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Dish · Slovakia
Bryndzové halušky
Small potato gnocchi mixed while still hot with bryndza, a soft salty sheep’s cheese, and topped with fried bacon. The official tourism board presents it as Slovakia’s national dish.
Flavors · Slovakia
Borovička
A clear or slightly yellowish brandy with a pronounced juniper aroma and flavor. It is the traditional distilled spirit of Slovakia; some regional varieties have protected geographical indication in the European Union.
Traditional drink from Slovakia
Also known as: aguardente de zimbro; Spišská borovička; Trenčianska borovička
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Borovička — Slovakia
Borovička is a distilled spirit with intense juniper flavor and aroma, made from the plant Juniperus communis, which has dark-blue berries and a resinous scent. Juniper berries are distilled or macerated in alcohol, giving the drink its conifer-forest aroma. Generally, borovička has about 40 percent alcohol by volume.
The spirit is produced mainly in Slovakia, and also in the Czech Republic and Poland. In Slovakia, industrial production grew in Trenčín, where a distillery began making it in 1933. Some regional varieties are registered in the European Union as geographical indications for spirits. Spišská borovička, from the Spiš region in the east, is made with local alcohol and juniper berries and has a light-yellow color. The Trenčín variety, clear and at 42 percent alcohol, received registration in 2024.
Borovička is usually served in small glasses, neat and chilled, as an aperitif or after a heavy meal, and appears at parties and family celebrations. Like any alcoholic drink, it should be enjoyed in moderation.
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Where it comes from
Slovakia
A traditional brandy across the country, with regional varieties protected in Spiš and Trenčín.
Ingredients
Cereal alcohol or a base distillate and juniper berries (Juniperus communis); some recipes also use juniper sprigs and a little sugar.
How it is eaten
Neat and chilled, in a small glass, as an aperitif or after a meal.
When it is eaten
Parties, family celebrations and toasts; also after hearty meals.
Your questions
Questions about Borovička
What is borovička?
It is a juniper brandy, clear or slightly yellowish, with about 40 percent alcohol and a resinous aroma. It is the traditional distilled spirit of Slovakia.
How is borovička drunk?
Neat and chilled, in small glasses, as an aperitif or after a meal. Like any alcoholic drink, enjoy it in moderation.
Flavors of Slovakia
Discover other flavors of Slovakia
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