Perhaps this is the first time you heard the word “shmakovka”. If so, then this is the right time to learn more about it. For those who know it, it will be like meeting an old, dear friend, because the one who has tasted the delicious shmakovka, wishes to taste it again and again. Where is the best place to do it? Of course in Latgale. A trip around Latgale is a great way of spending holidays and seeing one of the most beautiful regions of Latvia. Stunning landscapes, unique sacred architecture, various tourism sites for little and big travellers, great Latgalian craftsmanship, steaming and flapping with birch besoms in accordance with ancestral traditions, and many, many more wonderful adventures which allow to look into the pure-minded and wise Latgalian world.
After a day full of impressions, hospitable hostesses would invite you to sit down at the table and taste some of the tastiest Latgalian dishes. Among them there is shmakovka – Latgalian traditional “vodka”, integral element of Latgalian culinary heritage. A special museum in Kraslava is dedicated to this drink. Homemade alcohol plays an important role in Latgalian culinary traditions and people have come a long way for “the real deal”. The best masters preserve their recipes and skills with utmost care in order to pass them on to the future generations and to keep the tradition of making shmakovka alive. Shmakovka museum is one of the ways how to do it.
While you are still only getting ready for your holidays in Latgale, we welcome you to explore the world of shmakovka virtually!
As they say – prosit!