Bulgarian Rakia, All You Need To Know

Kinds of Rakia

• Grape rakia, subcategorized into rakia made from fermented grape musts, grape juice and/or grape skins.
• Fruit rakia, typically made from apricots, plums, peaches, and pears.

Ritual of Rakia

• During the end of the Orthodox Christian burial, visitors are offered a piece of bread and rakia, they drink for the soul and spill some rakia on the ground and say out loud "For peaceful rest of the soul" and drink the rest of the rakia.
• During the ceremonies of weddings, the groom's father walks around the tables and offers a glass of rakia to all guests.

Health Benefits of Rakia

Rakia is believed to have healing powers. Drinking rakia daily is said to keep you healthy. For instance, sleeping with a scarf covered in rakia can cure a cold the next morning.

When and How to Drink Rakia

• Served as an appetizer, not as a digestive.
• A good way to drink it is in the company of fresh Shopska Salad.
• Some Bulgarians prefer to pour water into it, especially if it is homemade, which usually means stronger.
• Homemade rakia should be consumed with caution.
• In summer, rakia should be cooled, while in winter it can be heated with honey and black pepper.

Distillation of Homemade Rakia

• The tradition of Bulgarians making their own rakia is ancient, with many treating it as an essential part of the national identity.
• There are two rakia making sessions during the year: plum rakia making season from August to September, and grape rakia making season from the end of September to the end of November.
• Rakia recipes are centuries old and each part of Bulgaria has its own variety and secret ingredients.
• Sometimes rakia is mixed with herbs, honey, sour cherries, or walnuts after distillation and it takes on a dark color.