Who Makes the Best Rakija? Exploring the Balkans' Favourite Spirit

When people ask who makes the best rakija, they're likely to start one of the friendliest debates in Europe. Across the Balkans and Central Europe, every nation proudly claims its fruit brandy is the finest, with recipes passed down through generations and every family convinced their homemade bottle is impossible to beat.

The truth is, there isn't a single winner. The best rakija depends on the fruit, the region and the traditions behind it. From Serbia's legendary plum rakija to Hungary's celebrated Pálinka, Croatia's herbal spirits and North Macedonia's grape rakija, each country has developed its own unique style.

Serbia – The Gold Standard for Plum Rakija

When people think of premium rakija, Serbia is usually the first country that comes to mind.

Serbia is internationally recognised for producing some of the world's finest Šljivovica (plum rakija). The country's fertile orchards and ideal climate have made plum cultivation a way of life for centuries, particularly throughout Šumadija, Western Serbia, Valjevo, Čačak, Užice and the Zlatibor region.

Many of Serbia's leading distilleries have won prestigious international awards, helping Serbian rakija earn a reputation as one of Europe's great fruit spirits.

While plum remains Serbia's signature, the country also produces exceptional:

• Dunjevača (quince rakija)
• Viljamovka (Williams pear rakija)
• Kajsijevača (apricot rakija)
• Malinovača (raspberry rakija)

The town of Arilje, famous for producing some of the world's highest-quality raspberries, creates beautifully aromatic raspberry rakija that is becoming increasingly sought after.

Hungary – Pálinka, Rakija's Closest Relative

Although Hungarians don't call it rakija, Pálinka deserves a place in every conversation about the world's finest fruit brandies.

Protected by European law, authentic Pálinka must be distilled entirely from fruit grown in Hungary and contain no added flavourings or sugar. The result is a remarkably pure expression of the fruit itself, much like the finest Serbian rakija.

Hungary is especially renowned for:

• Apricot Pálinka
• Plum Pálinka
• Pear Pálinka
• Sour Cherry Pálinka
• Peach Pálinka

The regions of Kecskemét (apricots), Szatmár (plums) and Békés have become synonymous with premium fruit brandies, and many connoisseurs rank Hungary alongside Serbia as producing some of Europe's finest distilled fruit spirits.

While the terminology differs, the philosophy remains the same: exceptional fruit, traditional distillation and generations of craftsmanship.

Croatia – Herbal Spirits and Wedding Traditions

Croatia has one of the most diverse spirits cultures in the Balkans.

Along the Dalmatian Coast and throughout Slavonia, you'll find excellent Lozovača (grape rakija) alongside a wide range of herbal and fruit liqueurs.

Perhaps the country's most recognisable drink is Kruškovac, a sweet pear liqueur loved across Croatia. While technically sweeter than traditional rakija, it has become an iconic part of Croatian celebrations.

One tradition you'll often encounter is Svatovski Kruškovac, or "Wedding Pear Liqueur." It's commonly served during weddings to welcome guests before the stronger spirits begin flowing, making it one of Croatia's most recognisable ceremonial drinks.

Croatia is also well known for:

• Travarica – herb-infused rakija
• Lozovača – grape rakija
• Orahovac – green walnut liqueur
• Pelinkovac – bitter herbal liqueur

Bosnia & Herzegovina – Where Homemade Rakija Still Reigns

In Bosnia & Herzegovina, rakija remains deeply rooted in family tradition.

Many households continue producing their own rakija using fruit from family orchards, with plum, pear, apple and grape varieties all commonly enjoyed depending on the region.

Offering a guest a small glass of homemade rakija remains one of the country's most genuine expressions of hospitality.

North Macedonia – The Home of Grape Rakija

North Macedonia is renowned for its vineyards, making Lozova Rakija the country's signature spirit.

Produced from the same wine-growing regions that make Macedonian wines famous, grape rakija offers a lighter, fresher profile than plum varieties while still delivering remarkable complexity.

Many producers also age their grape rakija in oak barrels, creating elegant spirits with notes of vanilla, spice and toasted oak.

Bulgaria – A Rakia Tradition Centuries in the Making

Bulgaria has one of the oldest fruit brandy traditions in the region, with Rakia considered the country's national spirit.

Produced primarily from grapes, plums, apricots and other local fruits, Bulgarian Rakia shares many similarities with Serbian rakija while maintaining its own distinct regional character.

Home distillation remains an important part of Bulgarian culture, with countless family recipes continuing to be handed down through generations.

Romania – Home of Țuică and Pălincă

Romania has a rich fruit brandy heritage of its own.

Its best-known spirit is Țuică, a traditional plum brandy enjoyed throughout the country. Regions such as Transylvania are also famous for Pălincă, a stronger double-distilled fruit brandy made from plums, pears, apples and apricots.

Although the names differ, Romanian fruit brandies reflect the same values found throughout the Balkans: exceptional fruit, traditional craftsmanship and proud family recipes.

Greece – Ouzo and Tsipouro

While Greece isn't traditionally associated with rakija, it has two iconic spirits worth mentioning.

Ouzo is the country's famous anise-flavoured aperitif, instantly recognisable for turning cloudy white when water is added. Its herbal character makes it quite different from fruit-based rakija.

Tsipouro, however, is much closer in style. Distilled from grape pomace, it is especially popular in northern Greece and is enjoyed in much the same way rakija is throughout the Balkans—shared slowly with food, friends and conversation.

Although each country has developed its own name and style, they all celebrate the same idea: taking exceptional local fruit and transforming it into something worth sharing.

Whether it's Serbian Šljivovica, Hungarian Pálinka, Croatian Travarica, Macedonian Lozova Rakija, Bulgarian Rakia, Romanian Țuică or Greek Tsipouro, these spirits represent generations of craftsmanship, hospitality and regional pride.

So, Who Makes the Best Rakija?

Ultimately, there is no single "best" rakija. The answer depends on your palate. What everyone can agree on, however, is that this part of Europe produces some of the finest fruit spirits in the world—and every bottle tells the story of its people, its land and its traditions.