Culture & Lifestyle • Beverage

Rakija

Rakija is a strong distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented fruit, especially common across the Balkans and parts of Southeastern Europe.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Rakija is a strong distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented fruit, especially common across the Balkans and parts of Southeastern Europe. It is a broad term for fruit brandies, with many regional varieties such as slivovitz. Alcohol strength is commonly around 40% ABV, though homemade versions can be stronger.

Definition

Rakija is a category of distilled alcoholic drinks made from fruit. In English-language sources, it is often described as fruit brandy or fruit spirit.

Production

Rakija is made by fermenting fruit and then distilling the fermented mash or juice. Common fruits include plums and grapes, though many other fruits are used regionally.

Regional traditions

Rakija is widely associated with Balkan food and drinking culture, with local styles and names varying by country and fruit source. It is often treated as a traditional household or celebratory spirit.

Alcohol strength

Commercial rakija is commonly described as around 40% alcohol by volume, while homemade versions may range higher. The exact strength depends on fruit, distillation method, and local practice.

Key facts

Rakija is a collective term for fruit spirits or fruit brandy.
It is typically produced by fermenting and then distilling fruit such as plums, grapes, apricots, pears, cherries, or raspberries.
The drink is especially associated with the Balkans and Southeastern Europe.
Published descriptions commonly give rakija an alcohol content of about 40% ABV, with home-produced versions often stronger.
Slivovitz, a plum-based spirit, is one well-known type of rakija.

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Canadian context

Rakija may be of interest to Canadian readers through Balkan and Southeastern European immigrant communities, restaurant culture, and specialty alcohol retail in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is rakija?

Rakija is a strong distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented fruit, usually described as a fruit brandy or fruit spirit.

What fruits are used to make rakija?

Common fruits include plums and grapes, but apricots, pears, cherries, raspberries, and other fruits are also used.

Is slivovitz a type of rakija?

Yes. Slivovitz is one of the best-known plum-based varieties of rakija.

How strong is rakija?

It is commonly described at about 40% ABV, though home-produced rakija can be stronger.

Where is rakija most associated with?

Rakija is most closely associated with the Balkans and Southeastern Europe.

References

Wiktionary — https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/rakija
Supports: Defines rakija as a strong distilled alcoholic beverage made from various fruits and notes regional varieties such as slivovitz.
Wordnik — https://www.wordnik.com/words/rakija
Supports: Describes rakija as a strong distilled alcoholic beverage made from various fruits and identifies it as a general name for this type of drink.
Slovene Wikipedia — https://sl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakija
Supports: States rakija is a collective term for fruit brandies popular in the Balkans and gives typical alcohol content.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakia
Supports: Describes rakia/rakija as collective term for fruit spirits popular in Southeastern Europe and lists common fruits and typical alcohol strength.
Croatian Wikipedia — https://hr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakija
Supports: Describes rakija as a strong alcoholic drink made by distilling fermented fruit.