Spirited Traveller: The party doesn’t stop in Prague
Kampa Park's riverside terrace, looking onto Charles Bridge in Prague is shown in this undated publicity image. – Reuters picNEW YORK, July 26 — Prague, with its inspiring architecture, picturesque squares and interesting museums, is a top tourist destination and a city where the party doesn’t stop.
Residents the Czech Republic consume more alcohol than any other country in Europe, an average of 16.6 litres per person per year, according to the World Health Organization.
Although most of that is beer, the country also has a tradition of drinking stiff liqueurs, which are usually consumed straight up.
Among these is the herbal Becherovka, which is often mixed with tonic water and lemon to create a refreshing drink called the Beton. US tipplers may be familiar with the tall green-glass bottle because Pernod Ricard USA added the spirit to its portfolio last year and re-launched the product.
Fruit brandies, particularly the high-proof aged plum brandy known as Slivovitz (sometimes spelled as Slivovice), are popular for toasting around the holidays and other special occasions.
Wherever visitors are headed in Prague, they can expect warm hospitality and the possibility of raising a glass with new friends.
“People are very friendly,” said Czech native Vita Chase, manager of Hospoda, a Czech-owned beer hall and restaurant in New York. “Be ready. They may invite you for drinks. If you want to party, if you want to drink, they know how.”
Chase advises travellers to look for the Vltava River, which divides Prague into two sections: Old Town (Stare Mesto), the main tourist area, and the Lesser Quarter (Mala Strana). On both sides of the river, “every little street has a special bar or pub,” she said.
Beverages are not restricted to Czech products; alongside lots of beer, expect to find cocktails made with vodka or rum.
Her recommendations for business travellers include Café Savoy and the newly Michelin starred La Degustation, both sister restaurants to Hospoda.
Also of note is Kampa Park with its expansive river view, and sister restaurant, the Cowboys steakhouse.
For late-night revellers, Chase’s pick is Cuban cocktail bar La Bodeguita del Medio in the centre of the Old Town, where dancing until the wee hours and mojitos are on tap.
Here’s an intriguing way to enjoy two of Prague’s traditional spirits in a non-traditional cocktail.
RECIPE: Prague on Manhattan, courtesy of Mickey Alexander, Hospoda
Although this drink looks deceptively like a classic whiskey-based Manhattan, one sip tells differently. The plummy notes of Slivovitz hit the palate first, finishing with the herbal notes of Becherovka.
1 1/2 ounces Becherovka
1 1/2 ounces Slivovitz 5-year-old
1 dash Angostura bitters
Splash of cherry juice
Maraschino cherry, for garnish
In a cocktail shaker, combine all liquid ingredients with ice. Shake well, and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with cherry. — Reuters
