The experience of Dalmatian “travarica” (herb brandy)

It is impossible to get to know the culture of welcome and toasting in Dalmatia without good homemade "travarica". Offering "travarica" to a guest on arrival is the most typical Dalmatian gesture. It is often offered with dried figs, just as we do on our boats.

"Travarica" is "rakija", a traditional, strong alcoholic drink, created by flavouring of "lozovača" (from grapes), "komovica" (from grape marc) or fruit "rakija" (brandy) with a special combination of wild aromatic herbs and has long been made in this area only for home use. As each of the herbs has its unique beneficial effect, "travarica" is considered a medical beverage by the people, which is the attitude towards its use.

"Travarica" was therefore frequently used in Dalmatia on an empty stomach for good health, so drinking it remained a kind of ritual of social life. There is no one recipe for it, but excessively numerous variations.

The number of herbs and the exact list of aromatic species varies, not only from place to place but also it was customary for each family to have their recipe and often keep it a secret and pass it from generation to generation. The herbs are added to the alcohol after being picked at the right time, carefully dried and kept for a specific time.

For the identity of this area people, it was and remains important to know the herbs of "travarica" and live with them.

The most commonly used herb in the "travarica" is fennel.