Legendary Croatian herbal liqueur

To friends, Pelin.

Gorki Pelinkovac

Friends cherish their traditions, and so does Pelinkovac Gorki

Tradition keeps friends returning to their most favourite cafés, which do not change without a good reason. Similarly, Badel remains loyal to its good “old places” for sourcing the carefully selected herbs for Pelinkovac Gorki— the untouched locations on Velebit, Paklenica, Cres, and Hvar. The aromatic herbs flourishing in untouched nature free of pesticides, mark the first step toward meeting both our own and your high standards.

Artemisia absinthium

Wormwood Artemisia absinthium

  • rich in essential oils, bitter compounds, flavonoids, and tannins
  • known to “purify” the blood and sold as “digestive elixir”
  • Ancient Egyptians recommended it as an antiseptic and a remedy for fever
  • Hippocrates recommended it for treating anaemia and rheumatism
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Melissae Folia

Lemon balm Melissae Folia

  • active components include essential oil, flavonoids, phenolic acids (notably caffeic and rosmarinic), and triterpene acid
  • soothes the nerves, reduces inflammation, relieves cramps, aids digestion by stimulating the digestive system, alleviates bloating, and offers antiviral benefits
  • especially beneficial for alleviating anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia
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Angelicae Radix

Angelica Angelicae Radix

  • rich in essential oils and coumarins
  • provides antispasmodic benefits and elevates the secretion of saliva and gastric fluids
  • relieves poor appetite, bloating, and pain in the digestive tract
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Foeniculi fructus

Fennel Foeniculi fructus

  • rich in essential oil (anethole), its main healing substance
  • helps with respiratory disorders (cold, sore throat, hoarseness, and bronchitis)
  • eases coughing and alleviates respiratory tract spasms
  • used to alleviate bloating and gastrointestinal cramps
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Gentianae radix

Yellow Gentian Gentianae radix

  • the main ingredients are secoiridoid bitter compounds (amarogentin) and the bitter-tasting sugar, gentiobiose
  • stimulates saliva and gastric acid secretion, improving appetite
  • alleviates bloating and digestive discomfort caused by a lack of gastric acid
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Lavandulae flores

Lavender Lavandulae flores

  • rich in esters, essential oils, and tannins (linalyl acetate, linalool, camphor)
  • improves digestion (carminative), enhances bile secretion, and alleviates bloating
  • beneficial in alleviating migraines, dizziness, and fainting
  • soothing and calming, helps with anxiety, sleep disturbances, palpitations, and nervousness
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Calami radix

Calamus Root Calami radix

  • rich in bitter compounds, tannins, and essential oils
  • helps alleviate stomach discomfort caused by low gastric acid and ulcers, enhancing the secretion of saliva and gastric juice
  • eases heart palpitations, soothes colds and coughs, and calms inflamed mucous membranes
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Enulae radix

Inula, Elecampane Enulae radix

  • rich in inulin, a medicinal substance that peaks at 40-45% during autumn, making this the optimal harvest period
  • boosts blood circulation
  • assists in treating lung diseases and stimulates expectoration
  • in the Middle Ages, Elecampane wine (Vinum enulatum, also known as Potio sancti Pauli) was widely used as a healing beverage, regarded as a universal cure for ailments of the head, lungs, stomach, and even against the plague and infectious diseases
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Centauri herba

Centaury Centauri herba

  • rich in bitter substances, flavonoids, and xanthone derivatives
  • stimulates the secretion of saliva and gastric juice
  • recommended for loss of appetite and digestive discomfort, such as fullness and bloating
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Salvia folium

Sage Salvia folium

  • rich in essential oils, tannins, bitter substances, triterpenes (ursolic acid and rosmarinic acid), and flavonoids
  • known for its antispasmodic, astringent, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, it also stimulates gastric secretion and reduces sweating
  • supports relief from menopausal discomfort, amenorrhea, and excessive sweating
  • recommended for gargling to treat mucosal inflammation in the mouth and throat (aphthae)
  • due to its anti-infective properties, it is used in baths for treating skin conditions
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Carlinae radix

Carline thistle root Carlinae radix

  • the natural resources of this plant have been significantly reduced, so it is partially protected (limited harvesting in Gorski Kotar)
  • characterized by a sweet fragrance and sharp, aromatic flavour, it is utilized as a diuretic, antispasmodic, sedative, cholagogue (cleanses the liver and gallbladder), and disinfectant
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Hyperici herba

St John's Wort Hyperici herba

  • the main medicinal ingredient is hypericin, along with related substances, complemented by flavonoids, procyanidins, and bitter compounds
  • provides mild antidepressant effects
  • features astringent and anti-inflammatory benefits
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We don’t count the glasses, but we do keep track of the important numbers

Pelinkovac Gorki contains +30 Mediterranean herbs, carefully weighed and blended using a traditional recipe over 150 years old. The mixture is then carefully processed for more than 20 days in a kettle dating back to 1921, ensuring the production of 20 million litters of this authentic all-natural drink each year – free from artificial flavours, enhancers, or artificial colorants.

