Great professional service from Sara. She saved us lots of time, energy, and resources on research, and provided us with information that we wouldnt have found elsewhere. But burek and a cold glass of kefir also are hangover cures. DONT WEAR HIGH HEELS. I contacted her and she guided us through our Digital Nomad Visa application and introduced us to a lawyer who had the experience we needed for a successful residency application. Almost all parts of plants can be used for aromatization: roots, leaves, flowers, fruit, bark, and stem. Now it's time for the second distillation. Learn how your comment data is processed. I could tell from her writings that she was a REAL person, with experience, who is KNOWLEDGABLE and UNDERSTANDS the bureaucratic challenges here. It has consistently been a battle to find honest and helpful people to deal with everyday issues. All for a reasonable rate! After we make a toast, we drink it all at once. You can spend hours and hours researching visa options and translating legal documents or you can see up a call with Expat in Croatia. The traditional old craft of producing rakija has managed to survive long throughout time and it is still widely practiced. Planning a trip? And the website of weekly information and goings-on in Croatia is a joy. We were glad that we had her expertise behind us. The most common herbs used for travarica are wormwood, fennel, immortelle, pine, wild rose, spruce, laurel, marjoram, rosemary, sage, heather, hollyhock, wild rosemary, and quince. The Magnificent Slivovitz, plum brandy, and 11 BETTER types of rakija We also got a referral to a tax professional and were very pleased with how that turned out. For financial advice,contact usto consult with a licensed Croatian tax advisor or accountant. The alcohol by volume shown on a bottle of absinthe. Michael R. It's always a bit of a gamble trying an online service like this, but I was pleasantly surprised and very satisfied. If you are going to prepare ljivovica, pick plums once they are very sweet, ripe, and full of juices. Its alcohol content is normally 40% ABV but the percentage of homemade rakija (rakija is moonshine) can go as high as 90% ABV or even more! We had a 30 minutes conversation and I got to know everything I needed. Ivona was very helpful in helping us understand the requirements for temporary residence and eventual citizenship in Croatia. The North Macedonian people are so into rakija that one site classifies it as a natural medicine., (Quite a good read actually, promising that rakija will lengthen your life.). I highly recommend working with them! I'm so glad I got in contact with Sara as the information was very helpful and the email links I received have been very informative. If you have a classic moonshine still or know where to get one, you too can make rakija on your own. Thank you, Sara & Team for ALL you do!!! You can find this homemade rakia in almost every home in The Balkans, and also on the open markets. Sara is very dedicated, she has prepared the session before hand and also sent a follow email after. My consult with Sara was great. Youll know as you should hear the hissing and notice a foam. You should repeat this two or three times, every so often. Croatia's national drink: here's what to try here - Venezia Lines Fees were laid out up front including legal and translation services. I would recommend consulting Sara if you are going to relocate to Croatia. But in fact, there lies an entire world to be discovered, as Rakija has its own tradition, its own rituals, and particularities. She had organised all of my information prior to our call so well that we had some extra time and she filled in the space with giving me loads of information on other basic living procedures and protocols in Split. Because I love Croatia and want others to experience it, but help is often needed to navigate the various vague regulations here and good information is hard to find. Do I need to filter the water in Croatia? I just wanted to say that , I recommend a lot the expat team , they are incredible helpful and kind . I will be sure to highly recommend their resources to any one like myself who was in search of in depth information, guidance and support with an incredible experience. I cannot praise Sara more my consultation (but, I can) than to simply say she helped guide me in obtaining Croatian citizenship, found excellent professionals when needed as well as "held my hand" through much of the process (and some of my fears). In just one conversation, Sara provided us with a wealth of knowledge and insight that greatly helped us understand the intricacies of establishing residency in Croatia. I have contacted Sara on a number of occasions, her replies have always been very helpful. (Just like actual cherries pair well on desserts!). Alcohol Percentage Content in Drinks: Comparing ABV by Drink Type While everyone who likes rakia will tell you that homemade is the best, the truth . The Traditional and Tasty Bulgarian Rakia Drink In Bulgaria, rakiya is generally served with shopska salad, yogurt salad, pickled vegetables (turshiya) or other salads, which form the first course of the meal. Yes! Both myself and my husband enjoyed our consultation with Sara regarding moving to Croatia & the logistics of the move. The good news is that rakia, like other high percentage alcohols, doesnt really spoil, so you need not worry about it being bad. We need to transfer money from the States and got info on that. Sara is not an "app" that you simply can download, she is a primary resource that can personally answer your questions, etc. Expat in Croatia is certainly