Maraska Slivovitz Brandy
Maraska Slivovitz Brandy
Maraska Slivovitz is a traditional Croatian plum brandy produced by the Maraska distillery in Zadar, a producer whose fruit-distilling heritage traces back to the 18th century. Known locally as šljivovica, Slivovitz is the defining spirit of the Balkans—distilled from ripe, carefully selected plums and aged to highlight the fruit rather than mask it. Maraska's version is considered a benchmark of authentic, well-made Slivovitz.
The nose is unmistakably plum: ripe Damson and stone fruit with a light almond-pit nuttiness and a gentle floral lift. The palate follows cleanly—concentrated plum, soft honeyed sweetness, and a hint of cinnamon and almond over a clean spirit base. The finish is warming, dry, and fruit-forward, with a faint nutty resonance that reads unmistakably Central European.
Serve Slivovitz slightly chilled in a small brandy glass—it's the traditional aperitif or digestif across the Balkans, and a staple of weddings, toasts, and family gatherings throughout the region. It also works beautifully in modified old fashioneds and stone-fruit cocktails.
Order Maraska Slivovitz at Gifted Pour alongside our full Eastern European brandy collection.
Tasting Notes
Shipping
We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.
Manufacturing
Our products are manufactured both locally and globally. We carefully select our manufacturing partners to ensure our products are high quality and a fair value.
Why Gifted Pour recommends it
For the friend with Balkan roots, the host who loves a proper toast, or the curious drinker ready to look beyond grain and grape, this traditional Croatian plum brandy is a gift with a real story behind it. Maraska distills it in Zadar, drawing on a fruit-distilling heritage that traces back to the 18th century, and the spirit is all about the plum. Expect ripe stone fruit on the nose with almond, vanilla and a soft floral lift, then a velvety palate of concentrated plum, honeyed sweetness and a touch of cinnamon before a warm, gently dry finish. Across the Balkans, Slivovitz, known locally as šljivovica, is poured at weddings, family gatherings and celebratory toasts. That makes it a thoughtful bottle for an engagement, a wedding party, a housewarming or a family reunion. The recipient can sip it neat from a small tulip glass, keep it in the freezer for an ice-cold aperitif, or mix it into a Slivovitz Sour or a stone-fruit Old Fashioned.
Pairs well with
- Smoked meats and aged cheeses — The concentrated plum and almond-pit nuttiness cut through and complement rich, salty Balkan-style charcuterie and cheese.
- Vanilla ice cream drizzle — A splash over vanilla ice cream echoes the vanilla on the nose and lets the sweet plum shine as dessert.
- Wedding party toast — Served ice cold in small glasses, its clean plum fruit and warm finish carry the Balkan tradition of raising Slivovitz at weddings.
Questions about this bottle
What is Slivovitz?
Slivovitz, known in Croatia as šljivovica, is a fruit brandy distilled from plums and is often called the defining spirit of the Balkans. Maraska's version is a traditional Croatian plum brandy made from ripe, carefully selected plums at its distillery in Zadar.
What does Maraska Slivovitz taste like?
It is crystal clear and fruit-forward. The nose shows ripe Damson plum, almond, vanilla and a floral lift. The palate brings concentrated plum, honeyed sweetness, cinnamon and almond, and the finish is warming, dry and lightly nutty with a delicate sweetness.
How should I serve it?
Sip it neat at room temperature in a small tulip glass or snifter, or chill it in the freezer and serve it cold as an aperitif. It also works as a cocktail base in a Slivovitz Sour, modified Old Fashioneds and stone-fruit drinks.
Is it a good gift for a wedding or celebration?
Yes. Slivovitz is a staple of weddings, toasts and family gatherings throughout the Balkans, so this 750 ml bottle suits engagement parties, wedding parties, housewarmings and reunions, especially for anyone with Croatian or Central European heritage.
