Balkan Spirits in the Glass: Rakija, Slivovitz & More

The Balkans are known for their rich traditions, vibrant cultures, and hearty hospitality — but one of the region’s most enduring treasures is its array of distinctive fruit brandies and spirits. From Serbia to Bulgaria, Croatia to North Macedonia, local distillates like rakija, slivovitz, komovica, and loza have long been a symbol of celebration, community, and family legacy.

Though often enjoyed neat at room temperature, these robust spirits are increasingly finding their way into the world of modern mixology. Curious palates and adventurous bartenders are now discovering that Balkan spirits bring complexity, warmth, and story-driven depth to contemporary cocktails.

Rakija: The Soul of the Balkans

Rakija is the umbrella term for fruit brandy made throughout the Balkans. It can be crafted from plums, apricots, pears, apples, grapes, or even figs — with each fruit producing its own unique expression. More than a drink, rakija is a cultural rite: often homemade, passed down through generations, and poured with pride during every major life event.

Each region has its specialty: Slivovitz (plum brandy) is beloved in Serbia and Bosnia; Lozovača (grape rakija) is popular along the Adriatic coast; and Kajsijevača (apricot rakija) offers a lighter, fruitier profile.

Its alcohol content can be assertive — ranging from 40% in commercial bottles to 50% or more in homemade versions — but when used carefully, rakija’s fruity core makes it an exciting ingredient in cocktails.

Craft Cocktails with a Balkan Twist

Modern bartenders are starting to experiment with rakija in new ways, especially in fruit-forward or herbal recipes. Here are a few ideas where these spirits shine:

Plum Sour: Slivovitz, lemon juice, honey syrup, and egg white. A smoky-sweet twist on the classic sour, with an earthy depth from the plums.

Adriatic Spritz: Grape rakija, Aperol, sparkling water, and orange peel. Dry and zesty with a distinctly Balkan bite.

Fig & Thyme Old Fashioned: Fig rakija, aromatic bitters, and a thyme-infused syrup. Complex, aromatic, and richly Mediterranean.

These aren’t just novelty drinks — they represent a revival of traditional spirits through creative interpretation. Bartenders are increasingly exploring heritage liquors to tell deeper stories through their drinks.

Looking to bring a Balkan flair to your own bar? Our regional cocktail guide includes easy-to-follow recipes using rakija, slivovitz, and other underexplored European spirits.

More Than Just a Drink

In Balkan culture, to share rakija is to share your home. It's often served to welcome guests, toast weddings, and honor the dead. Homemade versions are bottled with love, sometimes aged in oak or flavored with herbs, and often exchanged as gifts between neighbors.

This emotional and cultural connection gives rakija and its cousins a depth that goes far beyond taste. It's about memory, ritual, and the warmth of human connection — qualities that translate beautifully into the modern cocktail ethos.

The Rise of Regional Spirits

As the craft cocktail world shifts toward authenticity, regional spirits like rakija are enjoying a global renaissance. Much like the rise of mezcal, cachaça, or aquavit, Balkan brandies offer a distinct sense of place and tradition — and they challenge us to think outside the mainstream liquor lineup.

With artisanal producers now exporting high-quality, small-batch bottles, it’s easier than ever to introduce these flavors to new audiences. And as interest grows, so does the potential for exciting new cocktail creations.

Raise a Glass to the Balkans

From the sun-soaked hillsides of Herzegovina to the plum orchards of Serbia, Balkan spirits are born of earth, fruit, fire, and care. Whether you're sipping rakija neat from a tiny glass or using it to shake up a surprising new sour, you’re experiencing centuries of craftsmanship in every drop.

So the next time you're looking for something beyond the ordinary, consider reaching for a bottle of slivovitz or grape rakija. You might just find that Balkan spirits offer a bold, soulful dimension your cocktail game has been missing.