Pelinkovac
A traditional herbal liqueur from the Balkans
Pelinkovac is a herbal liqueur that is traditionally produced in the Balkans, particularly in Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. It is known for its distinctive bitter taste, which is primarily derived from the herb wormwood (Artemisia absinthium).
History[edit | edit source]
The origins of Pelinkovac can be traced back to the 19th century, when it was first produced by pharmacists and herbalists in the region. The liqueur was initially created for its medicinal properties, as wormwood was believed to aid in digestion and improve appetite. Over time, Pelinkovac became popular as a digestif and a staple in the local cuisine.
Production[edit | edit source]
Pelinkovac is made by macerating a variety of herbs, with wormwood being the primary ingredient, in a base of alcohol. The mixture is then sweetened with sugar and allowed to mature, which helps to balance the bitterness of the wormwood with the sweetness of the sugar. The exact recipe and blend of herbs can vary between producers, leading to subtle differences in flavor and aroma.
Flavor Profile[edit | edit source]
The flavor of Pelinkovac is characterized by its intense bitterness, which is complemented by herbal and floral notes. The presence of wormwood gives it a slightly astringent quality, while the addition of other herbs can introduce hints of citrus, anise, and mint. The liqueur is typically dark brown in color and has a syrupy consistency.
Consumption[edit | edit source]
Pelinkovac is traditionally consumed as a digestif, often served neat or over ice. It is also used as a base for cocktails, where its complex herbal flavors can add depth and character. In some regions, it is customary to serve Pelinkovac with a slice of lemon or orange to enhance its aromatic qualities.
Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]
In the Balkans, Pelinkovac holds a special place in the cultural and social fabric. It is often associated with celebrations and gatherings, where it is shared among friends and family. The liqueur is also a popular souvenir for tourists visiting the region, offering a taste of local tradition and craftsmanship.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
