Rakia is a traditional Balkan brandy made from fermented fruit and often considered a national drink in several countries. Known by various names across the region, it boasts a variety of synonyms depending on where it is made. Some of the most common names include Palinka, Slivovitz, Brinjevec, and Šljivovica. Palinka is popular in Hungary and Romania, while Slivovitz is mostly consumed in Serbia and Croatia. Brinjevec, made from juniper berries, is a traditional Slovenian variety, and Šljivovica is a more generic term used in most Balkan countries. Despite the differences in names, rakia is a beloved drink across the Balkans, enjoyed as an aperitif, dessert, or in cocktails.