Czech Apple Cider (Mošt) (Apple juice or cider)

🍲 Czech Apple Cider (Mošt) – A Traditional Czech Drink You Must Try in Prague

About the Dish

Take a journey through Czech food in Prague and you’ll soon discover a golden treasure in your glass: Czech Apple Cider, locally known as Mošt. This vibrant drink, brimming with sweet, tangy aromas, is made from freshly pressed local apples and comes in both non-alcoholic (apple juice) ו lightly fermented (cider) forms. When poured, mošt glows a sunlit amber, sometimes cloudy with natural pulp, and seduces with a crisp, refreshing taste—each sip carrying the orchard’s subtle earthiness followed by a delicate, honey-like sweetness. Served chilled in carafes or glasses, it’s an invigorating companion to hearty Czech meals or a perfect standalone treat as you wander local markets. Unlike overly sweet commercial juices, Czech mošt preserves that honest, orchard-fresh bite, making it a beloved symbol of Czech comfort and natural goodness.

היסטוריה ומשמעות תרבותית

Czech mošt is steeped in tradition, dating back to times when Czech families would press apples at harvest, gathering around old wooden presses for a taste of the season’s bounty. While the Bohemian and Moravian regions are famous for their apple orchards, mošt transcended boundaries to become a true Czech staple. Enjoyed from early autumn as apples ripen, it’s a fixture at fall festivals, rural markets, and cozy family get-togethers. Sipping it is almost a rite—children enjoy the sweet, pure juice while adults sometimes prefer a slightly fermented, sparkling variation. In a city as timeless as Prague, mošt is a classic that bridges village heritage and urban contemporary flair, perfectly embodying the soul of local cuisine in Prague.

🍳 How It’s Prepared

The art of making mošt is simple yet deeply cherished. Freshly picked apples—often from organic or heirloom orchards—are washed, chopped, and gently pressed, extracting every bit of aromatic juice. That’s often it for the non-alcoholic mošt: no added sugars or preservatives, just nature in a bottle. For those who enjoy a touch of tang, some mošt is left to ferment for several days, naturally developing mild bubbles and a gentle alcohol content (making it more akin to cider). Some Prague cafés and bistros now add a modern twist—infusing mošt with ginger, cinnamon, or even serving it warm in winter as a spiced apple punch. Still, the heart of mošt is its pure, orchard-fresh character, drawing both locals and visitors into its simple magic.

📍 Where to Eat Czech Apple Cider (Mošt) in Prague

If you’re wondering what to eat (and drink!) in Prague, don’t miss these spots for truly memorable mošt:

Manifesto Market (Florenc & Anděl): Modern food halls offering local mošt on tap from Czech orchards.
אסקה (Karlin): A trendy bistro with homemade, seasonal mošt—sometimes spiced or sparkling.
Karlínské farmářské trhy (Karlín Farmers’ Market): Meet producers and buy freshly pressed mošt direct from the source, especially in autumn.
Lokál Dlouhááá (Old Town): Traditional pub serving refreshing mošt alongside classic Czech food in Prague.
קפה סבוי (Malá Strana): Elegant riverside spot where fresh apple juice (mošt) is a morning favorite.

💡 Tips for Visitors

Pair mošt with a local Czech cheese or a slice of apple strudel for a delightful snack.
Try it warm and spiced at Christmas markets or winter cafés—perfect for chilly days.
If choosing fermented cider, enjoy it as an aperitif or with light Moravian wine for an authentic pairing.
Bring home bottled mošt from farmers’ markets—an edible souvenir!

🍴 More About Czech Cuisine

Apple cider (mošt) may seem simple, but it’s deeply woven into the fabric of Czech dining. Like many traditional Czech dishes, it reminds us of the land’s abundance and the locals’ devotion to natural, seasonal flavors. When exploring what to eat in Prague, don’t miss signature foods like aromatic goulash (guláš), creamy svíčková (marinated beef with sauce), crispy roasted duck with red cabbage, or the cinnamon-dusted marvel that is trdelník (chimney cake). A glass of mošt, whether sweet and cloudy or tart and sparkly, connects you to this centuries-old culinary adventure and invites you to slow down and savor the essence of Prague.