10 Traditional Bulgarian Drinks to Sip Into Culture

Bulgarian drinks are an integral part of the local culinary culture. The drinks are diverse and reflect the country’s history and traditions. 

There is a rich history of wines dating back to the Thracians. Mineral water is abundant and a popular drink. 

And traditional drinks like yogurt-based Ayran and Rakia fruit brandy are also beloved drinks.

While exploring the local food specialties in Bulgaria, we were impressed by the variety and unique tastes of local Bulgarian drinks.

To help you drink like a local in Bulgaria, here are 10 traditional Bulgarian drinks to experience the flavors and hospitality of the country.

Traditional Non-Alcoholic Bulgarian Drinks

1. Ayran – Bulgarian Yogurt Drink

Ayran is one of the most popular Bulgarian drinks loved by all. 

Made with their star product yogurt, Ayran is simply yogurt mixed with water and salt.

At breakfast, Ayran is consumed with a traditional breakfast pastry known as Banitsa. 

This is a phyllo pastry similar to borek or burek in several other European countries.

In addition to the Ayran plain flavor, you will also find fruity aromas, such as strawberry, blueberry, or mixed fruit. 

It is a refreshing drink in the summer, and you’ll find it on restaurant tables drank by adults and children alike. 

You can also easily make it by buying Bulgarian yogurt and mixing it with water and salt.

Ayran is popular beyond Bulgaria and the Balkans. It is said to have originated in Persia, now Iran, as a way to preserve yogurt with salt.

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: While in Sofia consider taking a walking tour with a traditional breakfast. This 3-hour private guided tour of Sofia takes you to key landmarks around, and it also includes a traditional breakfast experience. Learn about Bulgarian history and breakfast in one fascinating walking tour.

2. Boza – Fermented Wheat Drink

Boza is a popular fermented beverage in Bulgaria also consumed at breakfast. 

It is generally made from fermenting wheat or millet flour, mixed with water, sugar, and yeast.

Due to the fermentation process, Boza contains a very small percentage of alcohol, up to 1%.

Sold in small to large clear plastic bottles, you can spot its distinctive brown color on the shelves at delis or bakeries.

Boza is a very sweet and thick beverage, with a creamy texture. We personally didn’t enjoy it. It has a strong taste, almost medicinal, nothing close to being delicate or tasty. 

It is certainly an acquired taste.

We later learned that there are different qualities of boza in Bulgaria. Harmonica, a brand we recently heard about, makes traditional organic boza, which is said to taste good.

While we didn’t love Boza in Bulgaria, we appreciated its unique flavors in Serbia and Turkey.

RELATED: 12 Most Traditional Turkish Drinks To Sip On Turkey’s Culture

3. Bulgarian Coffee – Turkish-Style Coffee

Another one of the beloved drinks in Bulgaria is Bulgarian coffee or Turkish-style coffee. 

Originating from Ethiopia, coffee was first introduced to the region, as well as in several other European countries, during the Ottoman rule. 

As a result, you find similarities in the taste and preparation methods of the famous delicious Turkish coffee.

Bulgarian coffee is usually prepared in “dzhezve”, a small copper pot similar to the Turkish “cezve” pot. 

It is prepared with added sugar while boiling, the end result being a creamy, thick texture, with a strong aroma.

In Bulgaria, coffee is primarily consumed during the morning, although it is also used as a means to get together and socialize.

Another traditional application of coffee is made by Bulgarian fortune tellers, who read the drinker’s future in the coffee grounds left on the bottom.

While visiting Bulgaria, you will find coffee on almost every street corner. From cafes to restaurants and bars, you will never be too far from this energy booster. 

RELATED: Bulgarian Food Guide: 15+ Traditional Foods You’ll Fall in Love With

4. Bulgarian Mineral Water

Mineral water is one of the iconic and most common drinks you can find in Bulgaria.

With more than 200 mineral springs, Bulgaria is the second country in Europe for natural mineral water, after Iceland.

The first documented sources mention mineral water consumption and therapeutic use by the ancient Thracians, who built their settlements around the springs.

Today, the country is famous for its natural mineral springs which offer so many health benefits. 

In addition to the refreshing taste, drinking sparkling water can help contribute to heart health and lower blood pressure.

We were surprised to find that in Bulgaria, it is actually cheaper to buy a bottle of mineral water than a regular one.

Hisar, Devin, and Gorna Bania are just a few of the popular mineral water brands sold in Bulgaria, and worldwide.

You can find mineral water at any restaurant, bar, or shop. Or, if you’re visiting the mountains, you can visit one of the Bulgarian mineral springs and try it directly from the source.

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If you want to experience the healing power of Bulgaria’s mineral waters consider a day tour from Sofia. This full-day tour from Sofia takes you to Rila Monastery and an outdoor mineral spa for a day of relaxation. A visit to Rila Monastery, a UNESCO site will surprise you and a day spent soaking in pools from the Roman times will wash away any stress.

5. Etar Bubbly Communist-Era Drink

Etar is a Bulgarian sugary carbonated soft drink and a symbol of the country’s socialist past.

This soda dates to pre-1989 when the most common drinks were Etar and home-prepared lemonade since Western labels were unavailable in Soviet countries. 

While in Sofia, we went to the Sofia Communist Museum and had the chance to taste this popular drink.

Etar has a light brown color, and the dominant flavors are fruity, although you cannot name a specific fruit or any natural flavor.

There are only a few places where you can still find this socialist-era Bulgarian drink. At some local supermarkets, you’ll find it sold in glass bottles, to better preserve the bubbles. 

Even though Etar is no longer a famous drink, seek it out on your Bulgaria travels. 

A symbol of a forgotten past, this once-popular drink is worth trying.

