2010 - Poor Grapes For Wine But Good For Rakia

Looks like the grape harvest in Bulgaria, as expected this year, is a poor one. Wine will suffer but rakia is unaffected to a degree. The chances are that even more rakia will be made this year as an outcome.

Bulgaria’s 2010 wine year will be a memorable one for all the wrong reasons, it seems, with a harvest yielding grapes of poorer quality than last year, and domestic sales and exports down.

Mass-circulation daily 24 Chassa said that the quality of this year’s grapes was significantly poorer than those of 2009, making them more appropriate for rakiya (grape brandy) than turning into wine.

Quote from: www.sofiaecho.com

Potentially Cheaper Rakia

For rakia makers ikn Bulgaria an interesting news flash.....

Locally home-made brandy called rakia would be two lev (one euro) a litre cheaper if the EU allowed the country to present “Bulgarian rakia” as a national brand, as Sofia would pay 50 per cent less in tax, leading to a drop in price.

Extract from: http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/30502/

A Recent Video On Making Rakia

This is a video that was recently shot in Bulgaria. It is not that informative but just a little camcord fun from some American tourists. However it does show a typical rakia house and the sytems they use to distill.



Making Rakia from Billy Knox on Vimeo.

Something Funny On Twitter About Rakia

This was seen on twitter - A comment about rakia, quite funny.

The waiter gave me rakia with the salad n my lungs lit on fire. Not 4 me. Something 2 bring 2 the arctic if ur cold and need 2 b warm LOL.  

 

5:31 PM Jul 28th via mobile web

tinselkorey

Tinsel Korey

NICE ONE TINSEL. She ought to try the homemade stuff, then she'd get a lung full of fire!

Barking Bikers In Bulgaria

This statement and quote could have been from any village or town in Bulgaria.

Out came slices of cucumber with salt and Rakia - all home made. Rakia is distilled from the residue when wine making, and most people here grow grapes and make wine and rakia. It has a serious message!

Find out more about the Barking Bikers (Anita and Matt) on their travels which are currently in Bulgaria. highly recommended especially as they found out about Rakia there.

It can bee seen at http://thebarkingbikers.blogspot.com/2010/06/bulgaria.html

Cherry Rakia Making Season In Bulgaria Upon Us

Time is almost ripe for the cherry rakia in Bulgaria. In the Sliven region it has a great tradition of cherry rakia which should really be known in other parts of the world. 

Living in this region I am quite lucky, I can go to a local market stall and pick up a litre of cherry rakia for around 8 Bulgarian Lev with the traditional sample before buying of course. Of course to make your own you have to have cherries either grown or bought, it is never going to be as big as the sliva (plum) and grape productions but a nice side line and and early bonus in stocks to many Bulgarians here.

Needless to say, many a tipple of cherry will be had over the coming months and with the accompaniment of fresh crops now almost in full flight in the lands basking in the warm sunshine, it is party time again in Bulgaria.

Cheeky Wine And Spirit Ads Fined

Cheeky advertising tactics are found out and penalties are given. Mid you, anyone with any sense should have worked the con out in the first instance.

Bulgarian wine and spirits producer Vinprom Peshtera and four advertising agencies have been fined by the Competition Protection Commission.

The watchdog slapped on the five firms a combined fine of BGN 450 000 over TV ads of alcoholic beverages deluding the consumers by making them hard to distinguish from other very similar products of the same producer, Vinprom Peshtera.

The fined advertising agencies are McCann Erickson Sofia, Archer Ideas, Camera, and SIA-Lovech.

The ads of the following alcoholic drinks – Flirt Tease, Black Ran, and Peshteryaka – broadcast on the two largest private national channels bTV and Nova TV – are very similar to the ads of Vodka Flirt, Black Ram whiskey, and Rakia “Peshtera”. Flirt Tease and Black Ran are actually low-alcohol cocktails, while “Peshteryaka” is a brand of wine.

According to the Competition Protection Commission, the plot, characters, and contents of the advertising videos trick the consumers into failing to distinguish between the different products.

Source: http://www.novinite.com

A Simple Post And Photograph On What Rakia Is

There is something about simple explanations made that give a clear picture as to what rakia is. This was taken from the blog Rakia and Roses. The author is a US citizen who worked as a volunteer in Bulgaria and a fan of rakia obviously.

Rakia, a fruit brandy, is the unofficial national drink of Bulgaria.

Traditionally, many Bulgarians distilled rakia at home, using fruits that were in season; however, Bulgaria’s entry into the European Union may end such practices.

