The Georgian chacha. With what drink and how to prepare a national drink?

Each nation has, in addition to national traditions, drinks, the preparation of which is related to its history and traditions. Russians have vodka, Cubans have rum, and Georgians have chacha. What they drink and how each of them do is questions that relate to the ancient traditions and national culture of the country.

Some details

When it comes to Georgia, the first thing that comes to mind is Chacha. With what they drink this drink - a secondary issue. First you need to know what it is. First, in the direct translation from the Georgian language, the unusual name sounds like "squeezing grapes." It describes it quite fully. Secondly, it should be noted that a product with this name is the result of repeated distillation of food raw materials called "mashing". This is what remains of the bunches of grapes after squeezing the juice. This includes peel, seeds, combs, pieces of flesh and small twigs. Therefore, it becomes clear that the production of Chacha people are engaged in precisely those areas where grapes grow. For the former Union it is Georgia and Abkhazia. Naturally, the primary process is the production of wine, and of the rest, the same chacha is made. With what do its locals drink? It depends on the specific area of residence, where there are special features and habits of eating.

The essence of the process

After the famous Georgian wine, the main national drink is chacha. With what they drink this product, it becomes clear when it is possible to deal with the peculiarities of its production. In fact, this is the usual distillation of the food mass, as a result of which, during distillation, an alcoholic beverage with a rather high alcohol content is obtained. In the countryside, every housewife does this. The equipment necessary for work can be found in every home. It will require only a copper basin (or cauldron), a metal tube, a water tank and a source of fire. The process is not complex, but lasts for several hours. Everything depends on the amount of raw materials. In autumn, after harvesting, grape juice is first made. He mainly goes for the preparation of wine. The remaining squeezes are not discarded, but placed in a separate container and stored all winter. During this time, the product has time to ferment well. In spring, the mixture is sent for distillation. To do this, make a brew, pour it into a container and cover with a lid, which has a special hole. A tube is inserted into this opening. When the pelvis is put on the fire, steam is diverted through it, which, when passing through a tank of cold water, condenses and is collected in a separate bowl. Then the alcohol obtained is repeatedly passed through such an apparatus, as a result of which the same famous chacha is obtained.

Drink usage rules

By the way, the chacha resembles a grape brandy. But the locals consider it grape vodka. Perhaps this is due to the close neighborhood of the Russians with the peoples of Transcaucasia. But every people has its own habits and traditions, so it is advisable to know not only how to do it, but also how to drink Chach properly. First of all, it must be noted that both Georgians and Abkhazians consider their national drink to be a real "life-giving moisture", a pledge of good health and longevity. He is not drunk with mugs or faceted glasses. For this, there are special small stacks. Chachu is consumed mainly in the cold season, when it is damp in the street, and the body needs to warm up well from the inside. In addition, this drink has a very good effect on digestion. Given all this, we can conclude that Caucasian men are absolutely right when they start the day with a glass of good home chachi. And how to drink Chachu? Most often it is used in its pure form. This was accepted since ancient times, when grape vodka served as an aperitif at various receptions and family celebrations. After double, and sometimes triple distillation, the product is drunk much easier than some vodka and cognac. In addition, a good chacha can be an excellent base for cocktails. It is enough to add any fruit juice with ice - and the drink is ready. True, they are extremely rare.

Fortress of the drink

Few people know that Georgian grape vodka is considered to be one of the strongest alcoholic beverages. Alcohol obtained as a result of distillation, and there is a chacha. Degrees in it are off scale. In this and the whole secret. The fortress of the drink is usually about 65-70 degrees, and sometimes reaches 90. But when used it does not feel at all. The product has a pronounced flavor and aroma of the raw material. The owner of the Chacha always regulates the fortress at his own discretion, since there is no specific standard on this score. At industrial enterprises, most often the alcohol obtained is diluted with prepared water, bringing the alcohol content to 45 or 50 degrees. Technologists of a particular plant adhere only to their approved formulation. This is why it is better not to buy chacha for bottling in public places. There is always a seller who wants to earn a little and deceive the buyer. As a rule, this happens in places where tourists gather.

Helpful Tips

To better feel the whole charm of the drink, you need to clearly know how to drink chachu and than to have a snack. There are rules here that are related to national characteristics. Everyone knows that it is not customary in the Caucasus to abuse alcohol. He is drunk very carefully and only about. The reason may be an unexpected guest or a family celebration. But in such a company, people do not get drunk until they lose consciousness. This is considered a sign of bad taste. Of course, in each house the owner in the closet is a bottle of Chacha, which is more a symbol of health, well-being in the family and longevity. He can drink a pile to maintain health or treat a neighbor for a good conversation. But in such a situation on the table must be an appetizer. Hard cheese is the best choice, but in the west of Georgia, sweets are preferred, and in the east - homemade pickles. Abkhazians in this situation come much easier and put everything on the table that is in the house. But most often these people in the course are such dishes as shish kebab, satsivi, chahokhbili, khachapuri, salad, as well as any vegetables and fruits. A guest can decide himself with a choice.