Cherry Plum Raki

Cherry plum raki is a traditional alcoholic beverage that has been exclusively prepared by the Shala community living in the Shala Valley in Northern Albania. To make the beverage, the local population gathers the small reddish-purple fruits of the cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) when ripened, which are then mashed and allowed to ferment in wooden barrels for up to three weeks before being distilled in a big copper pot.

In Albania, the production of homemade raki, including cherry plum raki, has long been a family tradition. This distilled spirit is typically consumed daily and during various social and festive occasions. Cherry plum raki is produced only for personal consumption and is not available commercially.