Typically, rakia sold commericially is made of grapes and has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 40%.

Tip for foreigners: Adding ice cubes to rakia helps dilute the alcohol.

Source: http://rakiaandroses.com/

Great Article On Macadonia Rakia Tradition

There is a great article that covers the role of Rakia in Macedonia culture that I had discovered recently in my own research for Rakia information. I have given a little taste of the style of writing that is done in a language that is easily digested and taken on board. Karolina Bielenin, the author of the article lives in Warsaw, Poland she certainly has a talent for getting her message over.

Here is an extract from the article, this is just a small part of the whole project which covers every aspect of Rakia in Macedonia.

...................Rakia is being drunk mostly in the morning, before eating. As every beverage with high alcohol content it improves digestion. In the morning, says S.M. Mijatovic, people drink very strong rakia from special, tiny glasses (bigger glasses are used for rakia with less alcohol content, the biggest for wine) (Mijatovic 1908: 78). Rakia is also drunk before dinner, as anaperitif and in the evenings.

In winter, and especially during winter holidays, sweet rakia is heated before serving (mac. varena rakija, serb. grejanica). Heated rakia is also an indispensable element of the wedding customs. It is also possible to use heated rakia externally (massaging throat and chest) as a medicine for colds.

Drinking rakia demands cultural knowledge and competence as rakia is a special traditional beverage. Drinking rakia is usually connected with significant actions. The elementary one is saying “Cheers!” (Mac. “na zdravje!”, Serbian “zhiveli!” is also often used) while knocking the glasses and looking each other in the face. Knocking the glasses has an apotropaic meaning like knocking the red-coloured eggs at Easter. Both actions are intended to ward off evil spirits that could haunt the household (Knizevik 1997: 33). Looking in the face can be the way of showing openness, reducing the distance between people, and is prevalent not only in Macedonia, but in whole Balkan region.

My interviewees explained why one should look another in the face while knocking the glasses in different manners, e.g.: Well, what does it look like when you knock the glass with..................

You can read the whole article at this link:
http://www.iea.pmf.ukim.edu.mk/EAZ/EAZ_05/EAZ_2004_PDF/KB_rakija_eng.pdf

Cherry Rakia Time Soon

Rakia is now nearing the end of supplies and it is a productive spring to look forward to with the rakia production back in action again with the first crops of cherries. The town of Sliven is famed for its cherry rakia and of course the surrouding area has ample decares of cherry orchards that are specifically for the cherry rakia.

I tried my first cherry rakia only last year and the exprience was a pleasant one. Made in Sliven in the home of a friend we visited, it had a distintive aroma and aftertaste. Slightly sweeter than the grape and sliva versions, but requires an experienced hand to make this cherry base rakia on par with them.

Our Bulgarian friend showed us his method of distilling, using a big pan with some cherry wine and a jam jar in the centre. An ice filled wok restign on top. This is heated and the wine's steam is immediately cooled and the drips fall into the jam jar. He keep his wok and pans on an interesting enclume pot rack. Hanging from the ceiling it saves space which is just as well as his kitchen is his bedroom and dining room as well. The enclume hanging system is something I still remember very well and still have a little piing form in my kitchen with rakia making utensils at the ready for a little distilling.

Well needless to say the cherry rakiia may well be tried this year by us. We missed out last year and are considering buying the cherries when they are in season and the price at its lowest.

Rakia Made For Illegal Business Apparently On The Increase

The illegal making of Rakia goes on and more are getting caught. this time it is in Plovdiv. there is never going to be a complete eradication of finds by the authorities as only a certain percentage each year is confiscated. this does mean though that the more finds made means more is being made underground based on that certain percentage. This can only put a stronger case for tax on Rakia unfortunately. I would say there isn't a person in Bulgaria who doesn't know someone who makes excess Rakia for a side business.

In the frames of a check-up executed by officers with the Economic Police and the Customs Plovdiv, authorities found and confiscated 1 ton and 420 liters of alcohol from a warehouse in the village of Parvenets, district of Plovdiv. Vyara Genova, press officers of the National Customs Agnecy, announced.

The warehouse is managed by the Djiro Trade company. The alcohol was found in a mini-bus, parked close to the warehouse. The alcohol was divided into plastic bottles of mineral water and is of different types – vodka, rakia, mint liquor.

In the end of February, at the decision of the director of the National Customs Agency, the license for alcohol trade of the Djiro Trade company have been taken away over constant violations.

