Chacha/ Rakia

Chacha  is a Georgian pomace brandy, a clear and stron), which is sometimes called “vine vodka”, “grape vodka”, or “Georgian vodka/grappa”. It is made of grape pomace. The term Chacha is used in Georgia to refer to grape distillate. It may be also produced from unripe or wild grapes. Other common fruits or herbs used are figs, tangerines, oranges, mulberries or tarragon.

Rakia is the collective term for fruit brandy popular in the Balkans. The alcohol content of Rakia is normally 40% ABV, but home-produced Rakia can be stronger (50%). Rakia can be distilled from virtually any fruit. In Bulgaria, grapes, plums, and apricots are most frequently used as a raw material. Sometimes producers add walnuts, honey, or herbs for extra aroma, but it is not very common.