Rakija (fruit brandy) is the most popular alcoholic drink in Croatia and everyone has an opinion. One thing everyone agrees upon is that there is more to rakija than meets the eye. It has been lauded as a true health elixsir. A type of medicine by the people, for the people. It is said to cure an upset stomach, a headache, muscle ache, heartache…
Any rakija made from honey is called medica. Medicament is a liquer made with honey and mint. It`s name is a throwback to folk medicine where tinctures, syrups and panaceas were widely used to cure one`s ailments. The brown light-proof bottle recalls a time when most such nectars were stored in dark glass bottles to protect the delicate ingredients, as only small doses at a time were „perscribed“.
Medicament is a modern-day version of an old-fashioned cure. It is
„A true companion during long night-time conversations, a partner in adventure. It laughs
with you, cries with you, provides comfort and entertains you. It is medicine for the soul, the
music of every friendship.“
Looking at the black and white photograph of Croatian sailors who`ve come home to the island of Korčula from a long bout at sea, we can imagine them siting down with their family and friends and enjoying some Medicament while sharing stories of their days on the open shores.
The stylised red cross gives further allusion to the medical traits of this liquer, while the handwritten font gives a feeling that each batch is made with love and attention.
