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Rakija | Local Spirit From Serbia, Southeastern Europe | TasteAtlas
Rakija | Local Spirit From Serbia, Southeastern Europe | TasteAtlas
Rakija | Local Spirit From Serbia, Southeastern Europe | TasteAtlas
Rakija | Local Spirit From Serbia, Southeastern Europe | TasteAtlas
Rakija | Local Spirit From Serbia, Southeastern Europe | TasteAtlas

Rakija

(Rakia, Ракија, Ракия)

Rakija is a universal term used for various fruit brandies produced in several Balkan countries (Southeast Europe). This strong spirit is distilled from different fruit and is sometimes additionally flavored or used as a liqueur base. The most common versions are made from plums (šljivovica), Williams pear (viljamovka), quinces (dunjevača), apricots (kajsijevača), apples (jabukovača), grapes (lozovača/komovica), and many more.


Rakija has present in the region for centuries. It is mainly associated with Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Although fruit brandies are produced in other European countries and regions, in the Balkans, rakija is a household name and has a large following among all generations.


This potent spirit typically falls between 40% to 60% ABV. It is usually served neat, preferably well chilled, in a shot glass.  Read more

Rakija is primarily a social beverage meant to be consumed with friends or as a welcome drink. Locals also like to believe that rakija is a terrific health remedy, and they use it boosts their immune system or ease any minor medical problems. Rakija can be in the form of a pure distilled spirit, but sometimes it is flavored with herbs and fruits.


Many producers often use rakija as a liqueur base, but although these liqueurs are often labeled as rakija—such as orahovac made with walnuts or honey-flavored medica—they are technically liqueurs and not fruit brandies. Although rakija holds a reputation as a crude and harsh drink, many producers try to break away from its traditional image and create exceptional labels, which they promote as savoring and sipping drinks. 

and  5 more regions

Part of

Snack

Vrlički uštipci

Vrlički uštipci are traditional fritters originating from Vrlika in Croatia. The batter is made with dark flour, salt, lukewarm water, a tiny bit of local schnapps ... Read more

Sweet Pastry

Grašnjaki

Grašnjaki is a festive sweet treat originating from Rukavac, a small place located above the Croatian city of Opatija. These little fritters are filled with a combination ... Read more

Dessert

Viški hib

Once an essential element of the local diet, this fig-based treat is nowadays regarded as an authentic delicacy and the most popular souvenir of the island of Vis. It ... Read more

Sweet Bread

Priločki klecinprot

Originating from the Croatian city of Prelog, klecinprot is a traditional Christmas sweet bread enriched with fruits. A selection of dried fruits is soaked in rum or rakija... Read more

Rakija festivals

Grappa

3.4
Italy

Calvados

3.8
Lower Normandy, France

Medronho

3.5
Algarve, Portugal

Țuică

3.5
Romania

Loza

3.3
Croatia

Ouzo

3.5
Greece

Vranac

3.5
Montenegro

Krstač

n/a
Montenegro

Krap

n/a
Montenegro

Prljo

n/a
Montenegro

Kolašinski lisnati sir

n/a
Kolašin, Montenegro

Njeguški Sir

4.4
Cetinje Municipality, Montenegro

Njeguška pršuta

4.6
Cetinje Municipality, Montenegro

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