🍯 Czech Mead (Medovina) – A Traditional Czech Drink You Must Try in Prague

About the Dish

If you’re discovering Czech food in Prague and wondering what to eat in Prague that captures the city’s golden charm, you simply must try Czech Mead (Medovina). This enchanting, sweet honey drink is more than a beverage—it’s an invitation into centuries of Slavic tradition and celebration.
Medovina is typically golden-amber, shimmering in the light, with an aroma that instantly conjures wildflower fields and honeycomb. With your first sip, you’ll notice its silky smoothness—sweet and slightly herbal, with a warmth that’s comforting without being overpowering. Served chilled in summer or warmed in winter, its fragrant bouquet of wild honey, blossoms, and subtle spice makes every glass a multisensory delight. Medovina’s beauty is that it’s both light and luscious: each sip leaves a gentle aftertaste and a genuine sense of Czech hospitality.

Geschichte und kulturelle Bedeutung

Medovina’s origins trace back to the ancient Slavs, making it one of the oldest traditional Czech drinks. With roots going back more than a thousand years, mead became the celebratory drink of royals and villagers alike throughout Bohemia and Moravia. Where beer is Prague’s modern staple, honey mead was once the drink of special occasions—weddings, harvest feasts, and festive markets.
Throughout the ages, Medovina was cherished not just for its taste, but for its symbolism as a bringer of warmth and happiness. Even today, you’ll often find it at Weihnachtsmarkt and local fairs, as well as at family gatherings celebrating Czech heritage.

🍳 How It’s Prepared

Authentic Czech Medovina starts with only a handful of pure ingredients: natural honey, water, and a medley of aromatic spices such as cloves, cinnamon, or star anise. The process begins by blending honey with water, gently heating it, and then fermenting it with natural yeasts. The fermentation can last from a few months to over a year, granting the mead complex layers of flavor.
Regional variations abound—some producers infuse their Medovina with local botanicals, herbs, or even fruits, such as cherries or blackberries, adding subtle twists. In Prague’s modern restaurants, you’ll even find signature meads aged in oak barrels or creatively served as a base for cocktails.

📍 Where to Eat Czech Mead (Medovina) in Prague

Prague’s vibrant food and drink scene—whether you’re in the bustling Old Town or a hidden side street—offers plenty of places to savor Czech Mead:

• Meda Měšťanský Pivovar (Old Town) – For traditional Medovina in an atmospheric setting.
• U Medvídků – A historic brewery pub where you can mix Medovina tastings with classic local cuisine Prague staples.
• Kolkovna Olympia – Popular for pairing Medovina with hearty Czech dishes and sausages.
• Christmas & Easter Markets (Wenceslas Square, Old Town Square) – Don’t miss the hot Medovina here during winter, surrounded by festive lights and music.

💡 Tips for Visitors

• Pair with a local Czech beer oder Moravian wine for the best experience.
• Visit at lunch — many Prague restaurants include it in their denní menu (daily menu).
• Ask for homemade dumplings if available — they’re a Czech essential.
• Try Medovina both chilled Und warmed to discover its full spectrum of flavors.
• Bring a bottle home from a local honey shop or souvenir stand—perfect for gifts or personal memories.

🍴 More About Czech Cuisine

Medovina is just one example of the rich, comforting experiences that define traditional Czech dishes. Czech food is about depth of flavor and a sense of gathering—think goulash, svíčková na smetaně (marinated sirloin in creamy sauce), roast pork with sauerkraut and fluffy dumplings, or the ever-irresistible trdelník (cinnamon-sugar chimney cake) you’ll see spinning at market stalls.
For an authentic taste of local cuisine Prague, try pairing Medovina with traditional snacks or after a hearty dinner—its gentle sweetness is the perfect conclusion to a savory meal.

🗺️ Map of Recommended Restaurants

Quelle: www.praguehints.com