Best Albanian Alcohol – Discover the Tastes of Albania
Wondering what the most famous Albanian alcohols are? Don’t worry! In today’s article, I’m going to tell you all about the most famous Albanian drinks. From the strong flavors of traditional raki to the refreshing taste of local beers and the sweet sips of fruit liqueurs, Albania offers a variety of drinks that are sure to capture your interest.
Though we’re focusing on drinks, it’s hard to talk about Albanian culture without mentioning its delicious cuisine. To get a taste of Albania at home, why not try making some traditional Albanian Flija?
Check out this easy recipe here: Albanian Flija Recipe. And if you’re feeling adventurous, dive into the savory world of Albanian Byrek with this guide: Albanian Byrek Recipe.
By the end of this article, I hope to answer some of the most frequent questions about Albanian alcohol, giving you a closer look into the country’s unique drinking culture and what makes these beverages so special.
Whether you’re a fan of strong spirits, enjoy a glass of wine, or prefer something a bit sweeter, there’s something in Albania for every taste!
What Is The National Drink in Albania?
The national drink of Albania is Raki, sometimes referred to as Rakia or Rrakë in various parts of the country.
This strong, distilled alcoholic beverage is primarily made from grapes, though it can also be crafted from other fruits like plums, apricots, or mulberries, depending on regional availability and traditions. Raki is not just a drink in Albania; it’s a symbol of hospitality and cultural heritage, often served during meals or to welcome guests.
For those interested in diving deeper into the world of Albanian Raki, including its cultural significance and how to make it at home, I’ve already prepared an article that covers everything you need to know. Click here to get more info about this traditional Albanian spirit: Albanian Raki Recipe.
Does Albania Have Good Wine?
Yes, Albania does have good wine! While it might not be as internationally renowned as wine from countries like France, Italy, or Spain, Albania has a rich winemaking history that dates back thousands of years.
The country’s climate and terrain are well-suited for viticulture, with a variety of local and international grape varieties thriving in its soil.
Albania’s wine regions produce both red and white wines, with indigenous grapes like Shesh i Bardhë and Shesh i Zi, as well as more familiar varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The wines from these regions are known for their unique flavors, reflecting the local terroir and winemaking traditions.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in Albanian winemaking, with producers focusing on quality and exploring the potential of the country’s indigenous grape varieties. This has led to a growing recognition of Albanian wines in international markets. Wine enthusiasts who explore Albania’s offerings often find themselves pleasantly surprised by the quality and distinctiveness of its wines.
What Is The Most Famous Beer In Albania?
The most famous beer in Albania is Birra Korça. Established in 1928 in the city of Korçë, it is one of the oldest breweries in the country.
Birra Korça has a significant place in Albanian culture and is cherished for its taste and quality. Over the years, it has become synonymous with Albanian beer, offering a range of products that cater to various preferences.
5 Most Famous Albanian Alcohols
Raki – The most iconic Albanian spirit, Raki is a potent distilled alcohol made primarily from grapes, but it can also be crafted from plums, cherries, and other fruits. It’s deeply rooted in Albanian culture, often served to welcome guests and at social gatherings. Its flavor varies depending on the fruit used, but it generally has a strong, clear taste with a warm finish.
Homemade Raki
Ingredients:
- 10 kg ripe grapes (or other fruits like plums or cherries for different flavors)
- Water
- Yeast (specific for fruit fermentation, if available)
Instructions:
- Crush the Grapes: Manually crush the grapes (or other fruits) to release the juice.
- Ferment: Transfer the crushed grapes into a large, clean container. Add water if the mixture is too thick, aiming for a porridge-like consistency. Mix in a small packet of yeast to help fermentation. Cover loosely and leave in a warm, dark place for about 2 weeks, stirring daily.
- Distill: Traditionally, the fermented juice is then distilled. However, home distillation is complex and regulated in many countries, so this step is best left to professionals or skipped for this simplified recipe.
Kallmet – A notable Albanian wine made from the indigenous Kallmet grape variety found in the northwestern part of the country, particularly in the Lezhë region. Kallmet wine is appreciated for its deep ruby color, medium to full body, and flavors that include dark fruits, pepper, and sometimes a hint of oak, depending on the winemaking process.
Kallmet Wine
Making wine at home without proper equipment and conditions can be challenging, especially for specific varieties like Kallmet. However, here’s a very basic outline of the winemaking process:
Ingredients:
- Kallmet grapes (or similar dark-skinned grapes if unavailable)
- Wine yeast
Instructions:
- Crush the Grapes: Gently crush the grapes to release the juice and skins.
