Bulgarian Alcohol Traditions

As some might know, I don't drink (a statement universally true over the last 5 or so years). Thus some might find it strange that I'm posting this, but I find it interesting, so for the benefit of others that might find it similarly interesting, away I go.

A conversation was raised about the national drink of Bulgaria and here are the likely candidates: Rakia, Menta, Mastika. Onto themselves, they are a potent bunch, that could warm the heart on a cold winter's day. They each have their time and place, but you can't go wrong with Menta on a hot summer day or hot Rakia (usually heated up over fire, adding honey, herbs and water) on a cold winter day.

What I found after was what really prompted me to write this post. I found a curious list of cocktails, which sounds as much interesting as suicidal. I can imagine that any one of these cocktails would be a worthy challenge as well as an interesting experience all in one.

(List roughly translated from here)

A few notes. In Bulgaria a shot is 50ml and double shot is 100ml. Thus, one part below should be at least one Bulgarian shot (50ml), although in the spirit of things (no pun intended), if in doubt I would suggest matching a "proper" shot (100ml).

Unless it says otherwise, no mixers allowed.

Cloud (Oblak)

• 1 part Mastika (45% alc)
• 1 part Menta (25% alc)

Served very cold

Gipsy girl (Ciganka)

• 1 part Mastika
• 1 part Rakia (from grapes - Grozdova)

Served cold

Evridika

Star Sozopolski kokteyl. Prigotvya se kato v edna bira - 

• 1 beer (400 ml)
• 1 double shot Menta (100ml)

Poor the Menta into the beer. Serve slightly chilled. Great for early afternoon hangovers on a hot day.

Alligator (Aligator)

• 1 or 2 part(s) Gin
• 1 or 2 part(s) Menta

Can be mixed in different ratios. The most common are 1:1, 1:2, 2:1. Can be served with ice.

Cavalier stick (Kavaleriyski shtik)

• 1 or 2 part(s) Vodka
• 1 or 2 part(s) Menta

Can be mixed in different ratios. The most common are 1:1, 1:2, 2:1. Can be served with ice.

Japanese Sunrise (Yaponsko utro)

• 1 or 2 part(s) Vodka
• 1 or 2 part(s) Campari

Can be mixed in different ratios. The most common are 1:1, 1:2, 2:1. Can be served with ice.

Rock Climber (Pqlzachi po skalite)

• 1 or 2 part(s) Gin
• 1 or 2 part(s) Campari

Can be mixed in different ratios. The most common are 1:1, 1:2, 2:1. Can be served with ice.

Barbata

It's named after the old Sozopol alcoholic Barbata, god rest his soul. He survived almost 2 years only drinking this. It tastes discusting, but it's very nutritional.

• 2 parts Menta
• 1 part Rakia

Served hot.

Tiger Kiss (Tigqrska Celuvka)

• 3 parts Red Wine
• 1 part Rakia (from grapes - Grozdova)

Served warm. Great during winter.

Cleaner (Miyach)

• 1 part Menta
• 1 part Grozdova (Rakia from grapes)
• 1 part Mastika. 

Beware, it's strong. Served with a tablet of antacid and Nurofen Plus.

Bulgarian National Flag (Trikolior)

• 1 part Vodka
• 1 part Menta
• 1 part Liqueur (Red)

First pour the Vodka. Then slowly and carefully pour the Menta along the side of the glass (it should sink to the bottom). Last, pour the Liqueur, similar to the Menta, but even more carefully. It should form white-green-red layers to mimic the Bulgarian flag. Drink as a shot.

Hammer/Steam Hammer (Chuk/Paren chuk/Chukche)

It's not an accident that it's under number 13.
Collect all available alcoholic liquids and mix. Shake well, drink lots.

"Medved prihodit"

• 1 pint of Beer
• lots of Vodka

Start with the pint of beer. Every time you drink, top up the glass with Vodka. Repeat until there is only Vodka remaining in the glass.

"Medved uhodit"

• 1 part Vodka
• 1 Beer

Reverse of the one above. Start with a glass of Vodka and every time you drink, you top up the glass with Beer. Repeat until you have only beer in your glass.

Club Cocktail (Koktejl Bozdugan)

• 375 g. Rakia (the cheapest you can find, usually the apricot)
• 375 g. Beer (the cheapest you can find, usually Svetlo Pivo)

National Fist (Naroden jumruk)

• 1 part Grozdova (Rakia from grapes)
• 1 part Slivova (Rakia from plums)
• 1 part Mastika

Can be served as a shot