Becherovka, formerly Karlsbader Becherbitter, is a herbal bitters, often drunk as a digestive aid. It is produced in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic by the Jan Becher company. The brand is owned by Pernod Ricard. It is made from a secret recipe based on more than twenty types of herbs and spices.

The inventor of Becher Bitter was Josef Vitus Becher (1769–1840) of Karlovy Vary. Apart from trading in spices and colonial goods in his local shop, he also produced alcoholic beverages. In 1794, he rented a still-house and began to experiment with hard alcohol.

In 1805 Prince Maxmillian Friedrich von Plettenberg arrived in Karlovy Vary for his medical treatment, he was accompanied by his personal physician, Dr. Christian Frobrig from England.

Frobrig with Josef Becher discussed the strength of herbs and the recipe for a new liqueur. Josef Becher tested this recipe for two years after which he started to sell this new "English Bitter" liqueur which was intended for the treatment of diseases of the stomach.

Today, some serve it with tonic water, making a drink called a beton, which means "concrete" in Czech and many other languages. This cocktail was originally created for Expo '67 in Montreal as a refreshment to be served in the Czech Pavilion. It also proved to be very popular in the Czech Republic during the 90s.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org