Likovi

Likovi, also known as likers, are a type of alcoholic beverage that is typically made by mixing a spirit with a sweetener and water. The term "likovi" is derived from the Croatian word for "liquors," and the beverage is popular in the Balkans, particularly in Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Likovi are often served chilled and are commonly enjoyed as a digestif after a meal.

The most common type of likovi is made from rakija, a traditional fruit brandy that is produced in the region. Other spirits used in likovi include vodka, gin, and brandy. The sweetener used can vary, but it is typically a simple syrup made from sugar and water, or a flavored syrup such as raspberry or orange. The ratio of spirit to sweetener to water can also vary, but a common ratio is 1:1:2.

Likovi are often flavored with various fruits, herbs, or spices, such as lemon, orange, mint, or cinnamon. These flavorings can be added to the mixture before or after the spirit has been mixed with the sweetener and water. Some likovi are also made with a combination of different spirits, creating a unique and complex flavor profile.

Likovi are typically served in small glasses and are often accompanied by a small snack, such as nuts or cheese. The beverage is enjoyed for its smooth and sweet taste, as well as its ability to help digest food. Likovi are also popular as a mixer in cocktails, such as in the popular Croatian cocktail, the "Likovi na pijacu," which is made with rakija, lemon juice, and simple syrup.