The Dangers of Bootleg Rakia

21 people died of liquor poisoning in Istanbul.

According to the media, all of the victims have drunk one and the same brand of liquor labelled as Bulgarian Rakia.

Factor cites information from Turkish Hurriyet daily, which reports that 15 other people were hospitalised for the same reason.

The Turkish authorities arrested a total of 21 people for the distribution of the poisonous liquor, including the producers. 

An operation against the distribution of the bootleg alcohol is underway. 

89 people have been hospitalised after consuming the same brand of alcohol since October 18.

Poor America - Not Familiar With Rakia

Poor America.........

Rakia is not known over there and when it is the supplies are hard to get. This account is given by the site Drinking in America

Here is the start of the account. Click on the above link to the site is you want to read more, and I an sure you will.

It’s always interesting to find out about liquors that are hugely popular in other countries – and yet, somehow, most of us in the United States have never heard of it. One of these libations that we’re just beginning to hear about is called Rakia (sometimes also referred to as Rakija or Rachiu) and it’s considered to be the national drink of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia.

Rakia can be traced back to 14th century Bulgaria. It’s a clear spirit made from................................

Rakia Cocktails - Not For Balkan Folk I Guess

There was an interesting couple of cocktail recipes given by the Cocktailgeek.

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

The Herbs and the Bees 

50ml honey and lavender Peshterska Rakia, 
20ml lemon juice, 
Two dash Dr Elmegirab Spanish bitters, 
Small sprig of lemon thyme 

Muddle lemon thyme in base of shaker and add rest of ingredients. Shake with ice and fine strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with lemon thyme. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Balkan Beauty 

50ml Peshterska Rakia, 
20ml lime juice, 
5ml Maraschino, 
Two dash orange bitters, 
8 raspberries. 

Muddle raspberries in base of shaker, add rest of ingredients and shake with ice. Fine strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a raspberry and mint sprig. 

-------------------------------------------------------- 

I would personally not generally entertain the idea of Rakia as part of a cocktail as the Balkan tradition is that it should be drunk on its own. Not just out of respect but for personal preference.

Simple Treasures in Bulgaria - Now On Kindle - Released Date 1st October

Simple Treasures in Bulgaria - By Martin Miller-Yianni

Paperback: £11.95 - Download: £3.75

Most, if not all travel books about Bulgaria cover well-trodden tourist resorts and understandingly ignoring lesser-known parts of Bulgaria. These 'fortunate' neglected areas, where tourism hasn't affected, remain in my and many others' opinion the most treasured parts of Bulgaria. The writing contains a variety of titles ranging from an epitaph of a simple Bulgarian village farmer to a traditional Bulgarian recipe with a local twist; articles giving humorous moments to more serious issues that Bulgarians have to contend with. It is seen with a clear view of how Bulgarians live and work both in towns and villages remaining firmly family and community bound.

This is also available in Kindle format as from 1st October!
You can pre-order now...
Just click on this link:
Simple-Treasures In Bulgaria