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See the whole story

The story that made history

Antique Pelinkovac is Badel's oldest and most famous premium herbal liqueur and also one of the most fascinating Croatian drinks.

It was created by Franjo Pokorny, a master distiller, tradesman, chemist and founder of the company Pokorny, one of the predecessors of Badel 1862. During his prolific and extraordinary career, he revolutionized the production of alcoholic beverages, created numerous recipes for successful brands, won various awards for his work, and laid the foundations of modern alcohol industry in the region.

Badel Antique Pelinkovac Timelessly original Croatia secret Franjo Pokorny recipe authentic traditional founder forefather alcohol industry

Interesting Beginnings

At first, Antique was sold solely in pharmacies as “digestive elixir”, since it was believed that Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), the main ingredient of Antique, cleanses the blood and strengthens the stomach.

The ancient Egyptians recommended it as an antiseptic and antipyretic, Pythagoras wrote that Wormwood soaked in wine helps with childbirth and Hippocrates prescribed it as a remedy for anaemia and rheumatism.

From Local triumph to World fame

Over time Antique became the largest export product of the local alcohol industry. It quickly expanded its markets to numerous Central European countries, European capitals and the United States of America.

It soon became so popular that Franjo Pokorny even became the official supplier for the Viennese and French royal courts.

Mysterious disappearance & rediscovery

During World War II, the original recipe for Antique disappeared under obscure circumstances. It had been missing until the beginning of the twenty-first century, when it was unexpectedly found.

Since then, this original recipe, known only to Badel's master distiller, is one of Croatia's best kept secrets which is still surrounded by many stories and intrigue.