Discover how to make Rakija, a potent fruit brandy popular in Eastern Europe. This traditional recipe uses either grapes or plums to create a rich, flavorful spirit with a unique character. Perfect for sipping or sharing with friends, Rakija is a staple of Balkan culture. Learn step-by-step how to craft this classic brandy at home with our easy-to-follow guide.

Ingredients:

- Fruits: 2 kg (4.4 lbs) of grapes or plums

- Sugar: 500 grams (1.1 lbs)

- Water: 1 liter (4.2 cups)

- Yeast: 1 packet (approx. 7 grams or 0.25 oz) of wine yeast (for grapes) or bread yeast (for plums)

Instructions:

Prepare the Fruit:

  - Grapes: Wash the grapes thoroughly, remove the stems, and mash them gently. Place the mashed grapes in a clean fermentation vessel.

  - Plums: Wash the plums, cut them in half, and remove the pits. Mash the plums and place them in a clean fermentation vessel.

Add Sugar and Water:

  - Dissolve the sugar in the water and pour it over the mashed fruit in the fermentation vessel. Mix well.

Add Yeast:

  - Sprinkle the yeast over the fruit mixture. Stir gently to combine.

Fermentation:

  - Cover the vessel with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm, dark place for about 1-2 weeks. Stir the mixture daily and check for signs of fermentation, such as bubbling.

Distillation:

  - Once fermentation is complete, strain the liquid to remove the fruit solids. Pour the liquid into a still and distill according to your still’s instructions. Collect the distillate in a clean container.

Aging:

  - Transfer the Rakija to glass bottles or oak barrels for aging. Let it age for at least 6 months to develop its flavor.

Serving:

  - Serve Rakija chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy it as an aperitif or with traditional Balkan dishes.

Enjoy crafting your own Rakija and experiencing the rich traditions of Balkan spirits!

Nutritional values

Here’s the nutritional information and benefits for the ingredients used in your recipe:

Fruits: 2 kg (4.4 lbs) of Grapes or Plums

Grapes:

- Calories: Approximately 69 kcal per 100g

- Carbohydrates: 18g

- Sugars: 16g

- Fiber: 0.9g

- Vitamins: Good source of vitamin C and vitamin K

Benefits:

- Antioxidants: Grapes contain antioxidants like resveratrol and flavonoids that help protect cells from damage.

- Hydration: High water content helps in hydration.

- Heart Health: Antioxidants and vitamins support cardiovascular health.

Plums:

- Calories: Approximately 46 kcal per 100g

- Carbohydrates: 11g

- Sugars: 9g

- Fiber: 2g

- Vitamins: Contains vitamin C and vitamin K

Benefits:

- Digestive Health: High fiber content supports healthy digestion.

- Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress.

- Hydration: High water content aids in hydration.

Sugar: 500 grams (1.1 lbs)

- Calories: 387 kcal per 100g

- Carbohydrates: 100g

- No fat or protein

Benefits:

- Sweetener: Provides the necessary sweetness for fermentation.

- Energy Source: Quick source of energy.

Water: 1 liter (4.2 cups)

- Calories: 0 kcal

- No significant nutrients

Benefits:

- Hydration: Essential for the fermentation process and overall health.

- Solvent: Helps dissolve sugar and facilitates yeast activation.

Wine Yeast (for Grapes):

 - Calories: Minimal amount

Benefits: Specialized for fermentation of fruit, producing alcohol and complex flavors.

Bread Yeast (for Plums):

 - Calories: Minimal amount

Benefits: Commonly used for bread-making; can also ferment fruits, though it may result in a different flavor profile compared to wine yeast.

Benefits of Yeast:

- Fermentation: Converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, a crucial step in making alcoholic beverages.

- Flavor Development: Contributes to the complexity of flavors in the final product.