Pelinkovac
 | |
| Type | Liqueur |
|---|---|
| Region of origin | the Balkans |
| Alcohol by volume | 28–35% |
Pelinkovac is a bitter-sweet liqueur derived from wormwood, popular in the Balkans. The alcohol content is 28–35% by volume. It has a bitter-sweet taste.
History
[edit]Before commercialization, the liqueur was used as a home remedy for "cleansing the blood and settling the stomach".[1] Wormwood was believed to stimulate digestion and appetite and to have antiparasitic and antibacterial properties.[1]
Badel's Antique Pelinkovac, a Croatian brand, was created in 1862 by chemist Franjo Pokorny as a digestif.[2][3][4] According to maker Antique Herbal Liqueur, it was the first bottled commercial version.[1]
Description and serving
[edit]The taste is described as bittersweeet and herbal, with a dominant flavor of anise, which is derived from wormwood.[1][3][4] It is served neat, on ice, or in cocktails, sometimes garnished with orange.[1][3][5]
Popularity
[edit]The drink is common throughout the Balkans.[6][2] In 2021, USA Today named a Croatian brand, Badel’s Antique Pelinkovac, to its list of "15 must-try spirits, liqueurs and canned cocktails".[2] According to Croatian maker Antique Herbal Liqueur, it is considered a national drink of Croatia.[1]
Similar liqueurs
[edit]- Piołunówka, a Polish wormwood liqueur
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f Dara, Jillian (7 March 2024). "A Renewed Interest in Herbal Liqueurs Is Driving Attention to Native Ingredients". Food & Wine. Retrieved 2025-04-11.
- ^ a b c "Croatian drink Pelinkovac declared one of the world's most interesting by American magazine". Croatia Week. 2021-11-18. Retrieved 2025-04-11.
- ^ a b c "Rugged Boots, Croatian Liqueur and Pickleball". UrbanDaddy. 2024-03-28. Retrieved 2025-04-11.
- ^ a b ""Centuries-old Tales" – The 150-Year Story of Pelinkovac". Croatia Week. 2015-06-19. Retrieved 2025-04-11.
- ^ Rasin, Lara (22 November 2021). "Croatian Pelinkovac proclaimed one of world's most interesting drinks". Time Out.
- ^ Homans, Charles; Ackerman, Jenn (2025-03-30). "On Minnesota's Iron Range, Trump's Tariffs Could Be Boom or Bust". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-04-11.
External links
[edit]- “Centuries-old Tales” – The 150-Year Story of Pelinkovac, Croatia Week, 19 June 2015
