Rethinking Rakija: Cocktail Creativity, Perfect Pairings, and What We Learned from Two Tastings

If you grew up with rakija on the table at family celebrations, you know its soul: fragrant fruit, slow craftsmanship, and a long Balkan tradition in every sip. But rakija isn’t just a neat pour—it's an incredible, versatile base for modern cocktails and food pairings. This month, I had the chance to experience two standout tastings in Chicago that reimagined rakija in fresh, exciting ways: Blacklisted Rakija at Topaz Restaurant and Stara Sokolova at Ambar. I left inspired—not only as a business owner, but as a teacher for my team and our community. Here’s what I learned, what I loved, and how you can bring these ideas home with rakija from Balkan Bakery.

Blacklisted Rakija at Topaz: Cocktails That Spark Curiosity

At Topaz, Draga—the owner and creative force behind Blacklisted Rakija—showcased how plum, pear, apricot, and quince rakija can shine in craft cocktails. Her approach is bold, balanced, and deeply respectful of the fruit.

Standout cocktails:

• Pear Martini: Elegant and aromatic, the pear rakija adds natural sweetness and a clean finish. Think: chilled, silky, and dangerously sippable.

• Quince Margarita: A genius twist—quince’s floral acidity meets lime and a salted rim for a bright, layered profile.

• Plum Old Fashioned: The classic gets a Balkan backbone. Plum rakija brings stone-fruit depth that plays beautifully with a touch of bitters and orange peel.

• Blackball: A house favorite—dark, moody, and complex, showcasing how rakija can hold its own in spirit-forward builds.

Food pairings that sang:

• Vanilla Poached Pear Salad: A perfect echo for pear rakija—fragrant, delicate, and refreshing.

• Gnocchi with Lamb: Rich and comforting; apricot rakija cuts through with a gentle, fruity lift.

• Crispy Pork Belly: Plum rakija stands up to the fat with round fruit and a warming finish.

• Apricot Cobbler: Apricot rakija meets apricot dessert—an irresistible dessert pairing.

How to think about rakija in cocktails

• Treat it like gin or brandy: Rakija’s aromatics make it stunning in martinis, sours, and spirit-forward classics.

• Match fruit to flavor: Pear for elegance, apricot for brightness, plum for depth, quince for floral acidity.

• Infusions and accents: Add a thyme sprig, a bay leaf, or a split vanilla bean to a small batch for 24 hours. Finish cocktails with citrus oils, a cinnamon stick, or a flamed orange peel.

Try this at home: Three simple builds

• Pear Rakija Martini: 2 oz pear rakija + 0.5 oz dry vermouth + 0.25 oz pear syrup (optional). Stir, strain, lemon twist.

• Quince Margarita: 2 oz quince rakija + 0.75 oz lime + 0.5 oz agave. Shake, salt rim, lime wheel.

• Plum Old Fashioned: 2 oz plum rakija + 0.25 oz demerara syrup + 2 dashes aromatic bitters. Stir over ice, orange peel.

Stara Sokolova at Ambar: Craft, Heritage, and Classic Pairings

At Ambar, the tasting centered on Stara Sokolova—a storied rakija house celebrating 30 years. We dove into how rakija is made: ripe fruit selection, careful fermentation, respectful distillation, and patient rest for a clean, expressive spirit. That product knowledge matters—it’s how we guide our team and guests to not just drink rakija, but understand it.

Pairings that stood out:

• Kajmak: Creamy, rich, and salty—the perfect foil for a bright, fruit-forward rakija.

• Almond Fried Chicken: Crunch and nuttiness call for apricot or quince to cut through and refresh.

• Meat Pie (Burek): A savory classic—plum or pear brings balance and a touch of sweetness.

• Balkan Kebabs: Grilled and juicy—apricot’s lift or plum’s depth both sing here.

• Donuts with Nutella: Dessert dreams—apricot for brightness or plum for a chocolate-friendly finish.

Why this matters for us (and you)

Great hospitality starts with product knowledge. When we understand what’s in the bottle—fruit, process, and tradition—we can help you find a rakija you’ll love and a cocktail you’ll enjoy making at home. It also means our team can educate, pair, and guide with confidence.

Bring it home: Rakija at Balkan Bakery

You can purchase rakije like these at Balkan Bakery and stock your home bar for cocktail night or holiday hosting.

Ask us about:

• Plum rakija for Old Fashioned riffs and rich, meat-forward pairings

• Pear rakija for martinis and cheese/fruit boards

• Apricot rakija for margaritas, spritzes, and grilled dishes

• Quince rakija for sours, seafood, and bright salads

Hosting tips

• Keep it chilled: Store a bottle in the fridge for cleaner martinis and neat pours.

• Small infusions: Infuse a cup at a time to experiment without commitment.

• Pair smart: Match fruit notes to the plate—pear with soft cheeses, apricot with roasted chicken, plum with pork, quince with citrus or herb-driven dishes.

Let’s Keep Exploring Rakija Together

Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves a neat pour or a home mixologist ready to experiment, rakija is a playground of flavor. Stop by Balkan Bakery to pick up your bottle, chat pairings, and grab the ingredients for a full Balkan spread—kajmak, meat pies, kebabs, and even dessert. We’ll help you choose the right rakija for your taste and teach you how to make your perfect cocktail.