Biska

Biska is a traditional Istrian mistletoe-flavored brandy. The base is usually made with komovica, a type of brandy produced from grape marc (grape pomace) combined with dry mistletoe leaves. The macerate is left until the base spirit is thoroughly infused.

Biska can vary in color, from light yellow to dark green. It can also be made with green or yellow mistletoe, while the base is sometimes made with lozovača (another type of brandy made from grape marc) or jabukovača (apple brandy).

Occasionally, some producers will add sugar and honey. Although there are numerous commercial varieties of the drink, many locals still prepare their homemade versions. Biska is a potent spirit with a prominent herbaceous character. It should always be served well chilled, and the locals mainly drink it as an aperitif or a digestif.

It is said that the Celts were the first who started producing biska in Istria. The name biska is the local term for mistletoe.