Slovenia is internationally recognized for its wines, but the country’s drinking culture is far more diverse. From fiery fruit brandies distilled in rural kitchens to refreshing homemade syrups passed down through generations, Slovenians have always celebrated the art of the drink. While wine is the star, spirits, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages all play a role in everyday life and festive occasions.

Žganje – The spirit of Slovenia
If wine is the soul of Slovenian fields, then žganje—fruit brandy—is the spirit of Slovenian households. The word itself comes from “žgati,” meaning “to burn,” a reference to distillation. Almost every rural family once had a small still, and even today, many Slovenians proudly produce their own brandy.

Some of the most popular varieties include:

Viljamovka – Pear brandy usually made from Williams pears, smooth, elegant, and aromatic.

Borovničevec – A sweet, deep-purple blueberry liqueur, beloved for its color and flavor.

Medica – Honey liqueur, golden and warming, often enjoyed as a digestive after heavy meals.

Slivovka – Plum brandy, a Balkan classic that also thrives in Slovenia’s orchards.

Brinjevec – Juniper brandy, sharp and herbal, sometimes used medicinally.

Pear from the old three behind family house is esencial for good Pear brandy. Source: Nationaldatacast.com

👉 Traveler’s tip: When visiting a Slovenian home, it is common to be greeted with a small glass of žganje. Refusing may be seen as impolite, so even a polite sip shows appreciation of local hospitality.

Beer – From tradition to craft revolution
While Slovenia is small, it has a strong beer culture. Two traditional giants dominate the market:

Laško – Brewed in the town of Laško since 1825, this pale lager is associated with mountain culture and music festivals.

Union – Based in Ljubljana since 1864, it is the capital’s favorite.

For decades, Slovenians were divided into “Union people” and “Laško people”—a rivalry as much about regional identity as about taste.

In the last 15 years, a craft beer revolution has transformed the scene. Microbreweries such as HumanFish, Pelicon, Bevog, and Reservoir Dogs experiment with IPAs, stouts, sours, and barrel-aged specialties. Beer festivals now attract thousands, and Slovenian hops are sought after worldwide.

👉 Did you know? Slovenia is one of the world’s top producers of hops, particularly the Styrian Golding variety, which is exported to breweries across Europe and the United States.

Part of slovenia - Savinjska valley, has a unique climate especially propriate for growing hop. Source: Svet24.si

Homemade juices and syrups – A taste of nature
Not every Slovenian drink contains alcohol. In fact, some of the country’s most cherished beverages are homemade juices and syrups, prepared in summer and stored for winter.

Elderflower syrup (bezgov sirup) – Perhaps the most beloved, mixed with water for a fragrant, refreshing drink.

Berry juices – Raspberry, blackberry, and currant syrups are boiled, bottled, and enjoyed year-round.

Apple juice and cider – Orchards in Štajerska and Dolenjska provide apples not only for eating but also for pressing into juice and cider.

Herbal teas – Though not syrups, teas made from dried linden, chamomile, or mountain herbs are everyday household staples.

These drinks are especially important for children and for family hospitality. Offering a glass of homemade juice to a guest is as natural as pouring wine or brandy.

Rituals of drinking in Slovenia
Drinking in Slovenia is deeply social. It is not just about what is consumed but about when and with whom.

Family gatherings – A meal often begins with a toast of wine or brandy.

Festivals and holidays – Beer and schnapps flow freely at village fairs (veselice), often accompanied by folks music and dancing.

Hospitality – No guest leaves without being offered something to drink, even if it is just a small glass of juice or herbal tea.

Work breaks – In rural areas, it is common to pause fieldwork for a mid-morning shot of schnapps or a glass of cider.

👉 Traveler’s tip: Toasting is important in Slovenia. Raise your glass, make eye contact, and say “Na zdravje!” (To your health!).

Modern trends – From craft to wellness
While tradition remains strong, Slovenian drinking culture is also evolving:

Craft spirits – Small distilleries are creating premium versions of classic žganje, focusing on quality and branding.

Craft beer bars – Cities like Ljubljana and Maribor now boast pubs specializing in local microbrews.

Non-alcoholic focus – With global wellness trends, kombucha, cold-pressed juices, and zero-alcohol beers are becoming popular, especially among younger Slovenians.

Coffee culture – While not the focus of this article, it’s worth noting that Slovenia has a vibrant café culture. Coffee is arguably the most consumed daily beverage, after water.

The balance between old and new
Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of Slovenian drinking culture is how it balances the old and the new. A farmer might still distill brandy in the same way his grandfather did, while his son experiments with craft beer recipes, and his daughter bottles elderflower syrup for the local market.

For tourists, this means an opportunity to experience a full spectrum: sipping traditional medica in a village, sampling IPAs in a modern craft pub, and drinking elderflower soda on a summer hike—all in the same trip.

Practical tips for visitors:

• Sampling spirits – Many rural tourist farms (turistične kmetije) offer house-made schnapps. Ask politely and you’ll often be invited to taste.

• Beer festivals – Look out for annual events like the Slovenian Craft Beer Festival in Ljubljana.

• Juice season – Elderflower blossoms in late May to June—if you visit then, you may see families preparing syrup.

• Souvenirs – Bottles of borovničevec or medica make excellent gifts to take home, as do craft beer packs or pumpkin seed oil.
  
  More than drinks – A reflection of Slovenian life
  Every Slovenian beverage tells a story. Žganje speaks of resourcefulness and the connection between land and people. Beer reflects both industrial heritage and modern creativity. Homemade juices carry the sweetness of summer into the cold months of winter. Together, they reveal how Slovenians value tradition, hospitality, and the joy of sharing.
  

  Traditional beer festvial in Laško, named: Beer and flowers. Source: Delo.si

  
  👉 From fiery schnapps to fruity syrups, Slovenia’s drinks capture the character of its people: strong, warm, and full of flavor. Whether you raise a glass of pear brandy, sip a craft IPA, or cool down with elderflower soda, you are not just drinking—you are tasting the Slovenian way of life.