Serbian Rakija - national spirit that can conquer the world

          Rakija is the name of an alcoholic strong drink made from distillation of fermented fruit. The alcohol content is usually around 40%, but homemade rakija can be much stronger and it can consist of 50 or 60% alcohol. Rakija is traditional  drink of south Slavic people. It is made in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, Macedonia and Bulgaria.
         "Prepečenica" is double distilled, where the alcohol content exceeds 60%. This well-known Serbian drink is without color, except when other ingredients are added, such as herbs, honey, cherries and hazelnuts. Some types of rakija are kept in wooden barrels (of oak tree) for additional aroma and golden color. It is recommended to be drunk from special small cups the capacity of 0.03 to 0.05 l.

     
        Rakija is part of many special occasions, including marriages, joining the army, baptisms, festivities and many other celebrations. It is served before meals and with appetizers. It is drunk with roasted pig, lamb or dried meat. At funerals, tradition demands that a bottle of rakija should be left on the grave of the deceased who liked to drink it, or at least to sprinkle a drop or two during the memorial service for peace of the person's soul. People offer flask of rakija to policemen, judges or other people as a payment or a bribe. Many folk songs have been composed about rakija production and consumption.
        It is strongly believed that one cup of rakija per day has positive effects on peoples' health. Many Serbian people drink rakija every morning and doctors believe that it reduces the risk of heart diseases and cancer.
        Being a guest in Serbia means that you will be immediately offered rakija, served in shot glasses, no matter what time of day it is. It is almost disrespectful to refuse rakija, and if you don't feel like drinking anymore, you should leave some in the bottom of the glass, because when your hosts see it's empty, they will keep pouring more. One of the most important things about rakija is the drinking procedure. Before taking the initial taste, you should exhale deeply, and then take a quick sip directly down your throat right to the stomach. Then you take a long breath through your nose and you should feel the burning in your chest, not in your throat.

       When it comes to rakija, there is an entire world to be discovered. Rakija has its own tradition and rituals. Whether it's šljivovica, dunjevača, lozovača, kajsijevača, viljamovka or jabukovača, this Serbian national beverage has the spirit and possibility to become one of the most famous drinks in future period. Everyone should enjoy this special drink like locals proudly enjoy making it.