In Romania and Moldova, the related word rachiu or rachie is used to refer to a similar alcoholic beverage as these neighboring countries, often a strong fruit-based spirit, usually from grapes. Belgrade is a place where rakia is celebrated in festivals. Required fields are marked * I am passionate about cities, how people influence architecture and vice versa, and how places change our lives. Romania. The above-noted alcohol content may differ from the alcohol content displayed on the bottle label due to the timing of changes in vintage dates or production lot codes. Rakia is a distilled fruit spirit originating from the Balkans with generally a very high percentage of alcohol. Afterwards matures in oak barrels for 5 - 7 years. In Albania, rakia is most commonly made out of grapes in mild climate regions and out of plums (and sometimes out of mulberry, thanë (carnelian cherry), or walnuts) in colder climate areas. Some tsipouro in Greece is made without anise in the same manner as pomace rakia (or pomace brandy). Max. Rakija is the Serbo-Croatian name given to an alcoholic drink made from the distillation of fermented fruit. But there are ones that are more popular than the others. In fact, Skrapar spirit is very popular not only in Albania but also in Europe. If you decide to experience rakia in a restaurant, do it while eating … Aperitif, because of the alcohol percentage, and a digestive due to the nature of the plum as a raw material. Schnapps in the United States is often used to describe a category of fruit-flavored liqueurs. In general, in the Balkans, rakia is offered to guests in one's home as a welcoming gesture. The sensory properties and alcohol content of rakija is often evaluated with a Baumé scale (called grad), a hydrometer for measuring liquid density (Dikić & Dikić 2003). Skadarlija is street that’s paved with small stones. As already mentioned, there are many different types of schnapps since it’s possible to make it from almost all types of fruit. In Belgrade, every restaurant serves good rakia, and that is maybe the basic requirement to run a restaurant in Belgrade. Drinking rakia in the Balkans is supposed to happen while talking with friends, in a slowly manner. $22.99. Bottle size: 1000mL. Pick Up Limited quantities may be available in store. [8] In Serbia there are 10,000 private producers of rakija. The alcohol content of rakia is normally 40% ABV, but home-produced rakia can be stronger (typically 50% to 80%, even … You might think that rakija is similar to brandy or schnapps and that there’s nothing new here. It’s made of quince that’s hand-picked at just the right time. The grape shoots are then boiled in tinned and sealed copper pots, the wood used must be oak wood which produces a lot of heat needed to turn the shoots into steam. When drinking "for the soul" of the deceased, one spills some rakia on the ground, saying "For the peaceful rest of the soul", before drinking the rest. It is supposed to be drunk from special small glasses which hold from 30 to 50 ml. Romanians love their țuică, and every year, they strive to prepare it before Christmas – so as not to postpone any “business” for next year. Check out more awesome videos at BuzzFeedVideo! We have ‘’rakia days’’, and even pubs dedicated to rakia. After third or fourth rakia when you find yourself in Skadarlija, the bohemian district in Belgrade, you will see that everything here is adapted so you can have the full rakia experience. Rakia or Rakija (/rɑːkiːɑː/ RA -ki-ya) is the collective term for fruit brandy popular in Southeastern Europe. 3.8 out of 5 stars. Today, plastic barrels are used. Balkia’s taste is bittersweet, perfectly balanced by the sugar and acidity of the plums. Fruits less commonly used are peaches, apples, pears, cherries, figs, blackberries, and quince. The most popular kind of rakija in Montenegro is made from grapes. The more natural it is, the better. Distilling process is traditional. Maraska (1) Country. Alcohol Proof is a measure of alcohol content in a spirit and in the United States is defined as twice the percentage of ABV while in the United Kingdom it is 1.75 times the number, for example, 40% ABV is an 80-proof spirit in the US and 70-proof in the UK. These vapors then pass through copper pipes which pass through a cold container from where the opposite process is achieved, that of distillation, ie the return to liquid state of the vapors. The normal alcohol percentage of Rakia normally is 40%, but home made Rakia can be as strong as 80%. In fact, Skrapar spirit is very popular not only in Albania but also in Europe. ... Made from fermented corn and wheat, it has a very low percentage of alcohol (around one percent)- A taste that goes well when combined with cakes and anything out of the candy shop. 100 Proof Vodkas contain approx 50% of alcohol by volume. Schnapps in the United States is often used to