Written by: Milica Bokšan
Such a small country and so many different food and drinks to try!
Have you tried some of the most famous Serbian drinks so far?
For example, Šljivovica?
Or maybe some high-quality domestic wines from the most beautiful wineries?
It may sound immodest, but let us represent the most popular Serbian drinks. When you try them, you’ll understand.
#1 Unique Serbian drinks: Rakija
We can say that Rakija is an official drink of Serbian hospitality.
Whenever you visit a home in Serbia, you will be offered rakija.
You can find this strong drink with up to 40% alcohol (domestic ones go high up to 50-60% alcohol) in every local store, supermarket, cafe, or restaurant.
In addition to large suppliers such as the ‘Zarić’ distillery or ‘Takovo’, rakija is also made by people in their own homes.
Sometimes, a whole event is made of it. People gather in one house (in the yard, to be specific), chat, drink coffee or beer (it will take some time until the rakija can be tasted), eat meze and enjoy.
The Serbian Rakija ritual
Rakija is usually served in small glasses, and with an appetizer consisting of various sorts of dry meats and cheeses called meze.
In Serbia, it is an irreplaceable part of toasts at weddings, celebrations, and birthdays, but it is also drunk daily. Some drink it for a good start to the day or during meals.
It is drunk on an empty stomach as an aperitif or after a large meal to stimulate food digestion and it shouldn’t be too chilled.
This drink is not just an ordinary alcoholic beverage; it embodies Serbian hospitality and is a way to connect with friends and family!
We even have two types of Serbian rakija that are used primarily for medicinal purposes. These rakijas are komovica and orahovača.
Komovica is a Serbian grape rakija, made by distilling komina, the residue left after grape pressing. Komovica is used for sore throats, applied as a poultice (a cloth is soaked in komovica and tied around the neck).
Orahovača is a Serbian liqueur rakija made by aging green spring walnuts in šljivovica (Serbian plum rakija). It has a dark color and is used for boosting the immune system and supporting proper thyroid function. This Serbian rakija is rich in vitamin B and iodine. It can also be consumed as a regular rakija, though that is less common.
Where to try Rakija
You can find rakija in almost every restaurant or cafe in Serbia.
In 2015, Muzej srpske šljivovice was opened, located below Avala.
Although rakija is made from various fruits, the most popular is the one made from plum, so-called – šljivovica.
It is ungrateful to say which rakija is the best because it primarily depends on the taste of the person who drinks it.
For an authentic experience, visit a family-owned vineyard or distillery. There, you can taste homemade varieties, each with unique flavors and strengths.
It’s important to know that only rakija produced from quality, ripe fruit, and without additives (except for the necessary amount of sugar and special yeast that start the fermentation of the fruit) can bear the epithet of the best.
If you want to buy rakija, it’s best to buy it at a Serbian farmer’s market and not at a supermarket!
#2 Unique Serbian drinks: Vinjak
Vinjak is a specific Serbian drink whose name is derived from the word wine, given that it is made from wine distillates.
It is a brandy made from grapes, but it gets its light brown color from the oak barrels in which it matures. It is quite similar to cognac.
Vinjak is produced only in Serbia at the company Rubin in Kruševac.
This is a powerful alcoholic drink, considering that it contains about 40% alcohol, about the same as rakija.
#3 Serbian Wines
Serbia’s wine culture is gaining more and more attention because of the quality and diversity of wines.
There are more than 20000 hectares of vineyards in Serbia. Here, you can find all sorts of white, red, and rose wine.
Where to try Vino
In Serbia, Vojvodina and Šumadija are the most popular regions for producing wines.
Notable Serbian grape varieties include:
Prokupac – A native red grape that produces wines with rich flavors.
Tamjanika – A fragrant white grape offering floral and fruity notes.
Many wineries in Serbia offer guided tastings paired with local dishes that complement the wines.
Some of the most famous Serban wineries are:
- Vinarija Zvonko Bogdan
- Vinarija Kovačević
- Erdevik vinarija
- Rajačke pimnice
They are not just places to taste wine. You can enjoy the view, nature, and peace while tasting delicious Serbian traditional meals.
#4 Serbian Beers
Here’s one very common conversation in Serbia:
– Ajmo na pivo? (= Let’s go grab a beer.)
