Intense in scent but tasty as hell, Croatian most famous drink – Rakija, is something else. This so-called 'the nectar of the gods, considered as universal medicine is deeply rooted in Croatian culture and history. 

It has been produced and perfected for thousands of years. So no wonder rakija in Croatia is as common as salt; every household has it! It is also a sign of genuine hospitality– so wherever you go in Croatia, expect your host to offer you a shot of this alcoholic drink. But, we have to warn you, it's not for anyone… with the high levels of intensity and 40%-60% of alcohol, this drink will warm up your body at warp speed. 

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Why Do Croats Love Rakija?

Every region in Croatia has its version of 'rakija'; for example, in Istria, you will be offered Medica, which is made with honey. In Dalmatia, you can expect 'Loza', made of grapes. And in continental Croatia, Šljivovica is definitely the most popular one! The name Šljivovica comes from the Croatian word 'šljiva' which means plum. The specialty of Šljivovica is that it gets its strength and richness after the first distillation; every other has to be distilled twice.

How Is It Made?

In Croatia, everyone has a family member who makes this drink alone, and the homemade stuff is always the best. However, the process of making rakija is the same whether it's distilled in a commercial setting or in a back garden. It is usually made from overripe fruit (plums, grapes…) that is collected and then mashed until the juices are released. The barrels prepared in this way are placed in a cold and dark place and closed without air access for the best fermentation success (usually 3-4 weeks). Once the fermentation is done, the mash is diluted and boiled down twice (Šljivovica once). After that, it is transferred to barrels to age further and develop the flavor. The longer it ages, the better it will be.

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How to Drink it like a Local?

Drinking rakija in Croatia is a ritual. Follow these three easy steps to drink it like a pro. 

Make Eye Contact

Making eye contact while toasting is a way of showing trust and is considered polite. Call it a superstition, but if you break eye contact while taking the drink…(just don't), according to Croats, it is bad luck.

Say 'Živjeli'

Ok, this will be hard, but let's try, shall we? Zhee-ve-lee! Again. Zhee-ve-lee! Few more times, and you'll pronounce it perfectly. 'Živjeli' is the Croatian word for cheers, and you say this when you clink glasses and drink any alcoholic beverage.

Drink it Slowly

You may think that rakija is a shot, like tequila, because it is served in small glasses. But actually, it is meant to be sipped slowly to experience its rich flavor.

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Where to Shop?

You can't leave Croatia without trying this amazing drink. Here are some of the best ones in Croatia:

Jedna

A combination of Slavonian tradition and quality makes 'Jedna' one of the kind, premium rakija brand. Not only taste of Šljivovica by Jedna will win you over, but also its amazing bottle design. From unique illustrations of animals characteristic of Slavonia and Baranja to the folk stories about the drink's origin, Jedna is the perfect celebratory drink for any occasion. Find it here.

Jebenica

Another gem – Jebenica! Strictly following the tradition of making rakija, products from this craft distillery will instantly win you over, both with taste and bottle design. With its authentic taste and smell, this drink stands out with its unique character. We recommend šljivovica and medica by this brand; both are top-quality. Shop them here.

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