Rakija is type of brandy. Strong alcohol drink, made from fruit. 

The specific smell and taste of this drink depends on the type of fruit from which the brandy is made.

The most famous Serbian brandy is plum brandy (Šljivovica).

Šljivovica is the first protected Serbian brand with a 

geographical origin.

The origin of brandy is associated with the 13th centurie.

The taste of brandy primarily depends on the soil on which the plum tree, or other fruit, grows and the recipe according to which it is made.

Once upon a time.....

According to the story, Saint Sava accepted The Devil`  s suggestion to plant a garden together.

First they sowed onions, then cabbage, then potatoes, then wheat.

Before each harvest Saint Sava asked The Devil if he wanted what was above or below the ground. But The Devil made the wrong choice every time. So Saint Sava harvested onions, cabbage, potatoes and wheat.The Devil got nothing.

In order not to be outwitted by Saint Sava again, the devil decides to keep the grapes, and so that Saint Sava can only take the juice from the grapes.  Saint Sava squeezed grapes and made wine.

However, The Devil did not want to give up and took the rest and made brandy from it.

Saint Sava tasted brandy and concluded that the brandy would be "a cure for the old, and anger for the young" and he crossed himself, and The Devil escaped.

That is why Serbs always cross themselves before drinking a glass of brandy, in order to drive away The Devil.

We don't know if the legend is true, but the fact is that this drink has healing properties and helps in healing as well as preventing the appearance of some diseases.