- by croatiaweek
- May 6, 2026
-
in
Food & Wine
(Photo: Destilerija Rossi)
Bajkini, 6 May 2026 – Two of Croatia’s most recognisable beverage traditions are being brought together in a new ready-to-drink format aimed at a wider, younger audience.
The award-winning Rossi Distillery has partnered once again with soft drink brand Pipi to launch Epulon Pelinkovac x Pipi Orange, a canned beverage combining herbal liqueur with a citrus soft drink.
The collaboration follows a previous release blending Teranino and Pipi Orange, continuing a trend of modern reinterpretations of traditional Croatian flavours.
The new product offers a different profile to classic Pelinkovac, known for its bitter herbal notes. By combining it with Pipi Orange, the drink delivers a fruitier, lighter taste with reduced bitterness and an alcohol content of five per cent.
(Photo: Destilerija Rossi)
Presented in a ready-to-drink can, the product is designed for convenience and accessibility, reflecting broader global trends in the beverage industry towards portable, lower-alcohol options.
The campaign slogan, “Combine flavour with carefree moments”, highlights the drink’s positioning as a relaxed, easy-going option for social occasions.
The collaboration brings together brands from two distinct Croatian regions, Istria and Dalmatia, under a shared concept. Both this release and the earlier Teranino mix are united by the message: “From Istria and Dalmatia for carefree moments.”
(Photo: Destilerija Rossi)
According to representatives, the goal is to balance innovation with respect for tradition, introducing established flavours in a format more appealing to new generations of consumers.
The producers emphasise that the project reflects a broader strategy: evolving heritage products without losing their identity. By softening the intensity of pelinkovac and pairing it with a familiar citrus profile, the drink aims to broaden its appeal both domestically and potentially internationally.
(Photo: Destilerija Rossi)
With increasing global interest in regional and craft beverages, the launch positions Croatian drinks within a growing category of modernised, ready-to-drink classics.
(Photo: Destilerija Rossi)
The product is expected to arrive in shops soon.
