Best Central European Beverage Types
Dwójniak is a traditional mead product with an alcohol content ranging from 15 to 18 % vol., fermented from mead wort and produced throughout Poland. To be called Dwójniak, mead must be made from one part honey and one part water.
It gets its name from the numeral 2, referring to the proportions of mead and water. It is a clear alcoholic beverage, with a unique aroma and flavor of honey, which may be enhanced using spices such as cloves, ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon. It is golden to dark amber in color, depending on the type of honey used in the process.
Póltorak is a mead produced in Poland in accordance with old Polish traditions that date back over a thousand years. Its alcohol content ranges from 15 to 18% vol. and it is fermented from mead wort. In order to be called Póltorak", the mead must be made in proportions of one part honey to 0,5 part water (alternatively, water mixed with fruit juice).
It gets its name from the numeral '1,5' (póltora in Polish), referring to the ratio of honey and water. This alcoholic beverage is golden to dark amber, with a delicate aroma and flavor of honey, which may be enhanced with spices such as ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon or cloves.
Trappist is a particular category of beers, or more precisely an indication of origin, which includes various styles that are brewed in Trappist monasteries. Trappist beers are internationally certified and can only be produced by Trappist abbeys—which include six located in Belgium and two in the Netherlands, while Italy, Austria, England, France, the United States, and Spain all have one certified Trappist brewery.
All abbeys develop their yeast, and the regulations also stipulate that the beer must be brewed within the immediate surroundings of the abbey and that the entire production needs to be supervised by monks. Similar beer styles that are produced in non-Trappist monasteries are usually referred to as Abbey-style beers.
VARIATIONS OF Trappist Beer
Belgian-style tripel is an approachable and easy-drinking beer style with high carbonation and complex flavors. They traditionally have high alcohol content, falling between a 7 to 10% ABV range, and are often classified as very strong ales.
These yellow-golden beers typically have a distinctive spicy, fruity, and subtly sweet malt character. Their yeast character varies, but it often includes banana or clove-like aromas. First tripels were produced as abbey beers, while the Westmalle Tripel is widely considered as the prototype.
České pivo is a term that refers to a variety of beers produced throughout the whole Czech Republic that have a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) mark. The mark is used by fourteen breweries in the country for more than 80 brands of beer, which is about 65% of the total domestic market.
The first records of brewing beer of excellent quality in the country are connected to the Brevnov Monastery, where the monks produced beer all the way back in 993 AD. The beers are distinguished by the top-quality raw materials used in the process, the traditional methods of brewing, and the local know-how passed on from generation to generation.
Trójniak is a mead produced in Poland in accordance with old Polish traditions which date back over a thousand years. Its alcohol content ranges from 12 to 15% vol. and it is fermented from mead wort. In order to be called Trójniak, the mead must be made in proportions of one part honey to two parts water (alternatively, water mixed with fruit juice).
It gets its name from trzy, the Polish word for the numeral '3', referring to the ratio of honey and water in the product. Trójniak is golden to dark amber in color, with a delicate aroma and flavor of honey, which may be enhanced with spices such as ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon or cloves.
Czwórniak is a traditional mead product with an alcohol content from 9 to 12 % vol., fermented from mead wort and produced throughout Poland. To be called Czwórniak, mead must be made from one part honey and three parts water.
It is a clear alcoholic beverage, with a unique honey aroma and flavor, which may be enhanced using selected spices such as cloves, ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon. It is golden to dark amber in color, depending on the type of honey used in the process.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Szarlotka (or Tatanka) is a Polish cocktail that combines apple juice and Żubrówka, popular Polish vodka flavored with bison grass. The ratio is 2:1 in favor of apple juice. To assemble it, a shot of vodka is poured into a glass filled with ice, and apple juice is added next.
The drink is usually served in a highball glass. It can be made with clear or cloudy apple juice, while the variations sometimes include lemon or lime juice. Also, it can be dusted with cinnamon.
Szarlotka is a Polish term for an apple cake.
Riesling most likely hails from the Rhine region of Germany, but it has shown great success in other European wine regions, primary Austria and Alsace, as well as the United States and Australia. However, the best expressions of the grape are thought to be in Germany where Riesling remains the most planted grape variety.
Always high in natural acidity, Riesling wines are incredibly versatile and may range from dry, medium dry or medium sweet to sweet styles. Their primary aromas include a complex combination of ripe peaches, nectarines, pears, apples, and citrus that are often accompanied by herbal, floral, mineral, and earthy nuances, while a distinctive element found in aged Riesling wines is the smoky aroma of petrol.
THE BEST Riesling Wine Varieties


Weingut Ökonomierat Petgen-Dahm
Perler Hasenberg Riesling Eiswein
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold 2023, 2021, 2020

Weingut Hans Wirsching
Iphöfer Julius-Echter-Berg Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold 2023

Dubbel is a rich and well-balanced Trappist beer that originated in Belgium and whose modern version is often associated with Henrik Verlinden who created the prototype at Westmalle brewery in 1926. This version was named Dubbel Bruin, and soon after its invention, the style was copied in many Belgian breweries.
Unlike other brown beers, typical Belgian dubbel will get its flavor from candi sugar—a thick and dark caramelized syrup that is added to the wort. These beers typically range from amber to copper, and they will usually have complex aromas and flavors reminiscent of toffee, raisins, malt, and dark fruit.
THE BEST Dubbel Ales