Only in 2009, 15 penalties of violation have been drawn to the company, worth a total of BGN 45,000.

An inquest has been initiated on the case. Investigation continues.

Story from: http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=n212233
Image by Phil Hawksworth via Flickr

Rakia Drinking Vessels - What Choices Are There?

Drinking rakia is a common practice and most have a habit of drinking gout of the same drinking vessel for years. Sometimes the type of drinking vessel can affect the taste of the rakia, for example wooden and metal materials can react with the spirit and give a slight taint to the finish.

Traditionally in Bulgaria wooden vessels were used, but today glass is the best choice of material that does not impair the flavour of the rakia. If you currently use a metal or wooden vessel, try a change by using glass, it may well improve the rakia moment. The best places to get glass rakia drinking vessels are from restaurant supply retailers or restaurant equipment suppliers. It doesn't have to be a specific rakia drinking vessel as most spirit glasses will suffice. After all rakia is a brandy so one would assume that brandy glasses would be best. I actually disagree and recommend whisky glasses, not least because they can stand the 'knocks' when the 'Nastrave' is made.

Whatever style of glass you choose to drink your rakia from glass has proven to be the best.

Rakia Novelties For Sale

There are a few rakia novelties around now and this one was found selling "Got rakia?" stickers and fridge magnets. A very simple statement in an uncluttered format. The car sticker retails at £4 each and the fridge magnet at £2 each if you buy 100. Geared toward businesses it seems but a nice idea. I do wonder whether anyone would make sense of the phrase outside the Balkans?

If you want to visit the site which has other rakia related novelties you can get there by clicking on this link -

 http://www.cafepress.com

Fridge Magnet

$200 for 100

-----

Car Sticker

$4 each

Rakia For Sale On EBay

This was found in Ebay today. A small 50 cl bottle of rakia up for auction at a starting price of 0.99 GB pounds. Not too expensive outside Bulgaria for a shot of rakia until you look at the postage - 4 GB Pounds!

Here is the description of the rakia.

Well there have been seven people who viewed this and I am one of them. Not too sure whether is will sell however I feel that selling alcohol is against EBay terms of service, I'me surprised it got through being put on auction.

Coriander Price Increase Expected Due To Floods

News just in that really will affect the cost of rakia this coming year. Many Bulgarians use coriander as a vital ingredient added to their rakia making process that gives it a distinctive taste. Coriander in Bulgaria is exclusively used for rakia making and the rest is exported as it is not traditionally a herb that is used in Bulgarian cuisine. 

Because of the extremes of thawing snow and continual rain, this year's crop of coriander is forecast to be a bad one. The areas of land where they are normally farmed are flooded and this will certainly cause a delay in sowing or ruin the stock of seeds that have been sown already.This of course means that there will be less yield this year and the knock on effect is that the cost will increase as a result. Rakia without coriander to many just isn't good enough and with this news there will be many who will try and grow their own for the first time, me included.

Humpty Dumpty And Rakia

What has rakia and Humpty Dumpty got in common?

Well according to the Oxford English Dictionary and this is also quoted in Wikipedia the term "humpty dumpty" referred to a drink of brandy boiled with ale prior to the "little, clumsy person" meaning.

There you have it, Humpty Dumpty literally means a brandy based toddy, no doubt after a few the drinker may well be apt to having a great fall although not necessarily off a wall. Not too sure about all the Kings horse and all the King's men putting you back to together again though.

Just to remind you for the famous poem:

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the king's horses and all the king's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again

Rakia - A Rough Brandy That Leaves You On The Ground?

It is strange how many version of explaining rakia there are. I'm not too sure this account has actually tried rakia, but has given and account from third party experiences. It is also interesting to see how many accounts say that rakia leaves you on the ground and described as a rough brandy. Most is drunk little and often although there is always the tendency to drink more with guests who are willingly offered it. I like this blog which I often visit and coincidently it is nice to see an article on rakia that has now been made.

Mmmmmm . . . .strange liquor. That's almost as sweet as strange . . .you know.

Popular through all of the Balkans but especially Bulgaria is the almost homemade, kept in old plastic bottles and looking a little like piss, rakia. This fruit brandy can come in many different varieties and although it only averages out at 40% in the store bought variety it can bounce up to a much higher alcohol percentage when it is homemade…and any Bulgarian will tell you that the only rakia worth drinking is .......

