No, it has no relation to the Cuban dance. In fact, it’s more likely to knock you off your feet than get you up and dancing on them!

Chacha (Georgian: ჭაჭა) is a strong spirit, a Georgian version of Grappa, made of the grape pomace left after making wine. It is 45-60 percent alcohol and you’ll find it being drunk at many a Georgian celebration and feast.

Many Georgians make Chacha at home in a mini still. By the American definition, it qualifies as “moonshine” but unlike the American variant, distilling chacha is not illegal in Georgia and many families continue the tradition.

It is made by distilling the grape pomace (parts left over after wine removal- skins, pips, stalks etc) in a container for one month. A metal vat is then filled with pomace and old wine (vinegar), and a spouted lid put on. The elongated spout of the first vat then runs downwards through a metal cooling vat (usually a tin bath) filled with water, and ends in a thin “dripper” tube which will drip the alcohol into a glass jug or bottle. All connections are well sealed, a fire is lit under the metal vat containing the pomace and when it boils, the alcohol begins to drip out. All that’s left to do is drink it!

Many Georgians claim that Chacha is a remedy for a number of ailments- from colds and hangovers to indigestion and aging! We say give it a try, but drink with caution!