Pelinkovac

Pelinkovac is a traditional herbal liqueur produced with a distillation of herbal macerates. The distillate is adjusted and blended with water, alcohol, and the macerate base. Pelinkovac should always have dominant wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) element, typically complemented by fennel, sage, and peppermint, but the final herbal composition can vary depending on the region and the season.

Pelinkovac is generally dark brown, full-bodied, and aromatic. The aroma is intense and herbaceous, usually dominated by wormwood, while the flavor should always have a distinctive bitter-sweet note. Pelinkovac is traditionally enjoyed as an aperitif or a digestif, usually served neat or on the rocks, often with a lemon slice.

It also works well mixed with lemon juice or tonic water. The liqueur was introduced in 1862, and since then, it has been continuously produced in Croatia, and most local distilleries make their version of the liqueur. This first commercial version was produced by Badel, a company that was was founded in 1862 by Franjo Pokorny.

Badel has a basic version of the drink and a more exclusive Pelinkovac Antique, allegedly crafted on the original version. Pelinkovac was initially promoted as a health remedy, and many locals still believe in its healing properties. The name pelinkovac stems from pelin, which is the Croatian term for wormwood.