To see the rest of the post please visit the source: http://coedmagazine.com/2010/01/28/bottle-service-bulgaria-rakia/

Anasonliika 'Enda vreme' Rakia

This was found on Wikipedia before it was deleted by the editors as it was against their protocol of advertising products and services. I must admit it is rather blatant reading it through. What do you think?

Anasonliika "Edno vreme" is a Bulgarian 54-proof digestif made with grapes and anise. It is the product of "Distillery Karlovo ltd, headquartered in Karlovo, east of Sofia, Bulgaria. We are proud to announce is a premium brandy, emblematic of Karlovo region. We make it our the best grapes and humanize it with fragrant Bulgarian anise. Anasonliika is brandy, traditional for the Rose Valley - local masters have always put my heart, patience, and old secrets of preparation, to gain precious clear liquid with an unforgettable taste and bewitching scent. Its qualities are unchanged until today, thanks to the preserved ancient recipe, using only pure natural products and adherence to traditional production process. Just like old times - clean and sort the grapes by hand. Leave it to ferment slowly and naturally without adding impurities - to keep the noble fruit effect. In traditional copper stills distilling once to get the most pivkiya extracts and aromatic alcohol. Added anise seed from Bulgarian and distilling again - then fine aniseed oil infused its unique scent in the liquid. And that's all. But behind this simplicity lie the real secrets of Anasonliika "Edno vreme... ...

formerly sourced at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anasonliika_Edno_vreme

Blocked Nose and Sinuses? - Rakia Can Solve That Too

It was a very ill couple in bed with blocked up noses and sinuses knowing that work the next day would be a struggle. In Bulgaria the answer to most illnesses is rakia which we both drunk earlier that evening. It put us in a sleepy mood, but our clogged up system was the main hurdle for getting a good night of sleep.

So it was another remedy rakia based that was suggested to unclog us.Rakia is used for so many things and yet another twist was revealed which simply involved cotton wool dipped in rakia and stuffed up your nose for half an hour.

It was such a funny sight with us in bed watching television with rakia infused cotton wool (called tampons in Bulgarian) tightly stuffed up our nostrils.The feeling was quite strange as the alcohol fumes gradually worked it way to our sinuses clearing the way as it went. After 30 minutes we removed the aid and literally breathed a sigh of relief as we turned the television off and settled in for sleep.

The following morning we were both feeling slightly better as we set off to work. Our noses were clear and our flu symptoms had subsided My thoughts on all these rakia cures that actually work are directed to commercial use of an alternative medicine. Perhaps someone might come up with a consumer goods design involving rakia as a healing product; So far it is only used at home although prescribed by many Bulgarian doctors. There is scientific evidence that backs it up so why not? Is there an entrepreneur who can design rakia product for a market that love alternative medicine? 

For me as a foreigner here in Bulgaria and a big sceptic, it has never failed to amaze how this rakia product work wonders for ailments. Trying it for myself time and time again got rid of my scepticism and this is another success story found out first hand.

Rakia Pricing Wrong

I found this advert aim for skiing tourist this winter which has finally arrived in Bulagria. I am amazed at the prices they charge for rakia in their tavern. Yambolski Grape rakia is only 7-8 leva a litre yet they charge 6 leva for only 50 ml!!! On the other side of the coin is the price of Bourgas 63. a more esteemed rakia is only 2 leva per 50 ml. Either the have the prices wrong for a reason or they know nothing about the qualities and equivalent prices for rakia.

The “Banski Aiduti” tavern is located in the central part of the town of Bansko. Since it was opened, the tavern has become one of the most popular places in the town. It disposes of 150 seats. The tavern is furnished in the typical for the region of Bansko old-fashioned style. The ventilation system enables you to feel cozily and comfortably during your stay here. You can enjoy the delicious grilled dishes, prepared in accordance to old Bulgarian recipes. The meals of the master-chef, combined with selected wines and seasoned brandy, will gratify even the most discriminating taste of clients. For the total satisfaction of the visitors, the “Banski Aiduti” tavern offers an unique folklore program. The tavern accepts reservations for family occasions.

EXTACTS FROM THE MENU

SPECIAL BRANDY

Kehlibar – 50 ml – 2.00 BGN

Bourgas 63 – 50 ml – 2.00 BGN

Yambolski Muscat – 50 ml – 6.00 BGN

Suhindolska special – 50 ml – 6.00 BGN

12 years old Slivenska perla – 50 ml – 6.00 BGN

Troyanska plum brandy – special selection – 50 ml – 4.00 BGN

Peshterska selection – 50 ml – 4.00 BGN

Illegal Rakia Exports Caught With Thanks From Russian President

I find it hard to believe that vodka is illegally produced and exported to Russia, after all Russian produce the best vodka why import inferior stuff? Rakia illegally made and exported has more reason and this was included in the find. I have a sneaking suspicion that all politicians involved has sampled illegal spirits at some point away from their work.

