Big part of Serbian culture is that people love to drink, and they use every possible situation to drink. Those situations are weddings, births of a children, funerals, or just drinking with the guests. We use it even in medical purposes to reduce the fever, as a disinfection medicine, or even for massage. We are like Russians and their vodka; we use it for every purpose it can be used except our national drink is Rakija.
Rakija is fruit brandy that is produced by distillation of fermented fruit. Not home-made rakija alcohol content is normally 40%, but home-made Rakija can be stronger (typically 50% to 60%). Serbs make home-made Rakija in the Kazan through process of distillation.
(Kazan used for distillation)
That is always fun because usually people that are making Rakija have to try it, and from all that trying they get so drunk. Some people get carried on and they end up like this.
(Rakija Connecting people)
Šljivovica is the most famous rakija. It is produced from plums. Prepečenica is double-distilled rakija which has an alcohol content that may exceed 60%. Lozovača is another Rakija made from grapes. This is the most popular one, but there is a lot more. Fruits that are used except those which I already mention are peaches, apricots, apples, pears, cherry, figs, and quinces. Also, these fruits can be mixed. Therefore, there is a big variety of Rakija.
If you never had Rakija before I strongly suggest that you be careful with it, and not to drive home.
I can tell that you guys drink a lot by looking at the bottle of Rakija. What is the legal age for drinking in your country?
ReplyDeleteThis reading reminded me of "Samogon." It can be easily made at home. Peope who have certain equipment, time, and desire can make there own vodka at home. Some people think that samogon is better quality vodka than vodka that people buy in the store because samogon is made from sugar beets, molasses, rye, potatoes, wheat, and other grains. In the former USSR people loved to drink alcohol as in Serbia. Kazakhstan got its independence in 1991, but people who live in Kazakhstan continue this tradition. Alcohol is served at every important social event. For example, a wedding without alcohol is not interesting and boring. The host offers a glass of alcohol to all guests, and everybody has to say a toast and wish a young couple happiness and a wonderful marriage. Fortunately, on the table there is a lot of food since without good food a guest can quickly become drunk.
ReplyDeleteYou should follow Dejan's advice to be careful with Rakija because I drank Rakija in Bulgaria. I did not know that Rakija is so strong. I did not eat all day, and after one glass of Rakija I became drunk. Also, the next morning I felt bad and had a headache.
First, in regards of Gift's question i have to say that legal age for drinking in Serbia is 18. However, when you are buying either cigarettes or alcohol in store no body really ask you for ID. Because store was near my home and I am the youngest I was usually the one who goes to story to do shopping. I bought a lot alcohol and cigarettes before I was even 10 years old.
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