This refreshing cocktail brings together homemade sour cherry rakija and sparkling water, just like Balkan families would serve on warm evenings. It’s strong, fruity, and full of heritage — a toast to simpler times.
Ingredients
🍒 60 ml sour cherry rakija (2 oz)
🫧 120 ml sparkling water (½ cup)
🍋 Juice of ½ lemon (1 tbsp)
🧊 Ice cubes
🌿 Optional: fresh mint or a cherry for garnish
Preparation
1️⃣ Chill: Fill a short glass with ice.
2️⃣ Pour: Add rakija and lemon juice.
3️⃣ Top: Pour over sparkling water and gently stir.
4️⃣ Garnish: Add mint or a cherry on top, if desired.
Total Time
🛠️ Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 0 min
🕒 Total: 5 min
Nutritional Value
🔥 110 kcal
💪 Protein: 0 g
🧈 Fat: 0 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 6 g
🧂 Sodium: 5 mg
🍸 Alcohol: ~12%
Advice
Use homemade sour cherry rakija if possible — that’s where the magic lives.
Status
🍒 Light, fizzy, and dangerously smooth.
The Balkan way to sip and smile.
#GrannyZen #RakijaSpritz #BalkanCocktail #CherrySeason
