Spirits

Rakija — fruit brandy with an address

In the Balkans rakija is not one digestif among many; it is the drink a visit starts with. The base is always fruit: šljivovica from plums is the best known, followed by Williams pear, quince, apricot (kajsijevača) and apple brandy. For something sweeter there is the Malinello raspberry liqueur and the Williams pear brandy with added honey, medovina.

Everything is distilled by small producers: Zlatna Nit and Prepečenica from Aleksić Gružanska nit, the Razgibavaca range from Agrodestil, Trijumf XO from Vinarija Aleksandrović, and brandies from Vinarija Jović. Several bottles come with or without a gift box, which helps when the bottle is meant as a present.

Serve neat in small glasses: fruit brandies lightly chilled, aged ones at room temperature, with cured meat, cheese and pickled vegetables alongside. Sold only to persons aged 18 and over.