What You Can (and Should) Drink in Croatia
Unless you can't and shouldn't...
I sometimes hear visitors from foreign countries say Croatian people drink a lot. I can’t contradict; we do. But drinking in Croatia isn’t just about having a drink, it’s about the culture, the people, and the experience.
From early-morning coffee rituals to enjoying a glass of beer or wine in the evening, I believe Croatians know how to enjoy a good drink. It can be a homemade rakija shared in a family gathering, some beer while watching a football game, sipping up on some mulled wine at a Christmas market or a refreshing elderflower syrup juice on a hot summer day.
Just like the food, Croatian drinks vary from region to region. But in every region there is the same rule – it’s rude to reject a drink offered by your host. Peer pressure at its traditional best 😊
Do we have an alcohol problem? Well, both yes and no – Croatia is below the European average in alcohol consumption. I like to think Croatians are rather moderate, especially when compared to northern countries.
So let’s see what Croatians love to drink, and what you should try when visiting. Or when offered 😊
“It’s better for the village to die than the customs”
This Croatian saying emphasizes the importance of preserving traditions and cultural heritage.
So we have families passing down recipes for homemade spirits, while small wineries uphold centuries-old winemaking methods. Drinks play a key role in holidays and celebrations, from wine blessings to toasts at weddings and Christmas gatherings.
Rakija: a synonym for hospitality
Rakija really is a way of life. When you’re visiting someone’s home, celebrating, or marking a special occasion, rakija will be on the table, often homemade and always with a story behind it. It’s actually a strong fruit brandy, typically around 40% alcohol or more, with unique varieties across the regions.
plum-based šljivovica is the most common
travarica is infused with aromatic herbs like rosemary, sage, and fennel, aids digestion
medica, a honey-infused rakija
orahovac, made from green walnuts, rich and slightly bitter
And when it comes to drinking rakija, you drink it in small, deliberate sips.
Coffee: the staple of slow-living
The purpose of drinking coffee in Croatia is not just to fuel up, it’s a ritual of slowing down, socializing, and enjoying life. Numerous cafés are filled at all hours of the day, and "going for a coffee" often means sitting for hours, catching up with friends, or just people-watching. With your coffee, you will also get a glass of water.
espresso is probably the most common choice, short and strong
macchiato, with a small amount of milk, is also very popular
latte or bijela kava is for those who enjoy a milkier coffee
Turkish-style coffee is not that common in cafés, but when you find it, it needs to be brewed slowly and served unfiltered, thick and strong
Whatever you choose, try to have some good company and take your time.
Beer as food?
Beer, or pivo, is a staple beverage in Croatia, particularly during the hot summer months. The most widely consumed brands are Ožujsko and Karlovačko, two classic lagers you can find everywhere from cafés to beach bars. There are many other options, from dark lagers and Radler beers to craft varieties, something for everyone.
Is beer a food item? Well, yes, since it’s an agricultural product (grains) and contains calories, while you can find many vitamins and minerals in a glass of craft beer.
Wine: 2,500 years of tradition
Croatia has been making wine for over two millennia, and this can be seen in the variety and quality of local wines. This small country has over 130 indigenous grape varieties, so it’s not hard to find something for you to pair with traditional food. To name just a few:
Plavac Mali is the most famous red wine, a variety grown on the steep slopes of Dalmatian islands and Pelješac peninsula (Dingač, Postup)
Graševina is a fresh and fruity white that thrives in the Slavonian region
Prošek, a rich and sweet dessert wine, is different from Italian Prosecco
Žlahtina, a light, crisp white wine from the island of Krk
You will see locals enjoying bevanda and gemišt, depending on where you are, and those are white wines mixed with water, perfect for hot summer afternoons.
Other traditional spirits and liqueurs
Different regions offer different unique spirits and liqueurs that are worth trying:
Pelinkovac, a bitter herbal liqueur, with a distinct wormwood flavor, often sipped as a digestive or mixed in cocktails
Maraschino, a cherry liqueur from Zadar, is one of the country’s most famous exports
Teranino, an aromatic liqueur made from Teran red wine, infused with spices and fruit
Biska, a traditional Istrian mistletoe rakija
Bermet, a unique aromatic wine from the northern region of Samobor
Gvirc, a honey-based wine, similar to mead, found in parts of continental Croatia
Non-alcoholic drinks
For those looking for something non-alcoholic, Croatia has plenty to offer. It might be silly to mention water, but Croatia has high-quality water sourced from natural springs and rivers (Jamnica and Jana being the most popular).
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country, and is often fresher and cleaner than bottled alternatives. Many Croatians enjoy their water naturally sparkling, and in restaurants, it’s common to be asked whether you’d like your water "gazirana" (carbonated) or "negazirana" (still).
Fresh fruit juices and lemonades are widely available, particularly orange, which are prepared in cafés.
A classic Croatian favorite is Cedevita, a powdered vitamin drink that comes in flavors like orange and lemon (it does have sugar in the mix).
There are many more, depending on the region: elderflower syrup juice, Pašareta in Istria (carbonated), kvasina in Dalmatia…
Have you tried any of these? What’s your favorite Croatian drink? Let me know in the comments!
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For more things Croatian, check out this post:
Old City of Dubrovnik: More Than Just King’s Landing: UNESCO Sites in Croatia: Old City of Dubrovnik
Plus, March of my “2025 Calendar: 12 Countries in 12 Months” is dedicated to Croatia and its cultural gems.
Your post is so well timed! We will be in Dubrovnik for 2 days during our upcoming travels on our way to Kotor, Montenegro- and hopefully more time in the rest of the country as we make our way north to Poland, but we’re doing our first unplanned travel so we will see how the wind blows.
Sounds like a great variety. And it’d be fun to do a blind taste test on the waters from Croatia and Norway. 🤩
(I’m glad you had a section on the non-alcoholic bevs as well for those of us who don’t drink alcohol. 😍)