The Balkan Ruby

By Adela Lamçe26 settembre 2026

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Pomegranate, mint, and raki: autumn in a glass

A bold, jewel red cocktail made for autumn evenings with friends, this drink is fresh, fruity, and full of Balkan character, all built around the smooth kick of traditional Albanian raki. We make it with Kinolli Raki Moskat, distilled in small batches in Korçë from Muscat grapes, which gives it a light, floral lift.

Ingredients

Simple Syrup

2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp hot water

Cocktail

50 ml Kinolli Raki Moskat
60 ml pomegranate juice, fresh or 100% bottled
20 ml fresh lemon juice
10 ml simple syrup
6 to 8 fresh mint leaves
Ice, for shaking
Crushed ice, for serving
Sparkling water, to top (optional)

Garnish

1 tbsp pomegranate seeds
1 fresh mint sprig

Instructions

Make the Simple Syrup

Stir the sugar into the hot water until fully dissolved.
Let it cool completely before using. Leftover syrup keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Make the Cocktail

Place the mint leaves and simple syrup in a shaker. Press gently with a muddler 3 or 4 times. Press, do not shred, or the mint will turn bitter.
Add the raki, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and a handful of ice.
Shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds, until the shaker feels ice cold.
Strain into a glass packed with crushed ice.

Garnish and Serve

Scatter the pomegranate seeds over the top.
Add the mint sprig.
Top with a splash of sparkling water if you like it lighter, or leave it out for a stronger drink.

Me Zemër Tips

In season now: Autumn is the pomegranate season. Juice them fresh for the best color and flavor.
Party version: Mix 500 ml raki, 600 ml pomegranate juice, 200 ml lemon juice, and 100 ml simple syrup in a pitcher. Serve over crushed ice with mint.
Stronger: Go up to 60 ml raki and skip the sparkling water.