Pelinkovac (Croatia)
Croatia · Liqueurs
A wormwood bitter liqueur (pelen/pelin) popular across Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Slovenia at 28–35% ABV. Badel Pelinkovac has been made in Zagreb since 1871 at 32% and was reportedly the first Croatian drink served at the court of Napoleon III; other brands include Dalmacijavino of Split, Maraska of Zadar and Darna of Rovinj. Badel began exporting to the US in 2017 after a two-year permitting process, having already reached 30 countries. Variations include Premium/Antique Pelinkovac, Pelinkovac Orange, and štrukani pelinkovac, served with a squeeze of lemon.