Greece and its alcohol scene is not only ouzo and unique wine varieties. Especially the Greek islands have a long tradition in the preparation of alcohol beverages that are delicious and innovative. The next time you will visit a Greek island, drink a glass of a local alcohol beverage, which is perfectly combined with the sea and the sun.
Tsipouro
Tsipouro is the Greek traditional distillation product, which was produced for the first time by the Greek orthodox monks in 14the century. You can find tsipouro everywhere in Greece, but some islands, like Lesvos, particularly brew tsipouro and create amazing varieties.
Ouzo
Ouzo is an anise-flavoured aperitif in Greece, which has been derived from the anise version of tsipouro. Lesvos produces ouzo in large quantities and in special varieties and has made ouzo the national drink of Greece. Mixed with water and ice cubes, is the perfect beverage together with seafood in a tavern by the sea.
Ouzo
Tsikoudia
Tsikoudia or raki is the local version of tsipouro in Crete, an alcoholic, grape-based beverage with 40-60% alcohol. Tsikoudia is home-produced in the villages of Crete, and typically, each Cretan village has one or two residents that are licensed to distil and produce tsikoudia. It is served cold, and it is offered as an aperitif after meal.
Tsikoudia
Psimeni raki
Psimeni raki (=baked raki) is alcohol distilled from grape pomace flavoured with honey and herbs. Psimeni raki is the traditional drink of Amorgos, and it is being produced from the monks in the monasteries of the island.
Rakomelo
Rakomelo is warmed raki with honey and herbs, and it is the perfect drink to feel the warmth and sweetness of alcohol. You can find rakomelo in many Greek islands, such as Amorgos, Serifos, Folegandros and Anafi.
Liqueur
In the Greek islands, you can also drink traditional liqueurs with local products of each island. In Aegina, is famous the liqueur with pistachio, in Naxos the liqueur with citron, in Lefkada liqueur with banana, mint or rose, in Crete liqueur with olive and in Kythira liqueur with orange, mandarin and cinnamon.
Mastic
Chios is the only place in the world, which produces the unique product of mastic from the mastic trees. In Chios but also in most places in Greece, you can drink the alcoholic version of mastic, which is sweet and has 20% alcohol. The taste is something you have never tasted before.