Traditionally good drinks

In the countryside try home-made spirits or liqueurs

Your food experience in inns and restaurants can be supplemented with selected spirits of protected origin.

Brinjevec (juniper brandy), dolenjski sadjevec (fruit brandy) and pelinkovec (absinthe) are protected with the EU geographical indication, while kostelska rakija (brandy), brkinski slivovec (plum brandy), gorenjski tepkovec (pear brandy) and kraški brinjevec (juniper brandy) hold Slovenian geographical indications.

Juniper brandy is the king of Slovenian spirits, distilled exclusively from crushed juniper berries (not soaked in other spirits). After several weeks’ fermentation of juniper berries, double distillation takes place followed by a six-month maturing. Its flavour improves over the years. Note: juniper brandy has a completely different character to the all-available gin.

Plum brandy and fruit brandies are typical of regions with excellent conditions for fruit production

Special fruit regions include the Brkini Hills with the Brkini Fruit Road and exceptional tradition of spirit distilling.

Apples and plums from Brkini, a hilly region in south-west Slovenia, have already attracted attention at world exhibitions in Paris and Vienna in the 19th century. Indigenous varieties of plum growing in terraces and on the edges of Brkini fields form the essence of the excellent Brkini plum brandy with geographical indication. The brandy has a distinctive character with a pleasant aroma and flavour. It is distilled according to a traditional method in unique copper Brkini stills with caps.

Indigenous fruit varieties, growing particularly in extensive meadow orchards, serve as the base for other typical local spirits in other Slovenian regions as well.

Spirits and liqueurs are made everywhere from the ingredients that are typical of the local environment

Fruit and wine spirits, and spirits from grape or fruit skins are enriched with selected natural ingredients.

Pelinkovec with protected geographical indication gets its typical bitter flavour from extract of wormwood (Arthemisia absinthia). Since it settles an upset stomach and is an excellent refreshment, it is also prepared by Slovenian herbalists. Other bitters made of various herbs, walnut and honey liqueurs and many others are also very popular and highly esteemed.

Famous drinks highlighting the character of an individual region have certificates of local culinary brands

The best local spirits and liqueurs can be found in shops of local tourist information centres.

When wandering around Slovenia, pay attention to the brands that combine products linked with gastronomy.

• You will find rušovc under the Okusi Kamnika brand. This brandy made of dwarf pine tips and cones with added sugar and honey is a delicacy from mountain pastures that matures for two months in the sun.
• The Idrija izbrano brand offers geruš, an old wormwood beverage once drunk by mercury miners.
• Under the Okusi Rogle, you will find borovničevec (blueberry liqueur) popular in the Pohorje Hills and several other herbal spirits.

Visit distilleries and see how brandy is made, attend a tasting and buy your favourite brandies

Find selected spirits and liqueurs in specialist shops, and taste their character at locations where they are made.

The hosts will be happy to share their secrets about the beverages offered at tourist farms or in mountain huts; where their ingredients were grown or collected, and how they were made. If you’re lucky, they will show you the still for making brandy. To view and taste different brandies, visit distillers who offer special experiences.