Becherovka – The 13th remedy – Museum visit, history and modern cocktail ideas

Hardly any other drink represents so much Karlovy Vary How Becherovka. The golden herbal liqueur is almost as much a part of the landscape here as the colonnades and hot springs. Once sold as a stomach remedy, it’s now a cult souvenir and a bar classic. The locals affectionately call it the “13th Remedy” – as a complement to the twelve Carlsbad springs.

Anyone who wants to try more than just a sip should visit the Jan Becher Museum. Here you’ll learn how a small pharmacist’s idea became a world-famous liqueur – and you’ll immediately want to mix with Becherovka yourself.

A visit to the Jan Becher Museum

The museum is located in the manufacturer’s historic factory. Upon entering, the air is filled with the scent of herbs, spices, and alcohol – almost like an old apothecary. It was right here, at the beginning of the 19th century, that the story of Josef Vitus Becher began, who, together with an English doctor, worked on a digestive herbal mixture.

During the guided tour you will learn:

• how the secret mixture of over 20 herbs is created,
• why the recipe is still a closely guarded secret,
• how Becherovka went from being a remedy to an export hit,
• and how it used to be bottled, labeled and sold.

The old bottles, advertising posters, and historic bottling plants are particularly fascinating. And the best part awaits at the end: a Tasting of different varieties – from the classic Becherovka Original to more modern varieties like Lemond or Cordial.

Address: TG Masaryka 282/57, Karlovy Vary
Tip: Combine your visit with a walk through the city center and the colonnades.

What does Becherovka actually taste like?

The taste is unique: sweet, bitter, spicy, and intensely herbal all at once. Notes of cinnamon, clove, anise, and citrus are also present. Neat, it can be quite strong – but served ice-cold or mixed, it unfolds its full aroma. This is precisely why many bartenders love it as a cocktail ingredient.

Modern Becherovka cocktails for home

Becherovka Tonic (the classic)

Fresh, slightly bitter and perfect for summer.

• 4 cl Becherovka
• Tonic Water
• ice cubes
• lemon or lime slice

Simply pour Becherovka over ice, top up with tonic, stir – done.

Bohemian Mule

The Czech version of the Moscow Mule – spicy and tangy.

• 4 cl Becherovka
• Ginger Beer
• 1 cl lime juice
• Mint & Ice

Serve everything in a copper mug or highball glass. Super refreshing after a long day of sightseeing.

Herbal Sour

Elegant and slightly sweet and sour – ideal for the evening.

• 5 cl Becherovka
• 2 cl lemon juice
• 1–2 cl sugar syrup
• Optional: Egg whites for foam

Shake vigorously and strain into a glass. Tastes surprisingly smooth and complex.

Winter Punch

Perfect for cold days or Christmas markets.

• Becherovka
• hot apple juice
• Cinnamon stick & orange slice

Served warm, the liqueur becomes particularly aromatic – almost like a mulled herbal wine.

Why Becherovka is more than just a souvenir

Becherovka tells a piece of Bohemian history. From a spa treatment for visitors to an international spirit – hardly any other drink combines tradition and modernity so charmingly. And let’s be honest: a bottle in your luggage is definitely a more authentic souvenir than the tenth magnet.

Next time you’re in Karlovy Vary If you’re traveling, take some time for the museum, sample the different varieties – and mix your own cocktail in the evening. That’s the taste of the Czech Republic in a glass: herbaceous, honest, and a little nostalgic.