The favourite drink in Montenegro is coffee. Here, tea is not a usual drink (only herbal teas are popular, they are considered good for health), but coffee is everywhere, in every restaurant, office, or home. You have standard coffee options like espresso, cappuccino, latte, etc. Or you can try “kuvana kafa”, this is Turkish-style or Balkan-style coffee, prepared in a special small pot.
Regarding summer beverages, besides Cola, Fanta, mineral water, etc., you will find lemonade (called limunada) – but it is not common lemonade, but mostly water with lemon, it is usually not too sweet, and it is nice to drink in summer.
During winter, drinking hot chocolate is a good idea. It is very warming and tasty in local cafes.
Now, let’s speak about alcohol. Please note that the legal age to start drinking alcohol in Montenegro is 18 years. Among locals, rakija is a very popular drink. Rakija is a Balkan fruit vodka that is produced from plums, pears, apricots, or some other fruits. It can be a good souvenir for a person who likes strong alcohol.
Local wine is also good in Montenegro. There are several wine regions here. The most famous wine region is located around Lake Skadar, and several wineries are open to visitors here.
The king of local wine is Vranac, a red dry wine, known for its fruit aroma and intense red ruby color. It goes well with meat and cheese.
Regarding white wines, you should try Krstač, a light white wine that goes perfectly with fish or soft cheese.
If you visit the city of Bar and its surroundings, try local fruit wine (the most known is pomegranate, others include blueberry and blackberry wines).
Light beer is quite popular in Montenegro. The most famous domestic beer brand is Nikšićko pivo (pivo means beer), produced by Trebjesa brewery based in Nikšić, the second largest city of Montenegro. The history of this brewery dates back to 1896. Nowadays, they make Nikšićko Svijetlo pivo, which is the most popular and default light beer, Nikšićko Gold (a premium beer), Nikšićko Tamno (a dark beer), Nikšićko Nefiltrirano (an unfiltered beer), and Nikšićko Cool Grejpfrut (a very light summer beer with added lemon and grapefruit juice).
Craft beer has become increasingly popular in Montenegro recently, with several good local breweries (Mammut, Akademija piva, etc.).
Like in all of Europe, during the winter holiday season, mulled wine is very popular and served at Christmas markets as a festive drink.
If you wonder what local food to try in Montenegro, explore our Montenegrin cuisine guide for recommendations!