THE SPIRIT OF SERBIA
If you’re in Belgrade, this potent Serbian plum brandy
–
known as Slivovitz – is the perfect winter warmer
A popular and heady beverage,
Slivovitz
has been produced
throughout Eastern Europe for hundreds of years. But it is in
Serbia that this plum brandy is particularly regarded, as plums
are considered to be the country’s national fruit. In fact, virtually
all meals typically begin and end with some kind of plum dish or
drink! Slivovitz can either be single or double-distilled, and you’ll
find that the really good stuff has been aged for up to 10 years in
oak barrels to lend it a smoother, more complex taste. This golden-
coloured liquid, with its sharp, distinctive taste, is usually served in a
chilled shot glass, and in winter it’s brewed with caramelised sugar
to give that extra bit of warmth and sweetness on very cold days.
If you find yourself in Belgrade from 15 to 16 December, head to
the city’s annual Rakija Fest (brandy festival) to learn more about
this popular spirit, and to sample equally potent fruit brandies
including peach, apple, pear, quince, grape, herb and honey.
If you’ve missed it, worry not. You can visit one of the city’s two
Rakia Bars (rakiabar.com) –
they are the ones sponsoring
the festival – any time for a
selection of Slivovitz or other
Serbian brandies served
straight or in a cocktail.
COTTON RESTAURANT
Food from a man who’s worked
for top French chef Daniel
Boulud is bound to be good,
and Heinrihs Erhards’ Oriental-
inspired menu packs a punch.
Lamb noodle soup and sushi,
avocado and shrimp tartare in
contemporary surrounds.
73
Te¯rbatas, +371 6709 2295,
cottonrestaurant.lv
Brıvıbas iela
N
S
W
E