Best Central European Beverages
Aura Teranino is a renowned red wine liqueur produced by Aura Distillery in Istria, Croatia. Crafted from the indigenous Teran grape variety, this liqueur is infused with a blend of ten aromatic spices, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile.
It boasts a deep ruby-red color and offers enticing aromas of ripe cherries, milk chocolate, and cinnamon. On the palate, it is sweet and layered, with a lingering aftertaste reminiscent of cherry marmalade. With an alcohol content of 15.86%, Aura Teranino is best enjoyed chilled, either neat or over ice, and pairs well with desserts or as a standalone indulgence.
AWARDS

European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024, 2023

London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
Kaiza 5 Gin is a premium gin inspired by the free-spirited essence of South Africa, designed to blend exotic aromas with the traditional character of gin. This carefully distilled gin is crafted in small batches to ensure superior quality and consistent flavor.
Its profile features a perfect harmony of classic botanicals like juniper and coriander, combined with vibrant citrus notes and exotic plants inspired by African flora. With an alcohol content of 43%, it comes in an elegant 500 ml bottle that reflects the sophistication of the brand.
AWARDS

World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2024, 2022

European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
MASSIV RED Toprotweincuvée is a bold and powerful red wine that blends several carefully selected grape varieties. This wine is known for its deep, rich color and intense aromas of dark fruits, such as blackberries and cherries, along with hints of spice and earthy undertones.
On the palate, it offers a full-bodied experience with structured tannins and a smooth, long finish. The combination of ripe fruit flavors and a well-integrated acidity gives this wine a balanced, yet robust character. Perfect for pairing with hearty dishes, MASSIV RED is a wine that stands out for its strength and complexity.
AWARDS

Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2024, 2022, 2021

Portugal Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022
An ode to freshness and maturity, this award-winning Premier Cru Brut Blanc Champagne will transport you to the lushness of the French countryside after rain. With crisp apples, juicy plums, and an earthy, vegetal edge, the nose pays homage to a variety of garden flavours.
All while subtle notes of cinnamon and exotic fruits linger further afield, unfolding at the perfect moment and staying for a prime length.
AWARDS

Portugal Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022, 2021

Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2021, 2020
Dutch Cacao Liqueur is a premium chocolate liqueur produced by De Kuyper Royal Distillers, a renowned Dutch company with a rich heritage in crafting high-quality spirits. This liqueur is meticulously created using the finest cocoa beans, resulting in a rich and authentic chocolate flavor.
It boasts a smooth and velvety texture, making it a versatile ingredient for a variety of cocktails and desserts. With an alcohol content of 24% ABV, Dutch Cacao Liqueur balances sweetness and strength, offering a delightful experience for chocolate enthusiasts and cocktail aficionados alike.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2024

London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
Rakija Kajsijevača is a premium apricot brandy produced by Destilerija Simić. This spirit is crafted from carefully selected, ripe apricots, ensuring a rich and authentic flavor profile. The distillation process adheres to traditional methods, preserving the natural aromas and sweetness of the fruit.
The result is a smooth and aromatic brandy, ideal for sipping neat or as a base for various cocktails. Rakija Kajsijevača reflects the distillery's commitment to quality and the rich heritage of Croatian
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2024, 2022
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
Seven Seals Whisky "The Age of Virgo" is a limited edition release from the Swiss distillery Seven Seals, renowned for its innovative accelerated whisky maturation methods. This single malt whisky is presented in an elegant wooden box, with a volume of 50 cl and an alcohol content of 49.7%.
The aromatic profile features notes of red berries, dried figs, vanilla, caramel, citrus, and sugarcane, attributed to its finishing process in Sauternes wine casks. This maturation method contributes to a rich and layered flavor despite a shorter aging period, thanks to their patented "Fast Forward Finishing" process.
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024

European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2023
Aura Fernet Amaro 78 is a premium herbal liqueur produced by Aura Distillery in Istria, Croatia. Crafted from a blend of 78 different herbs, citrus peels, roots, and spices, this liqueur is made through a meticulous process of distillation, maceration, and infusion.
The number 78 signifies the variety of ingredients used, reflecting the distillery's dedication to complexity and quality. With an alcohol content of 34.7%, Aura Fernet Amaro 78 is traditionally enjoyed as a digestif, served chilled at temperatures between 6-8°C.
AWARDS

European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024, 2023
Aura Gin Karbun Navy Strength is a premium Istrian dry gin made from grain distillate, juniper berries, and twenty wild herbs and spices. This gin carries the "Navy Strength" designation due to its remarkable strength of 58.5% alcohol. The term "Navy Strength" dates back to the 18th century, when officers of the British Royal Navy tested the gin's strength by mixing it with gunpowder; if the mixture burned with a clean flame, it confirmed the gin had at least 57% alcohol and was of good quality.
Gin Karbun Navy Strength is filtered through activated charcoal, enhancing its purity and unique character. It is recommended to serve it with dry tonic, ice, a slice of orange, and spices of your choice.
AWARDS

London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024

European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2023








TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Central European Beverages” list until April 11, 2025, 8,732 ratings were recorded, of which 7,407 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.