Top 10 Czech drinks

Tourists from all over the world have rated their favourite Czech drinks in a new ranking showcasing preferences.

The ranking, compiled by TasteAtlas, showcased a range of drinks that highlighted both tradition and local flavour but amplified beers as the overall winner.

The TasteAtlas rankings drew preferences from an international audience, with votes filtered to ignore local or national biases, so that tourists made up the majority of voters. According to TasteAtlas, this process helps ensure a fair representation of the drinks that resonate on a global scale, rather than those simply recognised within Czech borders.

While well-known beers remain notable, the list also included beers from smaller breweries standing alongside larger brands. Added to this, wines from Moravia and even a traditional tea from Bohemia have also make the top 10 list.

According to reports via the Czech expats platform, the top of the list is České pivo (Czech beer), which is not just a general term but also the Protected Geographical Indication that represents the majority (approximately 65%) of the beers brewed in the Czech Republic. The PGI designation also reportedly applies to local beers brewed according to specific criteria, such as traditional brewing methods and the use of local ingredients.

The Czech beer that reigns as the highest-rated comes in second place on the TasteAtlas list and is Chodské pivo, a lager from the historic Chodsko region in the Plzeň area and by Pivovar Chodovar. Notably, Chodské pivo has been brewed since the 12th century, making it one of the oldest beer styles in the country.

Interestingly, Chodské pivo outranked the more widely-recognised pilsner, which originated in Pilsen and came in fourth place on the TasteAtlas list. Although pilsner is perhaps the Czech Republic’s most famous beer export, and Pilsner Urquell the country’s best-known brand, Chodské pivo effectively nudged it out in the rankings.

On the list in fifth place is Černá Hora beer, which is produced in the Moravian town of the same name. Known for its traditional brewing techniques dating back to the 13th century, the Černá Hora brewery produces both light and dark beers, as well as unfiltered styles.

Znojemské pivo, brewed by Znojemský městský pivovar, and Českobudějovické pivo, produced by Budvar and other local breweries, also made the list.

While beer has understandably claimed most of the top spots, Moravian wines have also earned a place. Ranked third on the list is Pálava, a white wine variety that originated in the Pálava region of South Moravia. The wine which blends Müller Thurgau and Gewürztraminer grapes is often-described as aromatic with subtle notes of vanilla, rose, and tropical fruit.

Cabernet Moravia, another Moravian specialty, also made the list. The wine, originally developed as a hybrid of Cabernet Franc and Zweigelt, is garnet in colour and has notes of blackcurrant, cherry, and pepper.

In ninth place on the TasteAtlas list is Chamomilla bohemica, which is a dried chamomile herbal tea with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. This tea is said to be produced from chamomile flowers that have been cultivated in sandy soils under very precise climatic conditions to create a delicate drink known for its calming properties. Additionally, it was the only non-alcoholic Czech beverage to make the top 10 list.

The Top 10 Czech beverages according to TasteAtlas are as follows:

1. České pivo – 4.4
2. Chodské pivo – 4.3
3. Pálava – 4.2
4. Pilsner – 4.1
5. Černá Hora – 4.1
6. Znojemské pivo – 4.0
7. Českobudějovické pivo – 3.9
8. Cabernet Moravia – 3.8
9. Chamomilla bohemica – 3.8
10. Březnický ležák – 3.7

Becherovka, perhaps the Czech Republic’s most famous spirit, fell just short of making the top 10, coming in at number 11 on the list. To see the full list, making up the top 15, see the complete rankings here.

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