Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Žinčica

Žinčica sheep milkŽinčica is a traditional Slovak product from sheep milk. The best kind is called Urda, it is denser than normal salty or sour žinčica. Especially in the summer it is a nice refreshing drink.

Kofola

Kofola is soft drink similar to Coca-Cola or Pepsi. It has been produces in Czech Republic and Slovakia since 1960s. Kofola is one of the most favorite soft drinks in Slovakia. There were nearly 20 million liters sold in 2004. With sells like that Kofola became the third most marketed soft drink on the Slovakian market.

The main ingredient of Kofola is Kofo syrup that consists of 14 natural ingredients (extracts from cherry, apple, currant, etc.), caramel and sugar. It contains less sugar than Coca-Cola or Pepsi and a bit more caffeine.

New types of Kofola were introduced in the last few years: Kofola Lemon, Kofola Sugar Free, and Cherry Flavoured Kofola.

Vinea

Vinea is grape-based carbonated soft drink. It was invented in 1973 by biochemist Ján Farkaš who was working for the Research Institute for Viticulture and Wine-making in Bratislava, Slovakia. Its production began in 1974.


Traditional Slovak Spirits

Slivovica, borovička and demänovka are typical Slovak aperitifs.

Slivovica

SlivovicaSlivovica is a spirit made from ripe plums by fermentation, distillation and treatment of water. Slivovica is a classic noble spirit, which is produced by complex procedure with different results. It has a strong fruity aroma and taste with a bouquet of pits.

Borovička

BorovičkaBorovička is an alcoholic spirit, the Slovak national drink. It belongs to a group of fruit spirits; it has the refreshing effects with strong support for metabolism. It has a typical taste and aroma of juniper.

Demänovka

DemänovkaDemänovka is a herbal liqueur with sweet, delicate honey aromatic taste. This beverage is produced in two types, Demänovka herbal liqueur Demänovka 33% and Demänovka herbal bitter 38%. Liqueur is made from 14 kinds of herbs, honey and water from Tatras.


Slovak Beers

Production of beer in Slovakia has been known since the early Middle Ages. Some experts even believe that the word “beer” has an old Slavic origin. Currently, you can taste more than 60 different brands of beer production of Slovak breweries.

Zlatý Bažant

Zlatý Bažant beerZlatý Bažant (Golden Pheasant) is produced in a brewery in Hurbanovo (close to Hungarian border). It was founded in 1969 and purchased by Heineken International group in 1995. It is also distributed in USA (under the name Golden Pheasant).

Light beer Zlatý Bažant is a Pilsner type light lager, characterized by gentle hop aroma and moderate bitterness. Because of its full flavor, Zlatý Bažant belongs to the most popular beer on the market.

Types:

  • 12% Light
  • 10% Light
  • 11,5% Dark
  • Non-alcoholic Light

Corgoň

CorgoňCorgoň is produced in a brewery in Nitra (west part of Slovakia). This beer was first cooked in Nitra in 1896, the brewery was reopened in 1949 but at this time Corgoň was called Nitriansky ležiak (Nitra’s Lager). It received its recent name in 1992 when the brewery was privatized by Brewery Karšay. Since 1997 it is a member of Heineken Slovakia.

Corgoň is glossy amber lager Pilsner type beer with relatively high, but balanced delightful bitterness, full flavor and immutable bouquet.

Types:

  • 10% Light
  • 11% Light
  • 12% Light
  • 11% Dark

Šaris

Šariš beerŠariš Brewery is the largest brewery in Slovakia located in the eastern part of the country, in Veľký Šariš near the city Prešov. It was founded in 1964 and first liter of Šariš was brewed in 1967. Since 1997 it is a member of brewing giant SABMiller.

Šaris is a premium beer made from light malt. It is a highly hopped beer which gives it a bitter, aromatic taste, and also allows better digestibility.

Types:

  • 12% Premium
  • 8% Light
  • 10% Light
  • 11% Light
  • 12% Light
  • 11% Dark
  • 13% Dark
  • Non-alcoholic Light

Topvar

Topvar beerTopvar is produced in Topvar Brewery (Pivovary Topvar, a.s.), founded in 1957 and situated in Topolčany. Since 2006 (together with Šariš Brewery), it is a member of global brewing giant SABMiller.

The beer is characterized by further fermentation with its own characteristic ester aroma. It has pleasantly bitter, delicate malt and hop aroma. The color of the beer is lighter. It is popular for both male and female lovers of beer.

Types:

  • 10% Light
  • 12% Light
  • 11% Dark
  • 11% Keg-beer

Smädný Mních (Thirsty Monk)

Smädný Mních beerSmädný mních (Thirsty Monk) comes from Šariš region – the beer was originally prepared by monks from Šariš Castle. In the meantime it is one of the most favorite types of beer in Slovakia.

It is a light and refreshing beer. It has low alcohol content, very delicate hop bitterness, high and thick foam and delicious taste.

Types:

  • 10% Light
  • 12% Light


Slovak Wines

The ancient Romans brought wine-growing to Slovakia 2000 years ago. At that time it was already very respected and popular. During the recent years the importance of Slovak wines has grown rapidly. Several larger vineyards have rich tradition of high quality wine-growing and wine-making, but high quality is also very usual for smaller private vineyards.

Slovak Wine Regions

There are 6 main wine regions in Slovakia (each of them is divided into a few more regents that are named after the most important cities, excluded Tokay):

  • Small Carpathian Region
  • Middle Slovakian Region
  • East Slovakian Region
  • Nitra Region
  • South Slovakian Region
  • Tokay (neighbour of Hungarian Tokay)

For more detailed information, please, see the map of wineries in Slovakia.

Slovak Wine Sorts

During more than 1000 years, Slovak wines have gone through a huge progress that led to many sorts of different tastes: Green Veltlin, Italian Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Rhine Riesling, Red Traminer and Muscat Ottonel.

  • White wines: Sauvignon, Chardonnay
  • Red wines: St. Laurent, Blue Frankovka
  • International red wine: Cabernet Sauvignon

Best Slovak Wine Brands

  • Víno Mrva a Stanko, Trnava
  • Karpatská perla, Šenkvice
  • Vinohradnícka spoločnosť Pavelka a Sobolič, Pezinok
    PD Mojmírovce
  • J & J Ostrožovič, Veľká Tŕňa, (Tokaj)
  • Vínne pivnice Svätý Jur, Svätý Jur
  • Víno Masaryk, Skalica
  • Víno Matyšák, Pezinok
  • Strekov 1075, Strekov
  • Vinárstvo Vinanza, Vráble
  • Hacaj, Pezinok