How Strong Is Rakija?

Written By Borce Trajkovski

(At Amberfire Distillery, we write from the perspective of a producer — explaining the spirits we craft, not just the categories they belong to-Amberfire Distillery, Wallan — Educational Blog .)

Rakija bottles and glass showing different alcohol percentages (ABV), illustrating typical rakija strength.

Different styles of rakija displayed alongside a glass, representing varying alcohol percentages (ABV) and the balance between strength and enjoyment.

Rakija Alcohol Percentage (ABV) Explained

Rakija is often described as a strong spirit — but how strong is it really?

This guide explains rakija’s alcohol percentage (ABV), why rakija sometimes feels stronger than other spirits, how strength was traditionally judged in the Balkans, and why modern rakija focuses on balance and enjoyment, not endurance.

If you’re new to the category, you may want to start with our complete guide explaining what rakija is and how it’s traditionally made before exploring alcohol strength in more detail.

Typical Rakija Alcohol Percentage (ABV)

Most commercially produced rakija today is bottled at around:

40% ABV (80 proof)

This places rakija in the same strength range as:

  • Vodka

  • Whisky

  • Rum

  • Gin

Rakija is not inherently stronger than other distilled spirits. Its reputation for strength comes largely from tradition and historical practices, rather than alcohol percentage alone.

Why Rakija Sometimes Feels Stronger Than Other Spirits

Even at similar alcohol percentages, rakija can feel more intense than vodka or whisky. There are several reasons for this.

Homemade Rakija Is Often Bottled Stronger

Traditionally, rakija was distilled at home once a year after harvest. These homemade versions were commonly bottled at:

  • 45–50% ABV

  • Sometimes 55–60% ABV or more

Strength was judged by experience rather than precise instruments, and dilution to a standard bottling strength was uncommon. Higher strength was often associated with quality, pride, and durability rather than balance.

Distillation Style Affects Perceived Strength

Alcohol percentage is only part of the story.

Traditional rakija was often distilled in simple copper stills with minimal separation of heads and tails. This could leave higher levels of:

  • Fusel alcohols

  • Heavy congeners

These compounds can make a spirit feel:

  • Hotter on the palate

  • Rougher on the finish

  • More aggressive aromatically

Even at the same ABV, a less refined spirit can feel significantly stronger than a cleanly distilled one.

The Traditional “Bubble Ring” Test — And Why It’s Not Scientific

Bubble ring forming in rakija after shaking, a traditional but unscientific method used to estimate alcohol strength

Rakija being strongly shaken in a glass to demonstrate the traditional Balkan “bubble ring” test once used to judge alcohol strength.

In Macedonia and across the Balkans, many parents and grandparents believed rakija was not real rakija unless it passed a simple test.

When a bottle was shaken, a ring of bubbles would form on the surface.
If those bubbles lasted a long time, the rakija was assumed to be strong — often believed to be 50% ABV or higher.

This belief came from observation, not superstition.

Why the Bubble Ring Happens

Liquids with higher alcohol content:

  • Have lower surface tension

  • Form smaller, more stable bubbles

  • Allow foam to persist longer

So yes — higher alcohol can produce a longer-lasting bubble ring.

Why the Bubble Test Is Unreliable

Despite this, the bubble ring test is not a scientific method for measuring alcohol strength.

Bubble stability is influenced by:

  • Alcohol percentage

  • Temperature

  • Residual sugars

  • Oils and congeners

  • Bottle shape and agitation

Two rakijas with the same ABV can produce very different bubble rings.
For this reason, the bubble test cannot reliably determine alcohol percentage.

Today, alcohol strength is measured accurately using calibrated instruments, not visual cues.

Tradition vs Modern Understanding of Strength

In the past, rakija at 50–55% ABV was often preferred:

  • It felt more serious

  • It stored well

  • Strength was linked to masculinity and status

Today, we understand something important:

Higher alcohol does not mean better rakija.

Very high alcohol levels:

  • Mask fruit character

  • Reduce balance

  • Increase harshness

  • Place greater strain on the body

Strength can impress — but balance is what gives pleasure.

Rakija Today: Enjoyment Over Endurance

Modern rakija is increasingly crafted to be:

  • Clean

  • Aromatic

  • Balanced

  • Enjoyable over time

This is especially important for:

  • Younger drinkers discovering rakija

  • Women, who often prefer elegance and aroma over raw power

  • Anyone who values enjoyment rather than intoxication

Rakija was never meant to be a contest of who can drink the strongest spirit.
It was meant to be shared, savoured, and enjoyed with food and conversation.

Does Oak Ageing Change Rakija’s Strength?

Oak-aged rakija in a glass, illustrating how oak maturation softens alcohol strength and adds colour and flavour.

A glass of oak-aged rakija resting on a rustic wooden surface, showing how ageing with oak adds colour, smoothness, and warmth to traditional fruit spirits.

Oak ageing does not increase alcohol percentage, but it can change how strength is perceived.

Oak-aged rakija — often called gold rakija (žuta or stara) — tends to feel:

  • Softer

  • More rounded

  • Better integrated

Oak contributes vanilla, honey, and gentle sweetness, helping the alcohol feel smoother and more harmonious.

Rakija Strength at a Glance

  • Commercial rakija: ~40% ABV

  • Homemade rakija: often 45–60% ABV

  • Stronger than vodka? No, but often feels bolder

  • Oak-aged rakija: smoother, not weaker

  • Best enjoyed: slowly, with food and company

Closing Thought

Rakija’s reputation for strength comes from tradition, not excess.

When made with care, rakija is not about burning the body or proving tolerance.
It is about fruit, balance, memory, and ritual.

Honouring tradition today means keeping what was wise — and letting go of what no longer serves us.

A Note on Amberfire Rakija

At Amberfire Distillery, we craft rakija with a focus on balance and enjoyment rather than raw strength.
Our Amberfire Premium Gold Rakija reflects a modern, refined approach — preserving fruit character while offering a smooth, elegant finish.

Sources & Further Reading

The information in this article reflects widely accepted principles of alcohol strength, distillation, and responsible enjoyment, alongside lived Balkan tradition.

Borce Trajkovski
Next

Rakija: From Rustic Village Spirit to Refined Gold in Australia