For those with a thirst for knowledge, here’s how it’s done:

Maceration

The process of extracting beneficial compounds from crushed plant ingredients at room temperature.

Maceration

Distillate

The liquid that condenses during distillation, allowing alcohol to be separated while preserving the desired aromas.

Distillate

Blending

The art of blending two or more spirits with distinct preparation methods or aging times to create a unique, harmonious flavour profile.

Blending

Perfect serve

Serve Pelinkovac Gorki well-chilled with an ice cube and a slice of lemon.

A healing touch for the soul, a delight for the palate

Nothing soothes the soul like a heartfelt conversation with your closest friends. To make these moments even more memorable, there’s always a cherished guest at the table – Badel Pelinkovac, or simply, Pelin, for friends. For years, it’s been the drink that sparks the most thrilling stories, uncovers the deepest secrets, and strengthens unbreakable bonds. That’s why everyone knows – whenever friends gather, Pelin is always invited.

After the exam

Pass the exam? Cheers! Didn’t pass? Here’s to bouncing back stronger.

Stop by the café

After a demanding day, it’s time to unwind and recharge.

In the mountains

Pelin has a way of winning over every peak and every hiker.

On the slopes

The finest descent is straight to a well-deserved drink.

Visiting friends

Bring Pelinkovac – you’re guaranteed to be invited back.

Birthday celebrations

Once you’re 18, it’s time to invite the most entertaining guest to your birthday.

During the match

Well-lubricated vocal cords are the secret to unstoppable cheering!

Wedding

Pelin is with you from the first toast to the last farewell, ensuring your wedding day is unforgettable.

Business meeting

True professionals are defined by their drink of choice.

The evolution of friendship through history

The oldest, most iconic, and cherished herbal liqueur came to life through the vision of Franjo Pokorny in 1862. This Croatian pioneer crafted a masterpiece of balance—where sweetness meets bitterness in perfect harmony. With a legacy as distinguished as its taste, Pelinkovac Gorki began its journey of delight from European capitals to the esteemed court of Napoleon III.

1867.Pokorny Pelinkovac – liqueur, wins the silver medal at the World's Fair in Paris.
1910.Milan Neralić secures his place in history as Croatia’s first Olympian and medal winner at the Paris Olympic Games
1950.The "Ruđer Bošković" Institute was established in Zagreb, in honour of the prominent Croatian scientist and philosopher.
1952.
1970.
1970eNew Wave – a music genre that spread globally and made a significant impact on the rich music scene in Croatia.
1987.Zagreb hosted the Universiade, the largest sporting event ever organized in the city. Badel-Vinoprodukt proudly sponsored the event.
1997.
1998.The Croatian national football team won the bronze medal at the FIFA World Cup in France.
2000eJanica and Ivica Kostelić skiing - a phenomenon in Croatian sports, winners of numerous medals at the Olympic Games and World Championships.
2024.Pelinkovac Gorki – a liqueur that, after 162 years, still stands out as natural and dominant, winning multiple prestigious international awards and recognitions.

Friendships take on many different shapes

Discover our Pelinkovac range

Pelinkovac pljoska

Hip flask 0,2l

Pelinkovac 0.7l

0,7l

Pelinkovac 1l

1,0l

Pelinkovac 0.1l

0,1l

Pelinkovac 0.05l

0,05l

Pelinkovac

Available packaging

Pelinkovac lux

0,7l LUX

Pelinkovac 4 x 0.1l

4 × 0,1l

Pelinkovac 0.7l VAP

0,7l VAP

Pelinkovac

Special packaging

Pelinkovac orange

Pelinkovac Orange

The perfect blend of “old” and “new” at -18°C, crafted for true connoisseurs!

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Pelinkovac winter

Pelinkovac Winter

Serve with a slice of apple or as a hot drink with a spoonful of honey!

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Pelin spritz lemon

Pelin Spritz Lemon

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Pelin spritz orange

Pelin Spritz Orange

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Pelinkovac Gorki isn’t just something you drink.

If you’d like it on your backpack or a hoodie, have a look at what we’ve got in the shop.

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