Juniper berries

Borovička (Slovak pronunciation: [ˈbɔrɔʋitʂka]; also known as Juniper brandy) is a Slovak alcoholic beverage flavoured with juniper berries.[1] It is characterised by its clear[2] or golden colour,[3] and a taste similar to that of dry gin.[4] It is especially popular in Slovakia[4] and the Czech Republic.

Today's commercially produced borovička typically contains about 40%[2] alcohol by volume or 80 proof, but can reach as high as 50 to 70% alcohol content. As a benchmark, the minimum alcohol amount required by law in Slovakia is 35%.[5] Its flavour, although much stronger, resembles that of gin.

Similar, but differently made drinks known in south Slavic countries include brinjevec in Slovenia (brin means juniper in Slovene) and klekovača in Serbia (kleka means juniper in Serbian). Other similar drinks include several types of gin like Jenever. International Juniper Brandy Day is celebrated annually on 24th of June.[6]

History

According to The Dictionary of the Slovak Language, borovička derives its name from the Slovak word for juniper, borievka.[7] Borovička harks back to the 16th century, when this beverage was produced in the Habsburg monarchy's county of Liptov, today part of central Slovakia. It was exported throughout the whole Habsburg monarchy, particularly to Vienna and Budapest. It was transported southward principally via rafts floating down the river Váh.[8][9]

Major brands

Other

  • Borovnička is a name for a liqueur made from blueberry in Croatia.

References and footnotes

  1. ↑ "St. Nicolaus - trade, a.s". Archived from the original on 2008-08-17. Retrieved 2006-01-11.
  2. 1 2 http://www.alkoholy.wz.cz/alkoholy/B.htm Archived 2007-06-30 at the Wayback Machine (Slovak)
  3. ↑ "37,5% nivnicka borovicka 0,5l, Traditional spirits - LINEA NIVNICE, a.s." Archived from the original on 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2007-03-04.
  4. 1 2 "Alcohol Beverages | Slovakia". Archived from the original on 2007-02-07. Retrieved 2007-03-04.
  5. ↑ "Potravinov? K?dex SR". Archived from the original on 2007-04-03. Retrieved 2007-03-04. (Slovak)
  6. ↑ TRENDreštaurácie.sk. "International Juniper Brandy Day". etrend.sk (in Slovak). Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  7. ↑ Slovenské slovníky
  8. ↑ http://www.nicolaus.sk/index.php?page_id=231 Archived 2008-06-07 at the Wayback Machine (Slovak)
  9. ↑ http://www.plte.szm.sk/historia.html (Slovak)


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