Ingredients
Drink
- 50 mlBecherovka, well chilled
- 150 mltonic water, well chilled
- plenty of ice
To finish
- a slice of lemon
- a sprig of mint, optional
To serve
- in a tall glass, very cold
Directions
- Start at one to three, since Becherovka is assertive and easily dominates. Both the Becherovka and the tonic must be genuinely cold.
- Chill the glass as well as the drink. Now the ice, which should be plentiful.
- Fill the glass with ice rather than adding two cubes. Use large cubes if you have them.
- Fill a tall glass with ice, pour the Becherovka over, then top with tonic. Pour the tonic gently down the inside of the glass rather than splashing it in.
- Stir it as little as possible, since agitation drives off the bubbles. Add a slice of lemon, which sharpens the drink and cuts the sweetness.
- Squeeze the lemon slightly as you add it rather than just perching it on the rim. Now serving it out while very cold.
- Serve it immediately, while it is cold and still fizzing. Becherovka is also drunk neat and very cold as a shot, which is the traditional way.
Technique
- The name joins Becherovka and tonic, and also means concrete.
- Becherovka has been made in Karlovy Vary since 1807 to a secret recipe.
- The bitterness of the tonic is what balances the liqueur’s sweetness.
Substitutions
- Any spiced herbal liqueur, though the result differs considerably.
- Bitter lemon in place of tonic, which makes a Bavorák.
Variations
- Bavorák, made with bitter lemon.
- Drunk neat and very cold, as a shot.
- With mint and extra lemon, in summer.
History
A Czech bar standard; the name joins Becherovka and tonic, and also means concrete.
Frequently asked questions
What is Beton?
Beton is a cocktail from Czechia: becherovka lengthened with tonic water over ice. A Czech bar standard; the name joins Becherovka and tonic, and also means concrete.
How long does Beton take to make?
Beton takes 2 min of preparation and none of cooking. The recipe makes 1 drink. It is rated easy to make.
What can I substitute in Beton?
Yes, within limits. Any spiced herbal liqueur, though the result differs considerably. Bitter lemon in place of tonic, which makes a Bavorák.
What is the most important thing to get right in Beton?
Start at one to three, since Becherovka is assertive and easily dominates. Both the Becherovka and the tonic must be genuinely cold.
