Šumadijski Čaj 🍹 Hot Rakija Toddy 🇷🇸 (Kuvana Rakija)

Description

Warming plum-brandy toddy made by caramelizing sugar, then gently infusing rakija with lemon and spices—fragrant, cozy, unmistakably Balkan. 🔥🍋

Hook: Stove-top cocktail in 15 minutes—silky, aromatic, winter-proof. ⚡

Ingredients

• 🥃 Rakija (plum brandy/šljivovica): 120 ml (½ cup / 4 fl oz)
• 💧 Water: 240 ml (1 cup / 8 fl oz)
• 🍚 Granulated sugar (or honey): 30 g (2 tbsp / 1 oz)
• 🍋 Lemon, slices: 4
• 🌿 Cinnamon stick: 1
• ⭐ Whole cloves: 4
• 🍊 Orange peel, wide strip (optional): 1
• 🟤 Aromatic bitters (optional): 2 dashes

Preparation

1. 1️⃣ Caramelize sugar: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar to a deep amber (3–4 min). Carefully splash in 2–3 tbsp water to loosen (it will bubble).
2. 2️⃣ Infuse: Add water, cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel. Simmer gently 3 min.
3. 3️⃣ Add rakija: Reduce heat to low; pour in rakija. Warm 2–3 min below a simmer (do not boil).
4. 4️⃣ Serve: Strain into 2 heatproof glasses, add lemon slices, and bitters if using.

Total Time

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
⏳ Total: 15 min

Back to full recipe