above and beyond similar expats businesses elsewhere! I was very fortunate to work with Lucija and strongly recommend her services. Hvala Sara. Sara was an enormous help while Sherry and I were buying our yacht in Croatia. One reviewer mentioned: Make sure you are not the driver.. The price of rakija in Croatia varies and depends on various factors, including: Prices usually vary between 4 and 14 euros per liter. If you want to clean jewelry, pour rakija into a cup or a bowl and soak the jewelry. I could not recommend this service enough. Not sure how I would have done it without Lucija. Skrapar is a region of Albania known for the production of rakia. You wont be disappointed. In the summer, it's very typical to see huge glass jars of rakija with nuts steeping in the liquid on every balcony, because the process requires the exposure of orahovica to the sun. - , 15. This should both calm your sore throat and warm you up. In the heart of the former Yugoslavia lies an old tradition still quite unknown to the rest of the world: rakija (pronounced RA KEE YA). Many thanks for the help. Hi. Sara was great in talking through the process to obtaining Croatian citizenships in a very clear and concise way. Anyone looking for guidance should, without hesitation schedule a meeting. The restaurant has mixed reviews on Trip Advisor for food, but everyone likes the raki. You can find this homemade rakia in almost every home in The Balkans, and also on the open markets. Helped answer a lot of the questions I had about the application process. Recently, we encountered an entry and exit issue that we could not get any clear answers to. Sometimes it is the fruit that grows wild or on their own property, and sometimes it may be whatever is cheap at the market. Lucija was instrumental in helping me connect with the right people within Croatia to propel my vision to a concrete level of engagement. Help spread the word. While I have taken eight trips to Croatia and have spent many months here, time and again I have come back to see what "Sara" has to say about the latest changes and regulations for getting in and out of Croatia. Sara offers an invaluable service for those looking to live in Croatia. [2] Other fruits but less commonly used are peaches, apples, figs, blackberries, and quince. [12] During an archaeological study, Bulgarian archaeologists discovered an 11th-century fragment of a distillation vessel used for the production of rakiya. Once we decided to follow a Croatian citizenship route, we submitted a request for consultation so we could ask additional questions. I would recommend it 10/10 times! Rakjia typically has a plum or apricot taste . However, make sure that no part of the fruit is moldy or spoilt. A lot of people in North Macedonia make homemade white rakija with natural process from grape distillate and add anise which gives sweetness. Sara makes an impression of a very knowledgeable person. Sara was really nice and super helpful in answering all of my questions! :). Sara clearly and expertly was prepared to guide us through our questions. Rakia. Excellent conversation. Sara was super helpful and she took her time to listen to our case-specific problems and answered all of them in-depth. Before taking this initial taste, exhale deeply, and then take a quick sip directly down your throat right to the stomach. She followed up our conversation with a list of additional resources and made a couple of professional introductions. Hi! I feel a lot better about the next steps and can't wait to make Croatia our new home. before making a move to Croatia. You might remember that the North Macedonians have a mastika recipe that they claim is from the 4th century BC. What is rakija? A story of family spirit | SBS Food Rakija . A perfect result for me, big. Leave the rakija you have now made to sit for about 2 days in a dark place. A sip of rakija is always welcome. Much Appreciated! Lucija went above and beyond to assist us during our relocation. Rakija is the most common form of Domestic alcohol which is served throughout Croatia, real home made Rajika can be found in many variations and flavours . The preparation of rakija can begin after fermentation. The blogs on the website are super helpful, but having someone to turn to for help with navigating our personal experience was crucial. Her field of interest is human rights because she believes in humanity, peace, love, and understanding. [citation needed] "Boma rak" in Turkey (common name of the domestic raki which is produced at homes and villages) is similar to rakia in the Balkans. North Macedonian rakija comes in the usual varieties like grape, plum, and pear, as well as some unusual ones. Rakia may be diluted by adding distilled water until the desired alcohol percentage is . You either like it or hate it. Remember to leave a small amount in your glass, or your host will continue filling it! (I was advised on citizenship, inheritance procedures & having a marriage recognised in Croatia). Sara has an amazing sphere of influence that helps newcomers in Croatia settle in seamlessly. We had an amazing session where we were able to cover all of my questions and much more than I anticipated. Europeupclose.