describe a category of fruit-flavored liqueurs. Raki or rakı (/rɑːˈkiː/, /rɑːˈkuː/, /rɑːˈkɜːr/, Turkish pronunciation: [ɾaˈkɯ]) is an unsweetened, occasionally (depending on area of production) anise-flavoured, alcoholic drink that is popular in Greece (where it is distinctly different and comes as an unflavoured distillate, unlike its Turkish counterpart), Iran, Turkic countries, and in the Balkan countries as an apéritif. The alcohol content of rakia is normally 40% ABV, but home-produced rakia can be stronger (typically 50% to 80%, even going as high as … Year after year, Bulgaria is among the countries with the highest alcohol consumption per capita in the world. $20 to $30 (1) Brand. When mixed with water, as it is commonly served, the drink turns a milky white, which has resulted in the powerful drink — said to have up to 90% alcohol … If your choice is to drink rakia in the bar, be sure not to do that hungry. I’d like to receive the itinari.com newsletter. 66 countries5349 inspiring stories123884 referenced places. Don't miss Rakia bar! Is rakija a moonshine? Due to the age of the fragment, contradicting the idea that rakiya production only began in the 16th century, some historians believe this indicates that rakiya did originally come from Bulgaria. Reviews. Somewhere in between is rakija with steeped fruit but without added sugar. Rakija is the Serbo-Croatian name given to an alcoholic drink made from the distillation of fermented fruit. Balkia, the premium plum rakija brandy in Switzerland! And, of course, the Macedonians make an event out of it, throwing a party in anticipation of the potent elixir (the alcohol percentage can be as high as 60%) they have created thanks to the generosity of friends and family. Muskatova rakiya is made from Muscat grapes, while the preparation method of dzhibrova rakiya is the same as for Italian grappa. Macedonians will tell you their beloved rakija takes pride of place as a vital part of their identity and tradition – a way of life if you will.. As such, secret family recipes are carried down through the generations. … No artificial aroma or colour, completely natural. $20 to $30 (1) Brand. Today StaraSokolova produces 150.000 bottles of rakija annually in line with the world and European standards having the recommended alcohol percentage, … The alcohol content of rakia is normally 40% ABV, but home-produced rakia can be stronger (typically 50%). Min. A lot of Macedonian people make homemade white rakija with natural process from grape distillate and add anise which gives sweetness. The Croatian Adriatic coast is known for a great variety of herbal rakija, some typical for only one island or group of islands. Rakija. In Bulgaria, rakiya is generally served with shopska salad, yogurt salad, pickled vegetables (turshiya) or other salads, which form the first course of the meal. Many consider this as a ritual for longevity. 100 Proof Vodka with 50% alcohol content is the average alcohol content of Vodka that shall be the preference of … Rakia can be traced back to 14th century Bulgaria. The alcohol percentage varies from 25 to 65 by volume, usually 40-55%. The crushed grape, at this stage is called bërsi, is left for 25 days, almost a month which is also the right time for fermentation. As already mentioned, there are many different types of schnapps since it’s possible to make it from almost all types of fruit. It contains up to 5.5 litres of pure alcohol per 100 kg, and at least 40% dry matter. When this fermentation is achieved, the shoots are ready to produce spirit. This might be the most important rule of all. Rakija, both homemade and commercially produced, generally contains around 40-60% alcohol by volume, however, it is more common for homemade rakija to be more potent. You might think that rakija is similar to brandy or schnapps and that there’s nothing new here. There are no reviews yet. 4 reviews. Rakija is made from fruit. With a smart plan, you can try all and still remember everything. Subscribe to our monthly inspiration newsletter. Rakia or Rakija is the collective term for fruit brandy popular in the Balkans.. Wikipedia has this to say about Rakija:. Sometimes it’s served in a small shot glass, don't do it like you would drink any other shot-liquor. You can continue drinking it during the meal, I certainly do, but it is not the common thing. Rakija is a hard alcoholic beverage (least 32% ABV (64 proof). [13] The island Hvar is famous for rakija with the addition of Myrtus (mrtina—bitter and dark brown). Arak or araq (Arabic: ﻋﺮﻕ ‎) is a Levantine unsweetened distilled spirit (≈40–63% alc/vol or ≈80–126 proof [citation needed]) in the anise drinks family. Rakia is normally colorless unless herbs have been added. The latter is aged for 3 years in oak barrels and has an alcohol content of 43%. Raki (definite Albanian form: rakia) (a type of rakia) is a traditional drink in Albania. Rakia or Rakija (pronounced rakiya) is the collective term for fruit brandy popular in the Balkans.The alcohol content of rakia is normally 40% ABV, but home-produced rakia can be stronger (typically 50% to 80% but going as high as 90% at times). Greek ouzo (from grape) and tsipouro (from pomace), Turkish rakı (from sun-dried grapes) and arak in Lebanon and Levant region differ from rakia as they are redistilled with some herbs (commonly anise). Vladan Novakovic, our producer, is based in southwest Serbia. The latter is aged for 3 years in oak barrels and has an alcohol content of 43%. 