Belgrade Mule

Name: Belgrade Mule | Rakija cocktail | Balkia
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 4 min
Yield: 1 Cocktail
Cuisine: Serbian
Ingredients: 4cl Balkia; 1cl Luxardo Maraschino; 3 dashes of bitter Peychaud; 1 cl Lime; 12 cl Ginger beer

The “Belgrade Mule,” a twist on the classic with a nod to the vibrant streets of Belgrade and the spirited soul of Balkia. This cocktail is a mix of tradition and innovation, with flavors bold enough to kick like a mule but smooth enough to keep you coming back for more.

Here’s how to whip up this concoction with a Serbian twist:

Ingredients

4cl Balkia
1cl Luxardo Maraschino
3 dashes of bitter Peychaud
1 cl Lime
12 cl Ginger beer

How to make

Prepare Your Mule Glass: The Belgrade Mule deserves its throne. A thick and tall icy cold glass or even a mug would work.
Mix Balkia and Luxardo Maraschino: In the glass, pour 4cl of Balkia for that robust, fruit-forward base that sings of Serbian orchards. Add 1cl of Luxardo Maraschino to introduce a subtle, cherry-flavored sophistication.
Add Bitter Peychaud and Lime: Splash in 3 dashes of bitter Peychaud for a hint of herbal complexity. Then squeeze in 1cl of lime juice – fresh, please. It’s not just about the tang; it’s about waking up every other flavor in the cup.
Ginger Beer for the Win: Top it off with 12cl of ginger beer, adding a fizzy, spicy layer that makes this mule gallop. The ginger beer’s sweetness and spice play beautifully against the Balkia’s depth.
Stir Gently: With a bar spoon or a stirrer, give it a gentle whirl. Mix, don’t muddle. We’re looking for harmony, not chaos.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a lime wedge or a maraschino cherry if you’re feeling fancy. Or both, because why not? It’s your Belgrade Mule, after all.
Enjoy: Take a sip, let the myriad flavors dance around your palate, and imagine yourself overlooking the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, the spirit of Belgrade in your hand.