Greece a country found on the European continent. It is a country well known for the introduction of western civilization. It is also the birth place for different ideologies namely, democracy, architecture, literature and philosophy among others. With this historical background, Greece is a destination place for many tourists.
Greece is also known for its traditional values and culture of celebrating festivals. During these festivals, the Greeks were known to eat lots of food and drink lots of wines and liquors. Therefore, Greece is also associated with different types of Greek liquors as they possess skills in making it. Its traditional values of friendship and ones have also led to the growth of the liquor industry in Greece. Liquor has been defined as an alcoholic drink that is produced from distilled grains, fruits that have undergone alcoholic fermentation. Therefore, while visiting Greece, one should try out the Greek liquors day or night.
Below is a list of the best Greek liquors you should try out while visiting Greece:
- Ouzo(one of the most-well known Greek Liquors).
Ouzo is referred to the “national drink.” This is because it is the most popular and most consumed in Greece. The name ouzo is said to have originated from the word “ozo” which means to smell. It is an alcoholic drink made up from grain or grapes and spices like fennel, cloves and coriander among others. Some of the spices used to make this drink are kept confidential as secret recipes by the different producers. The drink is then distilled with anise which is sometimes referred to as aniseed.
It is a transparent drink which turns milky when water is added to it. Ouzo is a strong drink and it is advisable for one not to take it on an empty stomach. It is best taken with some food like sea food like pawns.
How to drink ouzo the Greek way;-
- It should be taken cold but not refrigerated. Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the ouzo over the ice cubes.
- One may choose to mix it with water.
When mixed with water, it turns milky. While liquor, the Greeks have a culture of toasting as a way of celebrating. When taking ouzo, the Greeks say “Yamas!” which means cheers!
- Rakomelo.
Rakomelo is an alcoholic drink produced in Greece. It contains honey, infused with different spices ranging from cinnamon, cloves, thyme and others. It also contains raki an alcoholic drink with distilled grapes and aniseed.
This drink is best served warm. This is why it is mainly served during the cold conditions for example during the winter season.
Rakomelo is also associated with some health benefits as it is considered to have a medicinal value. It is therefore beneficial to a person who takes it.
Health benefits of rakomelo. It contains honey which is an antioxidant that can be used to cure sore throats and cough.
- Metaxa
Metaxa is liquor that was created in 1888 by a Greek called Spyros Metaxa. It is made up of Muscat wines from Samos, age wine distillers and botanicals from the Mediterranean. It has a floral sweetness due to its botanical contents from the petals. Originally it was referred to as the Greek cognac and later a brandy but it does not qualify for any of those categories.
- Tsikoudia
This liquor is a strong alcoholic drink made from distilled and fermented grapes. It is also referred to as a “Raki.” The tsikoudia is often confused with the tsipouro but it is different as it is fermented only once.
The Tsikoudia is mainly served as a welcome gesture to the visitors to show hospitality, good company and the Greek’s friendship towards the visitors.
Just Ouzo, the tsikoudia is best served cold.
- Tsipouro(Be advised a lot of alcohol in this Greek liquor).
The tsipouro is Greek liquor believed to have been discovered in the 14th century. It is said that the Greek Orthodox monks who were living on Mountain Athos. These monks were believed to have been well skilled in how to ferment and distil the grapes skins to form alcohol.
This liquor is normally produced by the Greeks in the month of October. It contains distilled and fermented grapes skins and is best served cool.
The tsipouro was recognized by the European Union as an exclusive product of the Greek. The Product Geographical Indication also awarded it the PGI product in 1989. This clearly shows the origin of the product.
The liquor is also linked to the traditional ways and values of Greece which include friendship, hospitality and good community. This is because it is mainly taken during family or community gatherings.
It is best served cool with different sea foods and cheese.
- Mastiha
This is sweet liquor made from rein referred to as “Mastiha” got from a tree trunk called schinos. This tree is mainly found on an island called Chios in Greece.
This liquor is good for the health as it’s associated with man medicinal purposes. It is good for the stomach, treating breathing problems and any infections both fungal and bacterial.
- Tentura
Tentura is Greek liquor that originated in the 15th century from Patras a city in Greece. Its name is said to have originated from its colour, aroma and taste. This is because it contains cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg which provides a rich brown colour.
This liquor can be consumed at any time during a meal or after a meal.
- Kitro of Naxos(The Naxos Island Greek Liquor).
The kitro of Naxos is one of the best liquors made and produced on the island of Naxos. This liquor is made from citron leaves from a citron tree in Greece. According to researchers, Greece is internationally recognized by the European Union as the country that exclusively produces this liquor.
It has a citrus smell as it’s harvested from a citron tree hence its aroma.
Therefore, while visiting how about you try out these Greek liquors. Make your visit to Greece worth it.
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