– **History**
– Borovička derives its name from the Slovak word for juniper, “borievka.”
– Originates back to the 16th century in the Habsburg monarchy’s county of Liptov, now part of central Slovakia.
– Exported throughout the Habsburg monarchy, especially to Vienna and Budapest.
– Transportation via rafts down the river Váh was common.
– Production has historical roots in central Slovakia.
– **Major Brands**
– St. Nicolaus (Slovakia)
– Frucona – Spišská Borovička (Slovakia)
– Gas Família – Spiš original borovička (Slovakia)
– Old Herold (Slovakia)
– Rudolf Jelínek (Czech Republic)
– **Other**
– Borovnička is a blueberry liqueur from Croatia.
– **References and Footnotes**
– St. Nicolaus – trade, a.s. Archived from the original on 2008-08-17.
– Alcohol Beverages | Slovakia. Archived from the original on 2007-02-07.
– 37,5% nivnicka borovicka 0,5l, Traditional spirits – LINEA NIVNICE, a.s. Archived from the original on 2007-09-29.
– TRENDreštaurácie.sk. International Juniper Brandy Day.
– Potravinov? K?dex SR. Archived from the original on 2007-04-03.
– **Additional Information**
– Borovička is a Slovak distilled drink.
– Categories include Gins, Slovak and Czech distilled drinks, and Slovak cuisine.
– Webarchive template wayback links are present.
– Slovak IPA is used.
– Articles have weasel-worded phrases.
Borovička (Slovak pronunciation: [ˈbɔrɔʋitʂka]; also known as Juniper brandy[according to whom?]) 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. As a benchmark, the minimum alcohol amount required by law in Slovakia is 35%. Its flavour, although much stronger, resembles that of gin.
Similar, but differently made drinks known in south Slavic countries include brinjevec in Slovenia (brin means juniper in Slovene) and klekovača in Serbia (kleka means juniper in Serbian). Other similar drinks include several types of gin like Jenever. International Juniper Brandy Day is celebrated annually on 24 June.