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I found this meeting both helpful and reassuring especially when it came to some of the cultural and administrative differences I was noticing between how things are conducted in Croatia compared to England. Now take in a long breath through your nose. Rakija, both homemade and commercially produced, generally contains around 40-60% alcohol by volume, however, it is more common for homemade rakija to be more potent. After the fruit starts fermenting, place the mixture into a fermentation container and add water to make the mixture more liquid. [2] A 53% ABV is considered typical. Rakija: 10 zdravstvenih problema zbog kojih se okreemo bakinu lijeku za sve boljke by Zadovoljna.hr, Aromatine rakije travarice by doc. Make sure that your container has an airlock and keep it somewhere dark at around 64 to 77F. Thank you for your great service and attitude. It is distilled to an alcohol content of around 40% and is most commonly consumed straight due to its strong flavor. I learned so much from her in just 30 minutes. She could answer on all our questions or provided contacts of other specialists in the areas she isn't specialized. Amazing experience! Its popularity still lasts. Finally when I spoke to the Consulate in Washington, DC, she indicated that all my documents were in order. The flavor of apricot brandy can depend on whether there is detectable stone or not. Great meeting with Sara, easily set up, stated bang on time. Keep up the good work! I cannot express how helpful Sara & Teri were! I had already read through the website multiple times, but I still had many questions about our specific situation. Because cherries are so bold, this rakia also pairs well with Asian flavors, BBQ, ribs, or steak. Distillers mostly make Rakija from plum (known as sljivovica) but it could be made virtually from any . She is very knowledgeable and easy to talk to. It usually contains 40% alcohol, but the homemade stuff can reach 50-65% alcohol. Once Sara worked her magicgetting me lined up with the requirements and a various details, Lucija came to the rescue Handling the documents, taking me to the excellent translator Ana, needed for the process Then to the police station with documents and follow up visits. Fruit liqueurs typically range from 28% to 32%, gin ranges from 35% to 40%; vodka ranges from 35% to 46%; whiskey, rum and tequila are 40-46%; and . No matter where you go in the Balkans, if you ask about rakia, they will tell you their country invented it! Today, the FDA approved Opill, a brand-name version of this drug, for over-the-counter salegiving millions of people access to safe, effective oral contraceptives at retail stores and online without a prescription. At the bottom of the price range is the best of all options, the unlabelled plastic bottles of truly homemade rakija, likely made by someone's grandmother. Your new goal is to try to find the most diverse home-made varieties of Rakija. Sara was on time and cognizant of my time as well. Initially, we only needed a small apartment or hotel room to stay in and give us time to organize and plan for a 6-month to 1-year stay in Croatia. The time and money for her consultation was very well spent. 1000% worth it! I was also impressed as in the middle of the process, the Croatian Government changed to a different application which the attorney was aware of. Thank you for your support. Add more water until you can collect the previous liquid to 17-20% ABV. You are more likely to have a mixed variety made by a backyard brewer than to find that in store. Collect only healthy fruit, and avoid picking the grass, land, leaves, and stems. The normal alcohol percentage of Rakia normally is 40%, but home made Rakia can be as strong as 80%. Reading information online can sometimes be overwhelming so it was nice to chat to an actual person about all the questions I have, lol! When I learned I was eligible for Croatian citizenship due to ancestry, I contacted a firm to help me with the process. When someone asks if you want to drink neto kratko, it usually implies rakija. I would recommend working with Sara 100%. They also have the usual types of fruit rakija as well as other herbal varieties, fig, and mead. We used to live in Zagreb 3 decades ago and it would have been so much easier if a website and service like this existed then! We scheduled a zoom meeting with her during which she responded to all of our questions with accuracy and immense detail. (Although often the spelling is used interchangeably across the Balkans. It's great to have such support beyond the the typical "Nema problema!" By the end of the call I was confident I was well prepared for a year in Croatia. Sara was able to answer all our questions quickly and point us in the right direction. Why am I taking the time to write this? One needs only to look at the newsletter she manages: "Expat in Croatia." Luckily, we arrived before High Season kicked-in, so our weekly rental costs were not outrageous. Fifty years ago, the oral contraceptive medication norgestrel was FDA-approved for prescription use. I would highly recommend setting up a consultation with Sara if you have any questions or concerns at all. She provided really helpful insight with the many questions I had. Sara was accommodating in answering all of my questions in detail. The meeting was very well organised and Sara had all the answers to our questions. I feel like were well on our way to getting our citizenship and Im super grateful to Teri and the Expat in Croatia team for being so knowledgeable and understanding of the many ins and outs of the path to citizenship. Sara and I had a video chat regarding property my father left to my children. We were looking for answers to first steps to take when moving to Croatia, as well as where we could find out about Croatian language lessons for our children. I was so impressed that I have already recommended you to other family members. Rakiya is heated and sweetened with honey or sugar, with added spices. Because apricot