In addition to national traditions, every nation has drinks whose preparation is related to its history and traditions. For Russians it is vodka, for Cubans it is rum, and for Georgians it is chacha. What they drink and how each of them does - these are issues 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. What they drink this drink with is a secondary question. First you need to know what it is. Firstly, in a direct translation from the Georgian language, an unusual name sounds like “grape squeezes”. It quite fully characterizes it. Secondly, it should be noted that a product with this name is the result of repeated distillation of food raw materials called “pulp”. This is what remains of the grapes after squeezing the juice. This includes peels, seeds, combs, pieces of pulp and small twigs. Therefore, it becomes clear that people are engaged in the production of chachi precisely in those areas where grapes grow. For the former Union, it is Georgia and Abkhazia. Naturally, the primary process is the production of wine, and that very chacha is made of everything else. What do the locals drink with? It depends on the specific area of residence, where there are their own characteristics and eating habits.
The essence of the process
After the famous Georgian wine, chacha is considered the main national drink. With what they drink this product, it becomes clear when they manage to deal with the peculiarities of its production. In fact, this is the usual distillation of the food mass, which results in the distillation process produces an alcoholic drink with a fairly high alcohol content. In rural areas, every housewife is engaged in this. Equipment needed for work can be found in every home. All you need is a copper basin (or cauldron), a metal pipe, a water tank and a fire source. The process is not complicated, but lasts several hours. It all depends on the amount of feedstock. In the fall, after harvesting, grapes are first made from juice. He mainly goes for making wine. The remaining squeezes are not discarded, but are placed in a separate container and stored all winter. During this time, the product manages to ferment well. In spring, the mixture is sent for distillation. To do this, make the mash, pour it into the container and cover with a lid, in which there is a special hole. A tube is inserted into this opening. When the pelvis is put on fire, steam is discharged through it, which, passing through the tank with cold water, condenses and collects in a separate bowl. Then, the resulting alcohol is repeatedly passed through such an apparatus, as a result of which the very famous chacha is obtained.
Drink Rules
By the method of making chacha, it resembles a grape brandy. But locals consider it grape vodka. Perhaps this comes from the close proximity of Russians to the peoples of Transcaucasia. But each nation has its own habits and traditions, so it is advisable to know, not only how to do it, but also how to drink chacha correctly. To begin with, it must be noted that both Georgians and Abkhazians consider their national drink to be real “life-giving moisture”, the key to good health and longevity. It is not drunk in mugs or faceted glasses. There are special small piles for this. Chacha is consumed mainly in the cold season, when it is damp on the street, and you need to warm the body 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 chacha. And how to drink chacha? Most often it is consumed in pure form. This has been 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. Just add any fruit juice with ice - and the drink is ready. True, they are made extremely rarely.
Drink strength
Few people know that Georgian grape vodka is considered one of the strongest alcoholic drinks. Distilled alcohol is chacha. The degrees in it are off scale. This is the whole secret. The strength of the drink is usually about 65-70 degrees, and sometimes reaches 90. But when consumed, this is not felt at all. The product has a pronounced flavor and aroma of the feedstock. The owner always regulates the chachi fortress at his discretion, since there is no certain standard on this score. In industrial enterprises, the resulting alcohol is most often diluted with prepared water, bringing the alcohol content to 45 or 50 degrees. Technologists of a particular plant adhere only to their approved recipe. That is why it is better not to buy chacha on bottling in public places. There will always be a seller who wants to make some money and deceive the buyer. As a rule, this happens in crowded places.
Useful Tips
To better feel the charm of the drink, you must clearly know how to drink chacha and what to eat. It has its own rules that are related to national characteristics. Everyone knows that in the Caucasus it is not customary to abuse alcohol. They drink it very carefully and only about it. 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 bad sign. Of course, in each house of the owner in the closet there is a bottle of chachi, which serves more as a symbol of health, well-being in the family and longevity. He can drink a glass to maintain his health or treat his neighbor for a good conversation. But in such a situation, there must be a snack on the table. Hard cheese is best, but sweets are preferred in western Georgia and homemade pickles in the east. Abkhazians in this situation are much simpler and put on the table everything that is in the house. But most often these peoples use such dishes as barbecue, satsivi, chakhokhbili, khachapuri, salad, as well as any vegetables and fruits. And the guest himself can make his choice.