"Tatra tea": description and composition

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

"Tatra tea" is a liqueur from Slovakia. In the past, it was the national drink of the people living in the Tatra Mountains. It got its interesting name because it was actually used as a tea.

History of occurrence

In the distant past, Slovak residents who lived in the Tatras were engaged in the preparation of tea, the degree measure of which varied from 20 to 70%. In some cases, the drink could be stronger. Despite this, it was still considered tea. Most likely, this is due to the fact that the main ingredient for its preparation is tea leaves.

In order to make the drink stronger and as he althy as possible, oak bark and various spices were added to it. Locals warmed themselves with fragrant tea, which contains alcohol.

Each family had an individual recipe, so each "Tatra tea" had its own unique properties. Not so long ago, Jan Semanek came up with the idea to create a brand of national tea. Initially, the drink could only be found on the Slovak market. Over time, he gained popularity and appeared on the international alcohol arena. The only competitor of Tatra Tea was another national drink, inwhich also contains alcohol - plum brandy.

Varieties of drink

The first type of tea that appeared on store shelves was its traditional version. It contained more than 50% alcohol. However, no one expected that there would be such a large demand for it, so the manufacturer had to expand its sales line to meet the needs of drink fans. Jan Semanek has always prioritized quality over personal gain, so it's no surprise that the drink has become popular.

After a while, other variants of tea liquor appeared on the shelves. Between themselves, they differed in the content of the degree. Among them were:

• weakest - 22 degrees;
• medium - from 32 to 42 degrees;
• strong - from 62 to 72 degrees.

But the manufacturer of "Tatra Tea" did not stop there either. In addition to the tea version of the liquor, herbal and fruit versions appeared.

Unfortunately, there are only a few representatives of the traditional drink series in Russia at the moment.

What is it made from?

Tatra tea contains only natural ingredients, namely:

• High quality white teas as well as black teas.
• Fruit extracts and distiller.
• Alcohol.
• Pure spring water.

Also, 27 more ingredients are used in the production of a tea alcoholic drink, some of which you already know. The remaining components are represented by various types of berries and herbs, for example:

• St. John's wort;
• melissa.

From spices used:

• carnation;
• cinnamon.

To obtain the basis of "Tatra tea" it is necessary to go through a two- or three-stage maceration, after which the mixture is filtered. The drink then needs to mature for several months.

Now she's ready for the next step. Alcohol is added to the base, which is made from beet molasses. Thanks to him, the sweetish taste characteristic of tea liquor is obtained.

After that, fruit extracts, distillers and sugar are added to the drink. Then it must be left to ripen again, only in this case for a month and a half.

If all the rules and conditions for making a strong drink were observed, then after the expiration of the term, tea liquor will be obtained, which is known for its beneficial properties and excellent taste.

How to drink properly?

The drink is usually served after lunch or dinner as a digestive aid. It is preferable to use it in its pure form. However, local establishments often use it as an ingredient in cocktails. Tea liqueur is recommended to be combined with alcoholic drinks such as:

• vodka;
• whiskey;
• cognac.

"Tatra tea" is a drink that will warm both the body and the soul. Renowned for its natural ingredients and quality, it's worth a try.