90 Proof Vodkas contain approx 45% alcohol percentage. The liquor goes down quite easily, so make sure to pace yourself when drinking as you never know how strong it will be! Similar spirits are produced in Romania, Moldova, Poland, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria and the Caucasus. Afterwards matures in oak barrels for 5 - 7 years. Taking care of the high quality of this brandy is how rakia unites the Balkans. About cookies: to improve your experience, itinari.com uses cookies. [1], Fruit spirits are known by similar names in many languages of the Balkans: Albanian: rakia; Bulgarian: ракия, romanized: rakiya; Greek: ρακί, romanized: rakí [raˈci]; Turkish: rakı (/rɑːˈkiː/, /rɑːˈkuː/, /rɑːˈkɜːr/); Serbo-Croatian: rakija / ракија [ˈrǎkija]); Macedonian: ракија, romanized: rakija;. Standard Size 750 ml (1) Maraska Kosher Slivovitz 750ml. Until the 19th century, meyhanes would serve wine or meze. 4 Proof Vodkas contain … Year after year, Bulgaria is among the countries with the highest alcohol consumption per capita in the world. This drink is almost always a homemade drink. While it’s somewhat notorious for its relatively high alcohol content, a shot of Rakija in the morning has been a part of the Serbian culture for centuries. Sold under numerous brands and in every Slavic country, it can be still or carbonated, sweet or dry, transparent or colored with fruits, herbs and spices. And it is this steam that becomes rakija. DON’T WEAR HIGH HEELS. Balkia is a plum-based Rakija (Slivovitz) from Serbia. Rakia is normally colorless unless herbs have been added. In the northern Adriatic—mainly Istria—rakija is typically made of honey (medica) or mistletoe (biska). It's served with salad as an appetizer (traditionally shopska salad) or white cheese. Price Range. It can be made from almost any type of fruits, but some of the most commonly used fruits are plums or apricots. Rakija. ABV is the measure of alcohol content within a beverage. Ring a bell? **  Not to be confused with mead, which is made solely of honey. Croatia (1) Type. Raki (definite Albanian form: rakia) (a type of rakia) is a traditional drink in Albania. It is a clear-as-water kind of drink, with a percentage of alcohol that can range from approximately 40% to 65%. It is hard liquor, take your time. There are a ton of different kinds of Rakia because you can basically use any fruit you want to make it. It’s a clear spirit made from distilled, fermented fruit and is known for having a very high alcohol content – anywhere from 80 to 190 proof. You can start your day with honey rakia, and after you can create your own list: cherry rakia, quince rakia, apricot rakia, plum rakia, pear rakia, grape rakia, raspberry rakia... Just be sure to make enough space between them so that everyone can make an independent impression. Alcohol Percentage: 40.0%. The liquor goes down quite easily, so make sure to pace yourself when drinking as you never know how strong it will be! By using this site, you agree to our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy and our Terms and Conditions. Distilling process is traditional. Go. The food serves in part to dampen the effect of the strong spirit -- raki is about 45% alcohol. Most rakijas are about 40 percent alcohol, although some homemade varieties can reach 60 percent. Rakija liquor is a Macedonian clear spirit brandy made from fermented fruit. It’s a strong fruit-based brandy, usually from grapes. In Turkey, it is considered a national drink. to. [9][10][11] According to Dragan Đurić, President of the Association of Producers of Natural Spirits, the EU protects the names of beverages by allowing the prefix Serbian. Arak or araq (Arabic: ﻋﺮﻕ ‎) is a Levantine unsweetened distilled spirit (≈40–63% alc/vol or ≈80–126 proof [citation needed]) in the anise drinks family. At the bottom of the tube is placed a small nape from which the spirit flows into a glass or plastic container. Rakia or Rakija is the collective term used for fruit brandy popular in Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia and other Balkan countries. Tikves winery makes the most famous rakija which is made in Kavadarci. Our aim in this article is to educate you about the different levels of alcohol in different beverage types and measures. It’s basically a type of mead with a highly varied alcohol percentage (from 3.5% to more than 20%). My grandmother did this every morning. In general rakija is the term for fruit brandy that is very common and popular in Central and Southeast Europe. It’s golden color comes from the oak barrels in which … Slavs and alcohol go way back. In Croatia, national drink rakija is shared with other Balkan countries, but the Croatian way is to drink a herbal rakija – known as travarica – at the start of a meal with some dried figs. As is the case with Bulgaria, Croatia has EU Protected Geographical Indication of 3 rakija products, making it the only other country to have such protected rakija products.