On October 18th—officially Rakija Day—Balkan Bakery and Blacklisted Rakija transformed our La Grange bakery into a vibrant hub of Balkan flavors, tradition, and innovation.
The evening was a true celebration of Rakija Day, bringing our community together for a feast of the senses—filled with laughter, connection, and the kind of authentic experiences that keep our guests coming back for more.
A Grazing Table Like No Other
The centerpiece of the night was a stunning grazing table, overflowing with our newly unveiled Balkan charcuterie boards. Guests explored all three signature variations:
- Market (vegan): A vibrant, plant-based spread with hummus, seasonal fruits, nuts, and Balkan specialties—proving that tradition and inclusivity go hand in hand.
- Picnic (pork): A savory tribute to classic Balkan gatherings—cured pork delicacies, artisanal cheeses, olives, and accompaniments.
- Luxe (beef): For those who crave the extraordinary—beef prosciutto, gourmet cheeses, and elegant accompaniments, all beautifully arranged.
We debuted our new charcuterie options for every occasion:
- Mini To-Go Box: Grab-and-go gourmet, available daily in-store.
- Small 12-inch Tray: Perfect for intimate get-togethers or family celebrations—available for catering.
- Large 14-inch Tray: Designed for parties, corporate events, and special occasions—available for catering.
TOGETHER TOWARDS GOURMET SATISFACTION: Owners of Blacklisted Rakija and Balkan Bakery
The Spirit of the Balkans, Bottled
The highlight of Rakija Day was a guided tasting by Blacklisted Rakija—a brand rewriting the rules for clean, craft spirits. Guests sipped on rare, small-batch rakija made from 100% heirloom, non-GMO, glyphosate-free fruit, sourced exclusively from Serbian family farms.
Each bottle is a labor of love, crafted from over 30 pounds of handpicked fruit, copper pot-distilled, and finished with nothing but purified water. No sugar, no additives, no chemicals—just pure, refined spirit.
Blacklisted’s mission is as bold as its flavor:
“Luxury meets wellness, meets screw the status quo”.
Female-founded and independently owned, Blacklisted stands for clean ingredients, transparency, and the courage to challenge the ordinary—one bottle at a time. Their rakija is never mass-produced or corporately controlled, delivering an elevated cocktail experience you can truly feel good about.
Why You Can’t Miss the Next One
This Rakija Day celebration was more than just a tasting—it was a tribute to heritage, craftsmanship, and community. Guests left inspired, satiated, and already asking about the next gathering.
Ready to experience it yourself?
- Stop in any day for our new mini charcuterie boxes.
- Order small or large trays for your next celebration or catering need—choose Market, Picnic, or Luxe to match your style.
- Explore our full menu and place orders at www.balkan-bakery.com.
- And don’t forget to follow us and Blacklisted Rakija for the latest on future tastings, new products, and exclusive events.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the next unforgettable night at Balkan Bakery!
Article: Promo Photo: Balkan Bakery / Blacklisted rakija