Bikla

Bikla is a Croatian drink mainly associated with Dalmatia, including the islands and the hinterland. It is an unusual combination of red wine (traditionally young wine) and milk—both cow or goat milk are used. It is usually made with equal amounts of both ingredients, and it is traditionally made in a vessel in which it is later served.

The resulting drink has an intriguing, vibrant purple color. The first written mention of bikla dates back to the 19th century, but it is assumed that the drink existed before that. It was most likely introduced by Greeks, primarily to Croatian islands.

The drink is rarely seen nowadays, but local communities try to keep the tradition alive. In Vrgorac—a small town in the Croatian hinterland—there is even a festival exclusively dedicated to this regional specialty.