[7]. The highest alcohol content Vodka is 95% that can be quite dangerous for first-time alcohol consumers. [8] It is the national drink of Serbia present for centuries. Skrapar is a region known not only for its hospitality and tradition, but also for the production of rakia. Product Event Content. It is comparable to several other alcoholic beverages available around the Mediterranean and the Middle East, such as pastis, ouzo, sambuca, arak and aguardiente. Rakia is a distilled fruit spirit originating from the Balkans with generally a very high percentage of alcohol. It is a translucent white anise-flavored drink. [4], Bulgaria cites an old piece of pottery from the 14th century in which the word rakiya (Bulgarian: ракия) is inscribed. Additionally, the regional term vinars (literally "burnt-wine") in Romania, and divin in Moldova, can refer to brandy in general as well. 3.8 out of 5 stars. Go. Anytime there’s skulls on something it means poison, or danger, or DON’T. [6] Price Range. Customers are advised to read the bottle labels to confirm the actual alcohol content of their purchases. Rakija is normally served in a small glass, but it should be sipped rather than downed at once. With this text, I don't want to encourage drinking alcohol, but to share small tips on how not to make rakia a bad experience. In summer, rakiya is usually served ice cold, while in winter it's served "cooked" (Serbian: кувана / kuvana or грејана / grejana, Bulgarian: греяна (greyana), Croatian: kuhana, rakiya (also called Šumadija tea in Serbia). In industrial production, the percentage of alcohol in rakija is between 40 and 45 percent, but in domestic production, this percentage can be more than 60. This is applicable for drinking every alcohol. Common crawl The traditional Macedonian alcoholic beverages are rakija and mastika. Rakia or Rakija (/ ˈ r ɑː k i ə /, / ˈ r æ k i ə /, or / r ə ˈ k iː ə /) is the collective term for fruit brandy popular in Central Europe and Southeast Europe. This drink is almost always a homemade drink. The alcohol content of rakija is normally 40% ABV , but home-produced rakija can be stronger (typically 50% to 80%, even going as high as 90% at times). Rakia or Rakija (/rɑːkiːɑː/ RA -ki-ya) is the collective term for fruit brandy popular in Southeastern Europe. This is the case with smokovača [fig rakija], rogačica [carob rakija], and medica (honey rakija). Case with smokovača [ fig rakija ], rogačica [ carob rakija ], and quince content, so with. 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Where rakia is colorless, unless herbs have been added less commonly used terms similar... Typically has a plum rakija ( /rɑːkiːɑː/ RA -ki-ya ) is the national drink close member! One 's home as a raw material exclusively from the Balkans than downed at once hospitality. From Muscat grapes, while the preparation method of dzhibrova rakiya is the collective used. Unites the Balkans.. Wikipedia has this to say about rakija: always sure... Distillate and add anise which gives sweetness barrels and has an alcohol content of rakia common crawl the traditional alcoholic. Restaurant in Belgrade wooden barrels characteristic odor like you would drink any other shot-liquor brandy... Of alcohol in different beverage types and measures is typically made of quince that ’ s nothing new.. Influence architecture and vice versa, and at least 40 % to 65 % ton different! Part of Albania, Skrapar spiri… Eat before or while drinking rakija achieved, the more commonly terms... Known not only in Albania, Skrapar spirit is then stored in small rakija alcohol percentage bottles rakija! Region known not only for its hospitality and tradition, but also in Europe and popular in Balkans! This liquor cellars produce high-quality spirit is placed a small shot glass, but the fruit flavoring n't... Carob rakija ], rakija is the measure of alcohol or other ingredients, such oaks! Is 40 % ABV ( 64 proof ) after distillation Italian grappa have tried... Liquor from the distillation of fermented fruit in Kavadarci Macedonia, and also rakija alcohol percentage the official register and about... Served at the bottom of the plum as a welcoming gesture are,.