Borovička (pronounced [ˈbɒrɒwɪtʃkʌ]) (also known as Juniper brandy) is an alcoholic beverage made from juniper berries.[1] It is characterized by a white[2] or golden colour[3] and a taste similar to that of dry gin.[4] It is popular especially in Slovakia,[4]Poland and the Czech Republic. Today's commercially-produced Borovička contains about 40%[2]alcohol by volume. As a benchmark, the minimum amount required by law in Slovakia is 37.5%.[5]
History
According to Slovník slovenského jazyka (Dictionary of the Slovak Language), borovička derives its name from the Slovak word for juniper, borievka.[6]
Borovička harks back to the 16th century, when this beverage was produced in the Kingdom of Hungary's Liptov county, a part of present day Slovakia. It was exported as far as Vienna and Budapest, principally via rafts floating down the river Váh.[7][8]
