🍲 Medovina (Honey Wine) – A Traditional Czech Drink You Must Try in Prague

🥘 About the Drink

If you’re a curious traveler searching for Czech food in Prague and wondering what to eat in Prague, don’t overlook the world of traditional Czech beverages. Medowina, known as honey wine or mead, is a centuries-old beverage with roots embedded deep within Czech culture. Made by fermenting pure honey with water and sometimes spiced with fragrant herbs like cinnamon, cloves, or star anise, Medovina boasts a deep golden hue, glows in the glass, and sends a gentle, earthy, and floral sweetness up to greet your senses.

Its aroma is mesmerizing — think wildflower honey fields on a warm afternoon, with subtle hints of spice. The taste coats the tongue in a silky, mellow sweetness with a blend of herbal undertones, sometimes finishing with a gentle warmth depending on the alcohol content. Medovina is commonly enjoyed chilled in summer oder warmed in winter for true comfort. Each sip is like a toast to Czech warmth and tradition!

🕰️ History and Cultural Significance

This classic drink dates back to the earliest Slavic settlements, even pre-dating the arrival of grapes for wine-making in Bohemia and Moravia. Medovina has graced festive tables since the Middle Ages, from Karlštejn Castle feasts to cozy countryside weddings. Once regarded as a royal beverage for its precious honey base, it slowly made its way into everyday Czech life, especially during family celebrations and traditional festivals such as Slavnosti medu (Honey Festivals) and Christmas markets. Today, enjoying honey wine in Prague means taking a sip from history’s golden cup.

🍳 How It’s Prepared

Crafting authentic Medovina is a slow, artisanal process. Local honey is dissolved in spring water and boiled gently, often with spices like vanilla, nutmeg, or citrus peel for added complexity. Once cooled, yeast is added and the must is left to ferment — sometimes for months or even years! The final drink is filtered, aged, and bottled, revealing a depth of flavor that ranges from light and floral to richly spiced and robust.

Regional Czech variations exist, with some makers infusing herbs native to their area. In Prague, modern meaderies and cocktail bars are now experimenting with Medovina in creative ways, offering up enticing twists on this beloved classic.

📍 Where to Drink Medovina in Prague

Looking to savor Medovina like a true local? Here are some of the best spots in Prague to raise a glass:

• Mělnická Medovina – Nestled in the heart of Old Town, their honey wine flights are a must.
• U Medvídků – This historic beer hall serves traditional meads alongside classic Czech dishes.
• Zlatý Karlův Med – Near Charles Bridge, this cozy shop offers tastings and bottles to take home.
• Prager Weihnachtsmärkte – In winter, steaming cups of spiced Medovina are a festive tradition worth seeking out!

💡 Tips for Visitors

• Pair Medovina with a local Czech cheese plate or sweet pastries for a perfect flavor match.
• Stop by during lunch — many Prague bistros feature Medovina in their denní menu (daily specials), especially in colder months.
• Look for homemade or small-batch varieties at markets and specialty shops for the most authentic experience.

🍴 More About Czech Cuisine

Medovina is more than a drink — it’s a golden thread running through the tapestry of local cuisine in Prague. Just as you’ll discover goulash with tender meat and creamy svíčková sauce, a glass of honey wine is a memorable part of the Czech food adventure. Don’t miss the succulent roasted duck