has a sweet and light flavor, it is not recommended to be paired with bolder dishes. Lucija Peric took me through the steps of gaining my temporary residency, a path fraught with pitfalls to the unsuspecting. For anyone considering a move to Croatia or seeking expert advice on residency matters, we wholeheartedly recommend her services. Vruca Rakija (Serbian Hot Brandy) Recipe - The Spruce Eats Again, its best to enjoy in small quantities, with food. In Serbia, rakia is spelled the alternate way, with a j, and it is Serbias national drink. The first sip is meant to be taken slowly and as it generally has quite a high alcohol content it is altogether wiser to pace yourself while drinking, anyhow. Sara helped us to work through some of the muddy water of making a residency application. My boyfriend and I will be moving to Croatia and applying for the Digital Nomad visa in a few short months. Thank you. Excellent service all round! dr. sc. She was able to answer my questions succinctly and guide me through the process. I have prepared lots of questions ahead of the meeting. In every part of Albania, Skrapar spirit is always required in all festive ceremonies, as the best alcoholic beverage. The result is a potent spirit with a grape aroma, a long-lasting, warming finish, and a minimum of 37.5 % ABV. We may get in touch with Sara again in the future when things come up. = 40% ABV. Sara was great. Our passionate local editors unveil for them the best kept spots. The only reason why I have not rated the interaction 'Above and beyond expectations' is because my expectations were very high, due to the website being so complete and done so well, and to her colleague Teri being so professional while setting up the appointment. On top of that, she has encouraged me to keep going and assured me that I have a big chance of achieving my goal. Here's What to Drink if You're Going to Serbia - Culture Trip Will definitely recommend contacting her to my Friends if they plan to move to Croatia as well :). We definitely recommend Expat in Croatia! Perfect way to start the moving journey ! She answered all of our questions and then also sent us a ton of resources for us to refer back to. It is best to wait for the fruit to fall from the tree. When offered, one should never deny a glass of it. How Do You Measure the Percentage of Alcohol in Beer, Wine and Other Once theres sediment at the bottom and no sugary taste, this step is done. My wife and I spent an hour on the phone with Sara - she is excellent. Ryan They were so thorough and courteous and we just started receiving our approvals. Key Takeaways: Rakia is the Bulgarian, Croatian, and Serbian spelling of the word, while rakija is the Bosnian and Montenegrin spelling. Rakia is part of being a good host in the Balkans. I am passionate about cities, how people influence architecture and vice versa, and how places change our lives. She is very knowledgeable on many things which made me less nervous about moving halfway around the world. Fruit spirits are known by similar names in many languages of the Balkans: Serbo-Croatian: rakija/; Albanian: rakia; Greek: , romanized:raki; Bulgarian: , romanized:rakiya; Macedonian: , romanized:rakija; Turkish: rak (/rki/, /rku/, /rkr/). I highly recommend Sara's advice to all of you who are looking for a clear and extended understanding of the legal processes to come and enjoy Croatia. Knock on a door, introduce yourself politely, and you could find yourself being drawn down into a cellar by an old man, where you end up trying various Rakijas directly from the barrel where they are being aged, and where you can buy bottles at a very cheap price (usually less than 10 euros per liter). She's always available to answer any follow-up questions. I had an awesome experience with Sara and I know I will definitely be reaching out to her again for help navigating this whole process. This might be the most important rule of all. Quince is a type of fruit that looks similar to a pear. Serbian Christmas Eve drink Vruca Rakija. Alcohol by volume - Wikipedia Being a guest also means you will immediately be offered some Rakija, no matter what time of the day it is. It was lovely and lively conversation with her. I would definitely recommend. She's very knowledgeable and quite pleasant to talk to. I dont want to start a war, but in all my research Serbia is definitely the most famous producer of rakija, followed closely by Bulgarian rakia. . Pear rakia is one of the only types that isnt often aged, or not aged for long. Ms. Peric' provided us with the keys, and together we did a quick Show & Tell of the apartment. If you want to remove glue, rakija is here to help. Rakija lovers will always have quality rakija in their home bars. After the grapes are harvested, they are pressed and collected in wooden barrels. Sara seems to know Croatian culture well and provided a realistic timeline for the application process. But the rules and regulations here are written very vaguely and are subject to interpretation, so even the most well intentioned person may struggle sometimes in finding out how these regulations are being interpreted--which may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction! [Read: How to buy quality products in Croatia and avoid bad ones]. Invaluable. This was a great consultation session. The percentage of alcohol in Rakija usually ranges between 40 % and 65 %. Sara explained the process clearly and with detail and provided us the contact information for a case manager and attorney. We often like to say Popij malo rakije, bit e ti bolje (Drink some rakija and youll feel better). I have