– Ajmo. (= Let’s go.)
Relaxing after work, cheering on the game, and hanging out while eating salty snacks are all reasons to drink beer in Serbia.
Some of the most famous Serbian beers are:
- Weifert
- Lav
- Zaječarsko
- Jelen
- Valjevsko
Besides traditional beers, there are more and more craft breweries that make their own types of beer.
The breweries mentioned are often sponsors of matches, and their advertisements for these occasions delight even those who are not fans of this famous beverage.
Where to drink pivo in Serbia
There are numerous pubs in almost every city in Serbia.
Local kafanas and cafes also have beers on offer.
One of the oldest breweries, Vajfertova pivara, is located in Pančevo. Even though it is no longer working, Beer Days are still organized in this town next to Belgrade in honor of this 300-year-old brewery. On this occasion, visitors enjoy pop and rock concerts and try many beers.
For a complete experience, complement your beer with some burgers or kebabs in local restaurants. (link)
#5 Serbian Coffee
Serbia has a deep-rooted coffee culture, and kafa is more than just a drink – it’s a ritual.
Serbian coffee is typically cooked in džezva, a small pot designed for brewing.
Types of coffee in Serbia
There are several types of coffee in Serbia.
- Turska kafa or Domaća kafa
As soon as you say ‘Domaća’ to the waiter, he will know what you want.
This is the most popular type of coffee in Serbia, characterized by its strong flavor and fine grounds. It’s often sweetened with sugar, and the preparation is an art form in itself.
In Serbia, coffee is prepared as follows: let the water in džezva boil, remove it from the heat to add the finely ground coffee, stir, and return it to the stove until the foam rises.
How Turkish but domestic? This type of coffee is also made in Turkey (but the preparation method is slightly different), and when the Ottomans ruled over Serbia, they brought this type of coffee to the Balkans.
Coffee has become one of the favorite drinks, and Serbs have their own way of preparing it.
- Espresso coffee
Probably the coffee that causes the biggest headaches for waiters in Serbia.
If you’re wondering why you only need a coffee machine to make it, here’s what ordering espresso coffee in Serbian cafes looks like:
Velika sa puno mleka (= One large with lots of milk)
Mala do vrha puna (= Small cup but fill it to the top)
Dupli espreso s kapljicom mleka (= Double espresso with a drop of milk)
And we can do so indefinitely. 🙂
Also, it’s common to drink cold coffee or coffee with different flavors and whipped cream (similar to Starbucks, but with less sugar :)).
- Nes kafa
This is a slang name, considering that it refers to coffees made from Nescafe products (today, several producers are similar to Nescafe).
This coffee is made from a couple of spoons of ground coffee, a little hot water poured to stir it, and then milk added.
Various varieties of this coffee are popular in Serbia, so when you find yourself in a cafe or a Serbian house, you can ask for:
- topli nes (warm Nes coffee)
- hladni nes (cold Nes coffee)
- mućeni (stirred Nes coffee)
- nemućeni (unstirred Nes coffee)
- sa šlagom (with whipped cream)
- sa sladoledom (with ice cream, known as Ice coffee in Serbia)
- sa alkoholom (with alcohol, known as Irish coffee)
The last three variations are less likely to be found in homes. 😀
Bonus: Find out how to order a coffee in Serbian here!
#6 Other Serbian drinks: Sokovi (= Juices) and Čajevi (= Teas)
For those looking for non-alcoholic options, Serbia offers a variety of fresh juices.
Fruits like apples, pears, and berries are often pressed into refreshing juices. Seasonal fruits are utilized, making the juices not only delicious but also fresh and healthy. You just need to ask for ceđeni sok (freshly squeezed juice).
If you are a fan of herbal teas, you can order Nana (= Mint) or Kamilica (= Camomile). There are plenty of other herbal teas, but these two are the most common ones. We also recommend Hibiskus (= Hibiscus).
Tea is commonly served during colder months and is often accompanied by traditional pastries. In Serbia, it is usually served with honey and a slice of lemon. We suggest you drink it just like that because this way of drinking tea has numerous health benefits!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different drinks you can try when you come to Serbia. Who knows, you might find your new favorite drink!
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