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP:  Learning about Bulgaria’s communist past is an unmissable experience. This Communist walking tour of Sofia takes you behind the scenes to life inside the Iron Curtain. You’ll spend about 3.5 hours with an informative local guide who will show you the sites and prominent landmarks that played a role during this period. You’ll also learn about the day-to-day life for the locals.

Bulgarian Alcoholic Drinks

6. Bulgarian Rakia – Bulgarian Fruit Brandy

Rakia is Bulgaria’s national drink. A strong fruit brandy, it typically contains at least 40% of alcohol, with homemade rakia having even more than 50%.

In Bulgaria, rakia is prepared by distilling fermented fruit, most commonly grapes, apples, plums, pears, or apricots.

Rose rakia is yet another type of this brandy, originating from Kazanlak, a town located in the middle of the country.

You will find homemade rakia in most Bulgarian villages, prepared in a barrel, locally known as “Kazan”.

More than a pale ruby color drink, it is a way to receive guests and show hospitality. 

It is popularly served as an aperitif with Shopska salad, cured meats, and local cheeses at the start of a meal. 

You can enjoy Rakia cold, although, during the winter months, Bulgarians drink it hot with honey and/or black pepper. 

The plums and apricots type of rakia have a more pronounced fruity taste than the grape rakia. 

There are differences in the quality of rakia, and the best option is to ask for recommendations as there are more than 12 Bulgarian Rakia brands.

RELATED: Best Balkan Food Guide: 25+ Authentic Balkans Food You Want To Try

7. Bulgarian Wine

Bulgaria is one of the oldest wine-making countries in the world. Historical evidence of grape growing can be traced back to ancient Thracian tribes between 4000 and 6000 years ago. 

The Thracians worshiped Dionysus, the patron God of Wine, and the old winemaking traditions have been kept alive.

Mavrud and Melnik are among two indigenous Bulgarian grape variety you’ll come across.

Mavrud wines from the Thracian Valley are popular. And from the Struma Valley wine region, Melnik wines are famous.

These are deep red wines that we enjoyed. Though our preference goes to Melnik wines made by Bulgarian winemakers who celebrate the Bulgarian grape variety.

RELATED: 7 Melnik Wineries You Want to Visit for Amazing Bulgarian Wines

8. Bulgarian Beers

Bulgaria is first and foremost a wine country and most drinking wine or rakia. 

While wine can be traced back to 6000 years ago, beer is relatively speaking a novelty in Bulgaria. 

But, in the last few years, Bulgaria has become a significant producer of Bulgarian beer and craft beers. 

The cities of Sofia, Plovdiv, and Burgas are a few places where you can find microbreweries.

The main beer varieties found in Bulgaria are light beer, lager, and dark beer. 

Some of the most known brands you should try include Kamenitza (lager and dark beer), Zagorka (lager and dark beer), or Pirinsko (lager). 

Lager is enjoyed mostly during summer, for its refreshing mild bitter flavor. Winter, however, is for the dark sweet, caramel-flavored beers.

Amongst the popular Bulgarian brands, you will find Kamenitza, Shumensko, Zagorka, and Stolichno. 

If you’re looking for craft beer, you should try Glarus, Ailiak, Divo Pivo, or Dunav Craft. 

Pirinsko is another famous brand, owned by Carlsberg and brewed in Blagoevgrad in the Pirin Mountain. It has a light and refreshing taste and goes well with grilled meats.

You can enjoy Bulgarian beer at most local restaurants and bars. And, if you’re lucky to find yourself in Bulgaria during an annual beer festival, you are in for a lot of fun.

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: For a night out in Sofia, consider this pub crawl and hidden bars in Sofia experience. With a local guide discover the hip nightlife spots in Sofia as you sample beer, wine, and rakia at five different bars. Discover another side of Sofia while having fun with new friends.

9. Bulgarian Mastika – Anise Aperitif Drink

Mastika is another very popular drink not to be missed while visiting Bulgaria. 

It is a strong anise-flavored alcoholic drink, with high alcohol levels of 47% to 50%.

This Bulgarian drink is flavored with anise-distilled essential oil and sweetened with sugar. 

Star anise, green anise, and even wild fennel are used for the strong, pungent herbal taste of Mastika. 

Mastika is a summer beverage enjoyed by most locals. This Bulgarian drink is consumed chilled with ice cubes or in a cocktail.

One unique and popular adult dessert involves injecting Mastika into a watermelon for a refreshing treat.

RELATED: From Breakfast to Dinner: 10 Sofia Food Not To Miss

10. Menta Liquor – Bulgarian Mint Liqueur

Menta liquor is a refreshing Bulgarian beverage made from mint leaves, spearmint oils, sugar, and pure alcohol. 

As a symbol of Bulgarian summer, you will see many locals on the beach enjoying Menta on its own or in cocktails. 

Compared to other Bulgarian alcoholic beverages, Menta has a low alcohol percentage of about 25%.

Popular Menta cocktails include a mix of Sprite adds sweetness and a slice of lemon. 

You can also find Menta with ice cream or Menta with gin and orange juice.

You can easily find Menta liquor served in bars and restaurants, and even sold in supermarkets in clear or green bottles. 

RELATED: 10 Surprising Facts You Need to Know About Eating at Bulgarian Restaurants

FAQs – Bulgarian Drinks

In Summary

Traditional Bulgarian drinks are as diverse as the country’s food. A symbol of hospitality each Bulgarian drink has a story of heritage, creativity, and nature.

As you savor the local culinary flavors, we invite you to go deep into the traditional drinks as well.

We were impressed by their unique tastes and how they complemented the food.

Regardless of the time of year when you visit Bulgaria, there will be a drink for that season.

Drink local and immerse yourself in local culinary culture.

In the comments below, please let us know which of these Bulgarian drinks you would like to try. 

Savor the Adventure!

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