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We could talk about the beauty of Gorski Kotar for days, and even then, we couldn't describe it perfectly – you have to experience it. We often say that Gorski Kotar is the green heart of Croatia, and when you see it, you'll understand why.
This beautiful region hides another real treasure – aromatic liqueurs. These natural elixirs have been used in households for centuries as a magical cure for all diseases and conditions, and today they are an authentic symbol of the traditional hospitality of the locals. So whether you drink it during lunch, before a trip, or after dessert, be sure that a glass of aromatic liqueur will instantly improve your mood.
How are Aromatic Liqueurs Made?
Almost everything that grows on the beautiful meadows, mountains, and forests of Gorski Kotar can become the main ingredient of aromatic liqueur - from various medicinal wild plants and herbs to roots and forest fruits. What can be better than that? An organic, natural ingredient; imagine the aroma! Locals produce aromatic liqueurs by combining fruits or herbs with a base spirit, usually brandy or refined alcohol, and then sugar syrup or honey. Depending on the additives, the liqueurs can be sweet or bitter. Fruit liqueurs are produced by the infusion method, in which the fruit is mixed with brandy or ethanol and sugar, which thus takes on the smell, taste, and color of the added fruit. Herbal liqueurs, unlike fruit liqueurs, are produced by distillation and are colorless. They get their specific aroma from various seeds, leaves, and roots.
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What Aromatic Liqueurs to Try?
Whichever aromatic liqueur you try, you can't go wrong because each one has a unique taste and smell that will surely delight you. This time, we wanted to highlight the liqueurs of the Arbanas family from Lokve, whose drinks won the best autochthonous Gorski Kotar drink and the first county award in the competition of the Croatian Tourist Board - Green Heart of Croatia. Mr. Vid and his wife's knowledge of wild mountain plants can be compared only to an encyclopedia. What pleases us is that each of their liqueurs has its own story. And we will tell you about the most famous three.
San Hubert
Their first and most famous liqueur was created as the Arbanas family's answer to the famous German "Jaggermaister" liqueur. It took them eight years to perfect this unique recipe, but the effort has certainly paid off. San Hubert is prepared from 57 herbs and seven types of fruit, and the base is premium brandy. This liqueur is tasty and good for your health as it improves circulation, eases digestion, and helps with stomach pain. Should we say more?
Wild Rose
Wild Rose or Divlja Ruža in Croatian, unlike bitter San Hubert, has a sweet taste with a lower percentage of alcohol. And that sweet fruity aroma is obtained thanks to 7 types of forest fruits. This liqueur goes perfectly with desserts.
Papra - Hortus Diabolicus
Just one sip of spicy Papra-Hortus Diabolicus will create a taste sensation in your mouth. But we must warn you, this drink is only for the strong ones! Made of 14 herbs and four different plant roots, Papra – Hortus Diabolicus, with its peppery taste, will leave you speechless.
You can shop these amazing aromatic liqueurs at Wine & Friends webshop, or maybe visit them in House of Nature ''Kotač'' and give your palate an unforgettable experience. Cheers!
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