Food & Drink
Rakija: A Visitor’s Guide to Serbian Brandy
Types, how to drink it and where to buy a good bottle.
Quick answer
Rakija is fruit brandy, and plum rakija (šljivovica) is the classic. Sip it from a small glass, say ‘Živeli!’ and look people in the eye when you toast.
Quick facts
- Classic
- Šljivovica (plum)
- Also try
- Dunjevača (quince), kajsijevača (apricot)
- Toast
- Živeli!
- Strength
- Usually 40% or more
- Last checked
- 27 Oct 2026
Types of rakija
- Šljivovica: plum, the national drink
- Dunjevača: quince, aromatic
- Kajsijevača: apricot
- Lozovača: grape
- Medovača: with honey, sweeter
How to drink it
Rakija is sipped slowly from a small glass, often before a meal. Raise your glass, say Živeli! (cheers) and look each person in the eye as you clink. Refusing a glass offered in someone’s home is fine; just say thank you.
Where to buy a good bottle
Buy from specialist rakija shops, good supermarkets or directly from distilleries, which often offer tastings. Homemade rakija at markets can be excellent but varies a lot.
Rakija tastings
Rakija bars in Belgrade and tours to distilleries let you compare plum, quince and apricot side by side.
Tip: For a toast, clink glasses, look the other person in the eye and say “Živeli!”. Sip it slowly, as it is strong, and leave some in your glass if you do not want a refill.
Frequently asked questions
What is rakija made from?
Fruit: most often plums, also quince, apricot or grapes.
Can I take rakija home?
Yes, within your country’s customs allowance for spirits; for the EU this is usually 1 litre duty-free from outside the EU.
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