Travarica: Herb Brandy
Rakija (RAH-kee-yah) is the catch-all term for any kind of spirit distilled from fruit in Croatia, and it pretty much translates to ‘brandy’. Just as there’s apple brandy, plum brandy, berry brandy and so on, varieties distilled from different source materials take more specific names. Here are a few:
šljivovica (SHLEE-vo-vee-tsa) - plum brandy
lozica (LO-zee-tsa) - grape brandy
kruškovača (KROOSH-ko-va-tcha) - pear brandy
rogačica (roh-GAHTCH-ee-tsa) - grape brandy infused with carob pods
In Dalmatia, the king of all rakijas is travarica (TRA-va-ree-tsa), a sophisticated spirit acclaimed as a superb digestive aid and tonic. It is quite simply an infusion of grape brandy and a variety of herbs, and there are as many recipes for travarica as there are people producing it. Some contain as few as 10 herbs, while others can contain 20 or more. Travarica often contains rosemary, chamomile, lavender, rose hips, matgrass, juniper, thyme, currants, mint or sage, but the list of possible additions is practically endless.
Pure grape brandy isn’t widely available, but if you have access to good grappa (Italian grape pomace brandy), making your own travarica is not a complicated undertaking at all, All you need to do is insert the whole, edible herbs, flowers and dried berries of your choosing into a 750 mL bottle, fill the bottle with brandy and allow to infuse for at least a month. Of course, the longer you allow the brandy to take up the essential oils and aromatic components of the plant material, the stronger and more complex the flavor will be.
6 Responses to “Travarica: Herb Brandy”
Oh - how I have been looking for this! Thank you so much! All i knew was rosemary. Tasted Travarica in April for the first time and it really hit me. It’s said to be good for digestion, but three times it has cured a harsh throat for me. (And I don’t mean symbolic.) The level in my bottle is sinking to fast, I will need to make my own very soon. I have all the herbs in my garden - but what do I do without the rakija? I guess Swedish Vodka wouldn’t do?
By Nina on Aug 13, 2008
For the past three years I have been trying to figure out exactly what is in Pelinkovac - which is more reminiscent of Jagermeister - and how its ingredients differ from Travarica.
Slivovic is easily found outside the region, but I’ve searched specialty shops for Orahovac (walnut rakija) with no luck. Also, I have made my own kruskovac, but would like to make my own Orahovac. I would have my local (when I’m there) vocarna guy tell me how to make rogacica - but then I wouldn’t enjoy Ivica’s company over a glass.
Is it as simple as putting the walnuts in the rakija and waiting?
By tina on Oct 3, 2008
Bog Nina!
You can make an herb infusion with any spirit, and a good, pure vodka probably isn’t a bad choice. You’ll still get the medicinal benefits of the herbs, but you won’t fool a Dalmatian into thinking it’s travarica.
The nearest thing to lozica (pure grape brandy, the spirit traditionally used in travarica) is going to be grappa. Don’t skimp on quality. I’m trying to source some grape brandy, and I’ll have info here when I know something solid.
Thanks for visiting! This site is still in development, so please check back every once in a while for new developments. Sorry it took me a while to respond; I don’t always receive comment notification.
Pozdrav,
John
By John J. Goddard on Oct 24, 2008
Bog Tina,
My Mom and I make Orahovac from scratch and it is similar to travarica in that it is an infusion. Take green walnuts (with the husks in tact and before the nut inside become hard). Slice and place in large glass jars. Add a vanilla bean and cover with good quality brancy of lozica (if you can find it). Let sit for 30 days or more till it turns dark brown/black. Drain off the liquid and mix with simple syrup (best if this is made with a little honey as well as sugar). If alone it is too bitter (but my Baka used this to cure stomach aliments…yeech!).
Danica
By Danica on Apr 29, 2009
I have travarica that has the expiry date of 1994, can i still use this?
By Lisa on Sep 9, 2009
Hey, Great site with great explanation! Im Croatian and have been there since I was a kid and in my 20’s. Finally went back in 04 and discovered this liquore for the first time, it is as my Dalmation Mom says Sveta Kaplica I think thats how you say it :), Anyway shes suffered with her arthritis and she swears by this that it helps her joints(may also be applied to the skin where there may be pain or an infection) this is Amazing stuff! Much love to All my Cro’s and all who love Croatia!!!!:))
By Eliza on Nov 17, 2009