Welcome to Southern Highlands Distillery

Home of Authentic Artisan Australian Rakija made from a 100-year-old Macedonian Recipe

Rakija collection at Southern Highlands Distillery

ESTABLISHED IN 2015 

Southern Highlands Distillery is a micro Australian distillery that prides itself on preserving centuries of knowledge and handcrafted recipes. Established by Tony Milevski and his father Zlatan Milevski in 2015, the distillery is located in the picturesque southern highlands region of new south Wales, Australia.

Macedonian Authenticity For Australians

The founders' passion for distilling and their commitment to preserving traditional techniques led them to create Southern Highlands Distillery. They recognised the importance of artisan distilling, ensuring that age-old recipes and distilling methods were not lost to time.

One of the notable aspects of Southern Highlands Distillery is its focus on producing our spirits from scratch using Australian-grown plums and grapes.

Fermented in the traditional way and then double distilled, it's a labour-intensive process that takes months to just get it to the barrelling stage. This demonstrates our commitment and perseverance to quality and authenticity.

Artisan Spirits

Our Rakija is an artisan spirit made of plum and grape, niche and exclusive.

Small Batches

We make very small batches of up to 1000 litres, or 700 bottles, of Rakija per year.

Family Business

We use family recipes from the old country and bring them into the present.

Australia-wide Delivery

We supply our Rakija directly via couriers, to our customers all across Australia.

Grape and Plum Rakija

Our Spirits

Oak Plum Spirit

RAKIJA Oak Plum Spirit

Providing a smooth full flavoured Rakija with oaky undertones with the rich taste of plum, appealing to those who like a matured spirit. This is a drink to be had while the mind is contemplating.

Plum Spirit

RAKIJA Plum Spirit

An elegant full bodied spirit that does not hide the beautiful aromas of the origin fruit. It's strong and great for those who enjoy a pure spirit untouched by oak.

Grape Spirits

RAKIJA Grape Spirits

The grape spirit is the epitome of a traditional Macedonian spirit. The most widely drunk, it embodies a full flavour and will appeal to the traditionalist.

Oak Grape Spirit

RAKIJA Oak Grape Spirit

A mellow spirit that's delicate and goes down smooth. With oaky undertones, it exudes sophistication that's perfect for special occasions.

Rakija for all occasions

Enjoy the fruit notes of this traditional fruit brandy famous in Macedonia and throughout the Balkans.

 

A versatile drink, plum and grape Rakija can be served in many ways. Here a just a few:


✓ ​Straight out of a shot glass (Zlatan's favourite)

✓ ​On the rocks

✓ ​Shot of Rakija, ice freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (lemon or lime can be used) topped up with tonic or soda water. (Mum's summer favourite)

✓ In your favourite cocktail, especially brandy based cocktails.

✓ Grape Rakija warmed up with a dash of sugar melted through. (Tony's favourite)

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​Warning: Do not boil the Rakija and take extreme care if using a gas stove top as the gas ​can ignite the Rakija fumes

 

Rakija is traditionally drunk pre dinner accompanied with a simple green salad topped with Feta cheese. Also — it is irresistible with pickled vegetables such as cabbage, chillies cauliflower and not to mention mezze platters... ENJOY!


Rakija is wonderful to drink while celebrating important occasions with family and friends. It also makes an excellent birthday present, a Father’s Day gift, a Christmas gift, and part of a gift basket.

Enjoy the fruity flavours of our authentic 100-year-old Rakija recipe