Russian Prime Minister has thanked the Bulgarian Minister of Agriculture and Foods over the over operation against illegal export of Stolichnaya vodka from Bulgaria. This is what was noted at a meeting between Minister Naydenov and the adviser of the Moscow mayor and Yury Luzhkov former Russian Ambassador to Bulgaria Anatoli Potanov, who was given official letter of grateful acknowledgement and a present, the Ministry’s press office announced.

“The government is working to stop the illegal production of alcohol,” Minister Naydenov said.

He added the check ups will continue.

“We thank for the conducted operation and support. I am convinced together we will stop smuggling,” Anatoli Potanov said.

On January 12, 14 500 bottles of vodka, gin, brandy and rakya as well as 35 000 empty cans for Stolichnaya vodka have been found in vault Bahkus 4 in the town of Kaspichan during a check up.

Source: http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=n207466 

A Bulgarian Rakia Still and Kazan Manufacturer

If you fancy having a go at making your own rakia at home it is useful to know where you can get the tools for the trade, namely the stills and the kazans. There is a company call Kazanarakia that produces just these made to your specification. The company is Bulgarian and their website is in Bulgaria, but then that is expected.

I have clipped and translated the main bits of the home page, there are other pages that have a variety of sizes and specifications and a few other pages still under construction. I think the company has been around a while, but they have only recently gone online.

Welcome to the world of wrought copper!

We produce and offer wide range of copper stills with a different design and size to meet the individual needs of our customers' tastes. Kazanite intended for the manufacture of beverages pirtni marc and essential oils which are obtained by distillation of the flowers and spread.

Whether you are looking for residential purposes stills or to provide services in settlements, we are confident that you will receive a quality product.

Source: http://www.kazanizarakia.com/

Commericial Rakia Sales Are Down Due To Homemade Rakia

This was a recent report after last autumn's grape harvest had been gathered and assessed. what is basically says is that more rakia is being made at home in the thousands of villages up and down the country and because of this the duty should not be raised as firstly it wouldn't be paid and collected and secondly that it would increase an underground market and further damage the commercial sales of rakia. It was also noted that Botev makes a passing remark that home made rakia is inferior to the commercial brands. I thing this passing statement was of course of political design.

The shrinking of the rakia (Bulgarian type of brandy) market was an expected process, said Branimir Botev, chairperson of the Association of Producers, Importers and Traders of Spirit Drinks (APITSD).

In his words, the association has foreseen the shrinking of the rakia market as only a small part of the grapes has been sold out.

“Some great part of around 80% went into the distillers in the villages. It is natural that at the moment there is some over-production of home-made rakia, which is out of control and no excise duty is paid on it, as it is outside the authorities of the customs”, Botev remarked.

He added that because of this tendency, the association has required the excise duty on rakia not to be hikes, “as this will put legal producers in even more unfavorable situation, bearing in mind they are now under some stepped up control and pour their excise and VAT in the state budget”.

On the other hand, this will open the scissors between black market, where some cheap substitute is sold at BGN 1.50 – 2/liter of broach rakia, and the legal industrial producers.

Source: www.focus-fen.net

Bulgarian Gypsy New Year Celebrate With Rakia

We won't get any sleep tonight as we live next to a massive Gypsy community and many litres of home made rakia to help the New Yea celebrations on their way. Loud Gypsy music to accompany, all around Bulgaria will be party time. Bulgarians have had their fill of rakia and New Year two weeks ago and I'm sure many will never the less join in as rakia and partying is a favourite pastime for all in Bulgaria!

All Roma groups in Bulgaria celebrate Thursday the Roma New Year also known as Vassilitsa, the Day of Vassil (Basil) or Bango Vassili (the Lame Basil).

The celebrations have their origins in several Roma legends. In one of them Bango Vassili is a guardian and defender of the Roma and rebuilds the bridge used by them after it has been destroyed by the Devil. In others, he is a lame shepherd rescuing a drowning Roma child or giving shelter to a Roma trying to escape his enemies.

Another legend tells that St. Basil had saved all Roma from drowning in a stormy sea by sending them a flock of geese. The Roma climbed on them and were able to reach a safe shore. Since then they honor their Savior on January 14 and call the holiday Vassilitsa.

