Discover the Fruit Brandy of the Balkans: Rakia

Rakia is a fruit brandy that originates from the Balkans, particularly from countries such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia. It is made from fermented fruits, usually grapes, plums, apricots or pears, and is distilled to create a strong, clear spirit.
Rakia is often consumed as an apéritif or digestif, and is also used in traditional medicine in the Balkans. The drink has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages, and is considered an important part of the region's cultural heritage.
The name "rakia" is derived from the Turkish word "raki," which means "strong water." The drink is also known by other names in different countries, such as "slivovitz" in Bulgaria and Serbia, "travarica" in Croatia, and "šipunko" in Slovenia.
Rakia is typically produced in small batches using traditional methods, and the quality of the final product can vary depending on the type of fruit used and the skill of the distiller. Some rakia producers are experimenting with new flavors and techniques, such as aging the spirit in oak barrels or adding spices and herbs, to create unique and interesting variations of the drink.