learned a lot directly from Sara where she also gave me more than i asked. During our call, Sara showcased her professionalism and passion for helping people navigate the Croatian system. Most rakijas are about 40 percent alcohol, although some homemade varieties can reach 60 percent. Even though I have lived as an expat in a few different countries before, this is first experience as a retiree, without an employer doing all the background work. There's a great comfort knowing that I have Sara and her team at my side if anything concerning or confusing comes up. It is a clear-as-water kind of drink, with a percentage of alcohol that can range from approximately 40% to 65%. Try to distinguish the fruity flavor that appears gradually. and experience the authentic Balkan dining. Loza can be made with many grape varieties, and the grapes are separated from those used in winemaking. Today, plastic barrels are used. She explained all steps very clearly. I can just highly recommend Sara and the whole Expat in Croatia team. I went on her blog and reached out to her by email and she responded quickly and was extremely helpful recommending a professional to help us with our request. I would not hesitate to recommend Lucija's services to others or to return myself in the future. She was easy to talk to and had so much helpful advice. When this fermentation is achieved, the shoots are ready to produce spirit. You simply cant go wrong with it. These herbs usually grow in nature as wild plants. If you cant get yourself invited to a wedding, and you arent attending a Kukeri festival, then the next best thing is Raketa Rakia Bar. of raw materials until you get to 40% ABV. She was great! Rakija (Macedonian: ) is one of the most popular spirits in North Macedonia, with the most common types are yellow and white grape rakija.Tikves winery makes the most famous rakija which is made in Kavadarci. It is unique to the Balkans and is made out of fruit. Here's what drinking before bedtime does to your body, and how it could affect your overall health. Moving to a new country is complicated in so many small ways, big and small, and it can get overwhelming doing all of the research yourself. This can be the kind of experience that may give you the feeling of friendly intimacy with others who share the bottle. Things went much smoother, and MUCH less heartburn. The lawyer even guided us through the government health care application (HZZ). 3.4. shutterstock. ~ Jodika & Julian - Alberta, Canada, I communicated with Sara via Zoom and she was very helpful. Wow! Gin: Alcohol Percentage 36-50% Tequila: Alcohol Percentage 50-51% Rum: Alcohol Percentage 36-50% Whiskey (including Bourbon, Canadian whiskey, Irish whiskey, and Scotch): Alcohol Percentage 36-50% Considering a property purchase and residency, we set up a Zoom meeting with Sara. Still kept within the family, we continue to make this rakija on the sloping hills of the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. I found Sara to be very pleasant, informative, and efficient. They responded straight away and were so helpful . She definitely has an interest in being sure her clients are satisfied. Some types of rakia are kept in wooden barrels (oak or mulberry) for extra aroma and a golden color. This is applicable for drinking every alcohol. She answered all of our questions and then followed up with additional resources afterwards for us to refer back to. The taste of ljivovica is very strong. Rakia (Rakija) The Balkan Moonshine You Have to Try She then summarized our meeting with an email including direct links to sites with further source information. While rakia is often served in a small glass, it is for sipping, not shooting! Her ability to efficiently break down complex information and provide a clear overview of the process made our decision-making much more manageable. She researches her answers thoroughly (if you are wise enough to send your questions before your consultation) and is quick to point out that she may not have the answer to an obscure, yet nonetheless important question, you may have, and she will get back to you. My ongoing experience was great, I was treated very well with Saras contact and got all my questions answered and solved. This way, you will be sure that they are ripe. They took time to answer my questions to make sure I was comfortable with the process before starting. Overall, the Skrapar area produces a strong spirit with an alcohol content of up to 45%. For legal advice,contact usto consult with a licensed Croatian lawyer. Not only did she confirm the information I had as valid, but she alerted me to some important lacunae in my preparation for applying for residency. During our call, she was extremely helpful. Quince rakia pairs well with cured meat, ripened cheeses, and basically anything else that you would have on a charcuterie board. Like an French aperitif or a post-dinner port, rakia is meant to be savored. My husband and I needed assistance with our digital nomad residency permit. I am retired and looking to take up residence in Croatia. Rakija is said to get better with age. The tale of rakija Croatias legendary liqueur, Do you have Croatian roots? Just returned from Serbia and had the chance to enjoy Rakija many times over. Great bunch of people. Travarica is rakija produced from different herbs that are immersed into a liter of some of the basic types of rakija like loza or komovica. Heated in large kettles, it is often offered to visitors to various open-air festivities, especially in winter. You might think that rakija is similar to brandy or schnapps and that theres nothing new here.