Today's commercially produced borovička typically contains about 40%[2]alcohol by volume or 80 proof, but can reach as high as 50 to 70% alcohol content. As a benchmark, the minimum alcohol amount required by law in Slovakia is 35%.[5] Its flavour, although much stronger, resembles that of gin.
Similar, but differently made drinks known in south Slavic countries include brinjevec in Slovenia (brin means juniper in Slovene) and klekovača in Serbia (kleka means juniper in Serbian). Other similar drinks include several types of gin like Jenever. International Juniper Brandy Day is celebrated annually on 24 June.[6]
History
According to The Dictionary of the Slovak Language, borovička derives its name from the Slovak word for juniper, borievka.[7] Borovička harks back to the 16th century, when this beverage was produced in the Habsburg monarchy's county of Liptov, today part of central Slovakia. It was exported throughout the whole Habsburg monarchy, particularly to Vienna and Budapest. It was transported southward principally via rafts floating down the river Váh.[8][9]