- Ferment: Add wine yeast to the juice and let it ferment in a clean, sealed container with a fermentation lock. Keep it in a cool, dark place for about 1-2 weeks.
- Age: After fermentation, siphon the wine off the sediment into a clean container and let it age for several months.
Shesh i Bardhë and Shesh i Zi – These are two traditional Albanian grape varieties used to make wine. Shesh i Bardhë (“White Shesh”) produces white wines that are fresh, floral, and often have citrus notes. Shesh i Zi (“Black Shesh”) is used for red wines, which are typically robust, with flavors of red berries and a pleasant earthiness. These wines offer a taste of Albania’s unique terroir.
Shesh Wine
Similar to Kallmet wine, making Shesh i Bardhë (white) or Shesh i Zi (red) wine follows the general winemaking process, adapted for these specific grape varieties.
Mullet Wine – Produced in the Tirana region, Mullet wines come from a winery that has gained a reputation for quality and innovation. The area’s favorable climate and soil conditions contribute to the production of excellent red and white wines, including international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, which are adapted to the local environment.
Mullet Wine
Since Mullet wine is a product of specific vineyard practices and terroir in the Tirana region, producing it at home would involve general winemaking practices, with a focus on quality grapes and careful fermentation and aging processes.
Fruit Liqueurs – Apart from wines and Raki, Albania is also known for its delicious fruit liqueurs. These are made by infusing local fruits like cherries, mulberries, and walnuts in alcohol, often with added sugar for sweetness. The result is a range of sweet, flavorful liqueurs that capture the essence of Albanian fruits. These liqueurs are perfect for sipping after a meal or incorporating into cocktails for a unique flavor twist.
Albanian Fruit Liqueurs
Ingredients:
- 1 kg ripe fruit (cherries, mulberries, walnuts, etc.)
- 1 liter vodka or neutral spirit
- 200-300g sugar (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fruit: Clean and prepare the fruit. For cherries or mulberries, remove stems. For walnuts, use green walnuts with their husks.
- Infuse: Place the fruit in a large jar, add sugar, and cover with vodka. Seal the jar tightly.
- Store: Keep the jar in a cool, dark place for about 2-3 months, shaking it gently every few days.
- Strain: After the infusion period, strain the liqueur through a fine mesh into clean bottles. The liqueur can be enjoyed immediately but improves with age.
FAQ
What is the national drink in Albania?
- The national drink of Albania is Raki.
What is the popular Albanian liquor?
- Raki is the most popular Albanian liquor.
How strong is Albanian raki?
- Albanian Raki typically ranges from 40% to 50% alcohol by volume (ABV), but it can be stronger.
What is the Albanian spirit alcohol?
- The Albanian spirit of alcohol refers to Raki.
Does Raki get you drunk?
- Yes, Raki can get you drunk due to its high alcohol content.
Is alcohol expensive in Albania?
- Alcohol is relatively inexpensive in Albania compared to many Western countries.
What does Albanian Raki taste like?
- Albanian Raki has a strong, clear taste with a warm finish, and when made from fruits, it carries hints of the original fruit’s flavor.
What food is Albania known for?
- Albania is known for dishes like Byrek, Fërgesë, Tavë Kosi, and Flija.
Does Albania have good wine?
- Yes, Albania has good wine, with a history of winemaking dating back thousands of years.
Why does Raki turn milky?
- Raki turns milky when water is added due to the anise oil emulsifying, which is similar to the louche effect in absinthe.
Is Raki Greek or Albanian?
- Raki is a type of spirit found in various forms across the Balkans and Turkey. In Albania, it is a traditional grape or fruit brandy, while in Greece, a similar anise-flavored spirit is called Ouzo.
Can I drink raki alone?
- Yes, you can drink Raki alone, but it is traditionally enjoyed in social settings.
How do Albanians say cheers?
- Albanians say “Gëzuar” when toasting, which means “cheers.”
What is Balkan alcohol?
- Balkan alcohol includes a variety of spirits common in the Balkan region, including Raki, Slivovitz, and Rakija.
Is Albanian Raki moonshine?
- While traditionally homemade Raki might be considered moonshine, it is also commercially produced under regulated conditions.
What is the most famous beer in Albania?
- Birra Korça and Birra Tirana are among the most famous beers in Albania.
What brandy is famous in Albania?
- Raki can be considered a type of brandy and is the most famous in Albania.
Is Albanian raki stronger than vodka?
- Raki and vodka typically have similar alcohol content, though some homemade Raki can be stronger.