is the birthplace of the Pilsner style of beer, which developed in the city of Plzeň (Pilsen) in the 19th century.
• Hops and malt: Czech beers contain moderate, peppery Saaz hops.
• Lagering: Bottom-fermenting yeast strains and lagering methods give Czech beers a smooth, clean flavor and clarity.
• Variety: Besides pilsner-style beers, Czech breweries also make pale lagers, black lagers (like tmavé), wheat beers, and speciality beers.
• Social role: Pubs and beer halls are popular venues to meet friends and family for a beer.

Some of the most popular beer brands in Czechia are Pilsner Urquell, Radegast, Budweiser Budvar, Staropramen and Kozel.

Some of these beers are very popular in Ukraine as well so I’m familiar with their high quality. And I love Czech beer, especially paired with goulash.

Becherovka

Now we have a centuries-old herbal liqueur, Becherovka.

It’s prepared in Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), Czech Republic, using a secret combination of herbs, spices, and botanicals chosen for its particular taste.

Becherovka includes cinnamon, cloves, and other spices with a tinge of bitterness. It’s served chilled as a digestif or mixed in cocktails.

Becherovka and tonic make a popular cocktail called beton (concrete).

Slivovice

Slivovice is a plum brandy with a fruity aroma and a smooth, yet intense flavor. The name comes from the word slíva which means “plum” because this drink is made from damson plums.

It’s mostly produced in Moravia and Vysočina. 

This spirit can be based on other fruits for variety. A pear brandy would be called hrušovice while an apricot brandy would be merunkovice.

Fernet Stock

The famous Czech liqueur Fernet Stock has been around since the late 19th century.

A secret recipe uses fragrant herbs, roots, and spices. The taste is slightly medicinal and bitter so it might not be for everyone.

This herbal bitter is served neat or on the rocks and may help digestion.

Czech Wine

Czech wine, frequently disregarded in favor of its beer culture, is regaining popularity. Most of the wine is produced in Moravia so it’s known as Moravian wine.

Some popular grape varieties for Moravian wines include Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Rivaner and Pinot Gris.

If you want to learn more, I recommend going on a wine tour in South Moravia, which is known for its vineyards and wine cellars.

Medovina

Czech mead, or medovina is made by fermenting honey with water. Herbs, cinnamon, propolis, and other flavors go into certain varieties.

Depending on the honey and fermentation, it can be sweet, semi-sweet or dry.

Mead is very popular throughout Central and Eastern Europe and you can find it among classic Polish alcoholic drinks.

It’s also one of the most ancient drinks in Ukraine. I find it especially nice when shared with friends.

Tuzemak

This Czech rum is a distinctive alcoholic drink deep-rooted in Czech culture.

Despite its name, Tuzemák is not a true rum. It’s not made from sugarcane but instead from sugar beets or molasses.

It has a somewhat sweet and mellow taste with caramel and vanilla notes.

Tuzemák is commonly consumed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, such as Cuba Libre. You can combine it with kofola for a unique twist.

🍹Unique Czech Non-Alcoholic Drink to Try

Kofola

A nostalgic alternative to cola, kofola is a Czech soft drink. Still very much loved today, it was born in communist Czechoslovakia.

Kofola is made from herbs, fruits, and spices. It tastes herbal and less sweet than average colas.

If you like rum and coke, try mixing kofola with rum for a take on a classic cocktail.

I hope you like these popular beverages from the Czech Republic. Na zdraví! (Cheers!)

Curious about Czech food? Check out these amazing Czech breakfasts and sweet pastries from Prague.