Rakia Cocktails - Not For Balkan Folk I Guess

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

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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. 

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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. 

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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.