Bango Vassili is a family celebration and poultry on the table is a must. It also includes stuffed cabbages, bread, wine and home made brandy known as rakia. In all Roma groups the dinner on the eve of January 14 is of prime importance and includes rich symbolic. The meal is blessed and all are given forgiveness by kissing the hand of the person they might have offended.

All houses where Bango Vassili is celebrated are to remain locked until midnight on January 13 to prevent luck from escaping . Only after the arrival of the New Year and the Day of St. Basil, the Roma begin accepting guests, hoping the first visitor to be a good person, who will bring them luck.

Source: http://www.novinite.com

A Rakia Song GSM Ring tone Download

Rakia is becoming more widely known now Bulgaria is in the EU. This leads to many spin off products being invented and marketed. I came across one today that does exactly this. It is a ring tone that can be downloaded to your mobile phone or GSM as it is known in Bulgaria. The ring tone is the song called ‘100 litres Rakia’ and well known in Bulgaria.

So if you want to be reminded of rakia and impress your drinking partners when your GSM rings then this is the place to go to get it downloaded.

The Zledge Net

An Expatriate's Account Of Rakia

I found this very entertaining, informative article written by an Expatriate who gave and account of his experience of Rakia. there is some good advice given about learning a little Bulgarian to save time and money, very true! Enjoy the article and visit the website if you get the chance, there is more of the same good stuff there.

Scotland has single malt whiskey, Russia has vodka and Bulgaria has Rakia, a delicious fruit brandy. Although its not very well known in western Europe, Rakia is not a drink exclusive to Bulgaria but can be found in most of the Balkan countries. I had an excellent one in Serbia for example.

Rakia (or Rakija) is made from distilled fruit and in Bulgaria its usually made from plums or

apricots. There is the commercial version (the picture above is the one we are enjoying as I write this) and then there is the home made stuff… Both have their merits.

The commercial Rakia is very drinkable but don’t make the mistake I made and get the cheapest one. In the same way that you can buy Tesco own brand whiskey or Glenmorangie aged 15 years, there are different qualities of Rakia. I bought the cheapest one because I’m a cheapskate but then started buying bottles to actually enjoy. You can tell a good Rakia from a bad one fairly quickly and like Bulgarian Beer, if you get a bottle with English on it you are likely to pay more than if its only in Bulgarian ie; made for the Bulgarian market. Its worth trying to learn some basic Cyrillic alphabet skills (Bulgarian alphabet) as you’ll recognise similar words that way and save yourself time and money. Everything is phonetic and it’s not as hard as you might think. Learning your full name spelt in Cyrillic is a good way to start as you’ll probably learn 15 letters and then you’re half way there.

The strength of Rakia is usually 40% in the shops but the home made stuff is usually stronger (up to about 65% we’re told) and it tastes it! Most towns will have a distillery with huge copper vats heated by wood that the locals use when the fruit is in season. The guys that distil this stuff know what they are doing as the knowledge has been passed from one generation to the next. If they had an “off day” and made methanol instead of ethanol they would poison half the town and baring in mind the fact that gun ownership is legal here, they need to get it right every time. You know the distilleries are there from the mountain of apricot and plum seeds near the building. Chances are there might also be the village drunk hanging around asking people coming to collect their brew if he can have a bit. Can’t blame him, it’s good stuff.

Obviously, enjoy in moderation and good company. Bottoms up!

Source: http://www.expatliving.eu

Herb Based Mulled Rakia Toddy - A Yambol Secret Unveiled

Hot off the press is another mulled rakia drink with a difference. This has added natural ingredients that enhance the world best warming drink in the world. It was obtained from a village man who lives 15 kilometres north of Yambol called Doncho. He is 82 years old and drinks it every winter to keep the cold out. He gave me rough measurements and I rounded them up and down to create his concoction.

The secret is out and given here for you folks:

HERB BASE MULLED RAKIA TODDY
Ingredients:

500 ml rakia
300 ml sugar
1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons of fresh very finely chopped geranium leaves
3 pinches of ground cinnamon
Method:

Heat the sugar on a low heat and add a little water stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved and a light brown colour. Then add the rakia, black pepper, geranium leaves and the cinnamon whilst still stirring until the sugar that is caramelised melts.

Serving Tips:

Mulled rakia toddy served in strong whisky glasses or goblets goes best with traditional Bulgarian cuisine such as pickles, barbecued peppers or sliced salami and usually a warmer served before any main course.