Rakiwi Fizz On The Rocks

One of the best drinks I have had for many a time was given to me from a Bulgarian friend. The weather was very hot, not wind and we were all dying for a drink as we sat down in the grape trellised garden. His wife, a superb cook, prepared a drink for us all but didn’t' say what it was until we tried it.

Green drinks don't always appeal to me, but I got passed the look and tasted the fizzy drinks under the layer of ice - It was fantastic! There was a little kick through the ice cool fruity taste that reminded me of something I couldn't quite put my finger on. I had to have the recipe as the drink cooled us all down from top to bottom!

After lots of teasing the simple recipe was given. It was a simple mix of kiwi pop and Rakia with lots of ice. This was a family recipe that they often have during the summer evenings and of course give guests. It goes great with Bulgarian snacks like serine, salami and any type of salad. It would certainly appeal as a women's drink to those ladies who can't handle neat Rakia. I can't help thinking that they would have to dress up in the right outfits to suit the bright green colour of the drink.

We have nicknamed it Rakiwi Fizz and the recipe is given here:

Rakiwi Fizz Recipe

Serve 4

Ingredients:

1 Litre Kiwi Flavoured Carbonated Pop
300 ml Homemade grape or sliva rakia (45-50% alcohol)
Lots of crushed ice
a sprig of mint for garnish

Method:

Simply pour the lemonade carefully into a jug. Then add the rakia and stir gently. Pour the mixture into the serving glasses leaving space for the ice. Add a handful of the crushed ice to each glass. Add the sprig of mint and serve with a straw.

PERFECT FOR HOT SUMMER EVENINGS

An American's Report From A Serbian Village

This is a fascinating read as the similarities between village life in Serbia and Bulgaria very close indeed. And of course the Rakia remains part of the traditions that carry on.

Djole’s grandparents lived in the village for nearly 70 years (they passed away in 2003). They were totally self-sufficient and raised their family in the village, including Dusan. They owned pigs and goats; grew corn, tomatoes, and other vegetables; owned bee hives for honey; made wine and Rakia from grapes; picked fruit off surrounding trees; got fresh water from the well on their property. The family would barter and trade with other villagers on Mondays in the village center to accommodate any lacking nutritional needs. The family stretched out their food sources, as corn kernels were ground up and made into bread, lamb’s wool was wound for garments, and domestic leather shoes were produced. We were once again treated to a great Serbian meal of grilled lamb and cucumber/tomato salad. Of course we were convinced to try the Rakia, as every new fruit flavor was coined to be “better than the other flavor.” Yeah, we caught on to their attempts to get us drunk. Clipped from footballinserbia.wordpress.com Well worth a read fo the whole report fro this link