Ah, Croatian Rakija – it’s not just a drink; it’s a lifestyle. If you’ve ever been to Croatia, you know that rakija (or as the Italians call it, grappa) is not just a spirit, it’s a cure-all, a social catalyst, and sometimes, a way to pretend you’re not as tipsy as you really are. Let’s take a dive into this iconic drink and explore why the Croats don’t drink rakija from wine glasses, but from shot glasses – and how it’s used for everything from a happy gathering to curing your soul’s ills.
Why do we drink rakija from short shot glasses?
Well, the short glass isn’t just for tradition; it’s for survival. Imagine you’re at a Croatian family gathering, and the rakija starts flowing. “Cheers!” And then… boom, the warm, fruity, fireball that is rakija slides down your throat. Now, if you were to drink it from a tall, fancy glass, you’d be at risk of pouring yourself a drink so big that you’d be in the fetal position by the time it hit your stomach. So, small shot glasses = controlled chaos.
This also allows you to sip, well, take quick shots throughout the evening (because we know you’ll be offered a shot every time you finish one). It’s a social thing – a symbol of hospitality and unity.
What is rakija REALLY used for?
While it’s easy to think of rakija as just an alcoholic beverage, the Croatian way goes beyond just getting buzzed. Rakija is your “everything” remedy:
For Stomach Pain
“Gut bothering you? Have a shot of rakija!” Croatians don’t mess around. Why go to the pharmacy when you can just down a shot of rakija before breakfast?
It’s believed that the potent alcohol helps to calm your stomach and get things moving. Whether it’s an upset stomach or just a “full” feeling, rakija is there for you – it’s a digestive miracle worker.
For Severe Cold or Flu
“Feeling sick? Have some rakija with honey and lemon!” This is the Croatian equivalent of “take two aspirin and call me in the morning”. The heat from rakija is said to sweat out the illness, while honey and lemon work their magic to soothe your throat. If you’re still feeling bad, don’t worry, more rakija will do the trick. Trust us.
For Circulation:
Feeling cold, or, let’s face it, a little bit sluggish in the morning? No need for fancy supplements. Just a little rakija will boost your circulation. It’s like giving your body a nice, warm hug from the inside. You’ll be feeling toasty in no time.
Before Eating:
“Open your stomach!” – This is what your Croatian grandmother says while handing you a shot of rakija before the meal. In Croatian culture, it’s the perfect appetizer. It stimulates your appetite, primes your taste buds, and gets you ready for the feast. It’s like the pre-game of a three-course meal, only the appetizer is a shot of homemade rocket fuel.
After Eating:
“I can’t finish the meal without a shot!” That’s right. Croatian rakija is the perfect digestive aid. After you’ve had enough meat, cheese, and bread to feed a small army, you need something to settle everything down. Enter rakija, who helps with digestion, easing the whole process with a warm embrace of alcohol.
For Socialising
If rakija had a motto, it would be: “Let’s drink and talk about the good ol’ days!” In Croatia, you don’t just drink rakija because you’re thirsty. You drink it to bond. It’s the unofficial currency of friendship. You’ll have a shot with your neighbour, your uncle, your friend’s cousin – it doesn’t matter. Rakija is there to make sure everyone is on the same page, and that page is “Let’s have fun and chat about the weather.”
Rakija is used to massage your back, rinse a sore throat, and even relieve toothaches. And yes, you can even clean windows with it! So, what you often hear seems to be true: ‘Drink a little rakija, you’ll feel better!'” – Popij malo, bit će ti bolje!
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The Secret of Rakija
Okay, here’s the deal: the secret behind rakija isn’t just in the fruit (plums, grapes, apples – basically, whatever’s around). It’s in the love and craftsmanship. Whether it’s homemade, store-bought, or given to you by a ‘dida’ (grandfather), there’s always soul in that bottle. It’s the Croatian spirit – quite literally.
So next time you’re faced with a shot of rakija, know that you’re not just drinking a drink; you’re drinking history, tradition, and a bit of medicine. Don’t worry, if you need a little more rakija to get you through the night, you’re in good company. It’s a lifestyle, it’s a healing tonic, and it’s always available when you need it.
Enjoy, and remember: don’t take life too seriously – unless you’re not drinking rakija… then you might need a shot to get things in perspective.
