What Is Rakija? The Spirit of the Balkans

Rakija is a fruit brandy that’s the pride and joy of the Balkans — Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and others (although maybe in another name) all claim to make the “best” one. It’s the handsomer, tastier, better cousin of Italian grappa or French eau de vie.

The exact origins of rakija are debated (usually over a glass of rakija), but the drink’s history stretches back to the Ottoman Empire, when distillation techniques spread through the region. Each area developed its own variations, using the local fruits and methods.

Rakija is distilled from fruit with grape, plum, and pear being the most iconic varieties.  But that’s just the beginning. You’ll also find rakija made from apricots, quince, apples, figs, and anything else that grows within 50 kilometres of a still.

The fruits are fermented naturally, without added sugar, and then distilled—often twice—to reach an alcohol content between 40% and 60%. The result is a clear, potent spirit with an aroma all its own.

To outsiders, rakija is a just an alcoholic beverage.  In the Balkans…

Got a cold? Rakija.
Feeling sad? Rakija.
Feeling happy? Rakija

Celebrating a wedding? Rakija.
Attending a funeral? Also rakija (just... quieter).

The serving of rakija follows a rhythm all its own. Small glasses, poured neat and served at room temperature, appear almost magically whenever guests arrive.   It’s meant to be sipped slowly, accompanied by conversation, laughter, and sometimes a plate of bread, cured meats and cheeses that spontaneously appear whenever a bottle is opened.

Drinking rakija isn’t about intoxication—it’s about connection. Each sip is a conversation starter, an invitation to share stories, laughter, and the sort of heartfelt toasts that only grow more poetic with every round.

You don’t just drink rakija — you share rakija. It’s heritage in a bottle.  An act of friendship, hospitality, and sometimes mild peer pressure.  Every sip carries the spirit of Balkan hospitality.  Whether enjoyed at home or a modern bar, rakija continues to connect generations and celebrate life’s moments, one small glass at a time.

Rakija isn’t just the spirit of the Balkans — it is the Balkans, bottled.