Borovička facts for kids
Borovička (Slovak pronunciation: [ˈbɔrɔʋitʂka]; also known as Juniper brandy) is a Slovak alcoholic beverage flavoured with juniper berries. It is characterised by its clear or golden colour, and a taste similar to that of dry gin. It is especially popular in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
Today's commercially produced borovička typically contains about 40% alcohol by volume or 80 proof, but can reach as high as 50 to 70% alcohol content. Its flavour, although much stronger, resembles that of gin.
History
According to The Dictionary of the Slovak Language, borovička derives its name from the Slovak word for juniper, borievka. 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.
