Rakija vs. Raki: What a difference a “ja” makes

At a quick glance, the words rakija and raki look the same, sound similar and could be mistaken for each other after a few too many. Their names are nearly identical, they both come from roughly the same part of the world - Southeastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, they’re both made with fruit and they both have a reputation for being stronger than they look. Naturally, many people assume they’re basically the same drink.

They are not.

In fact, confusing rakija and raki is a bit like confusing an apple with a hot chilli, potentially dangerous for some, but they play very different roles.

Rakija is the pride of the Balkans. It is a brandy, traditionally made from whatever fruit is around at the time.

Common rakija varieties include:

• Grape
• Plum
• Apricot
• Pear

Rakija can be clear or aged in wooden barrels, giving it a golden color and an air of seriousness. It is served in small glasses, usually before meals, after meals, during meals, and occasionally instead of meals.

Culturally, rakija is about hospitality, tradition, and proving whose rakija is best.

Raki on the other hand is most closely associated with Turkey and parts of the Eastern Mediterranean. While rakija relies on fruit, raki relies on anise, which gives it a strong licorice flavor that people either love deeply or avoid like the plague.

Key features of raki:

• Made from grape
• Flavoured with anise
• Turns cloudy when mixed with water (a trick called “lion’s milk”)

Raki usually is higher in alcohol than rakija initially, however unlike rakija, raki is often diluted with water so it turns milky and is enjoyed sipped alongside long meals and conversation. Raki does not rush you. It sits with you and expects commitment.

The similar names come from shared history and language, but the drinks themselves went in different directions:

• Rakija = fruit-forward, Balkan, natural, anytime
• Raki = anise-flavored,  milky, sipped alongside meals

Both are strong. 

Both are respected. 

Both have their champions.

While rakija and raki may sound like variations of the same word, they represent two very different drinking cultures. Rakija celebrates the fruit, the family, and the day, Raki celebrates the table, the meal, and the long conversation that follows.

Here, Kabina is all the way with the “JA” – RAKIJA.