Serbia’s national drink is rakija, which is a strong distilled alcoholic beverage made from plums. It is a lot like brandy and has an alcohol percentage ranging from 40 to 65 percent. When I tried rakija for the first time my eyes watered, which my Serbian friends thought was hilarious.
Rakija is typically served and sold as gifts in those little glass vials, pictured below, but it is meant to be sipped — not thrown back like a shot. Rakija is a staple in Serbian homes, brought out for celebrations and in times of sorrow. It is also considered a medicine, no matter the ailment. When my friend was little and had a loose tooth, her dad would soak a rag in rakija before pulling it out.
Apparently, everyone in Serbia either makes their own rakija or knows someone who does. I’m told that the best rakija is “homemade” and bought in reused plastic water bottles.
The Jo Show 