Novak

I would like to rate this a 3.5, but can't go as low as 3, so it gets a 4. The drink, as I prepared it, seemed to capture the essence of the Croatian/eastern European liqueurs and is worth a try for regional/stylistic perspective if nothing else. I used Maraska Slivovitz, Badel Pelinkovac, and Maraska Maraschino (1/6 oz - 1 U.S. barspoon). As one might expect, the slivovitz dominates, enough that the cinnamon heat of the usually assertive Becherovka is in a supporting role rather being up front. It has some mild sweetness, and the Pelinkovac provides wormwood bitter and somewhat herbal background. If you don't like slivovitz (or Kirchwasser), then steer clear of this one. There is room for experimenting with the bones of this cocktail.