We associate Greece with a wine-producing country. But the product of the vine is not only light alcoholic drinks. Ever since mankind invented the alembic, raki has been around. Many consider this type of distillate to be the national Turkish drink. But that's not true. In fact, in the Ottoman Empire, only infidels - not Muslims - were allowed to drink alcohol, especially strong ones. But there are drinkers everywhere, and therefore Greek vodka came to the court of the conquerors. The name began to sound like “crayfish”. And in Azerbaijan they began to make their own analogue - arak. The Slavs also became acquainted with this vodka. Balkan rakia is also the younger sister of Greek vodka. What other species exist in Hellas? Our article will be devoted to this issue. We will tell you not only about crayfish, but also such interesting drinks, like ouzo, mastic, tsipouro and others.
Poverty is not a vice, but an impetus for invention
Unlike northern countries, where distillates were originally made from grains, Greek vodka is a by-product of winemaking. When the berries were pressed and the precious wort was obtained, the pomace remained. What to do with the cake? Usually it was thrown into the vineyards, and the rotting pomace became fertilizer for the vines. But if a person is poor, he will not just throw something away. Sugar and water were added to the cake and left to ferment again. After which they distilled it and got it. The drink began to be called “raki” much later. The etymology of the distillate is rooted in Arabic. “Arak” translated means “sweat,” which is clear to anyone who has seen alcohol mashine. But still grape vodka from Greece is very different in taste from Italian grappa, although the raw materials and the technology for preparing the two drinks are approximately the same.
His Majesty Anise
There are two types of plants in the world that are not at all related, but bear fruit with the same smell. Star anise is an evergreen shrub that is native to East Asia. Its fruits look like brown stars, and in each ray there is a grain hidden. And anise, which is common in Europe, is a herb belonging to Rodnit two types of plants aromatic essential oil anethole It is found in abundance in the fruits of both anise and star anise. However, the Greeks call their herb, the fragrant properties of which were noticed back in ancient times, glycanisos, which means “sweet anise.” This seasoning was also used by other peoples. In Egypt, for example, the herb was part of ointments for mummifying the dead. The Greek one has a prototype - “Hippocrates’ wine”. It was drunk as a cure for many ailments. Hippocrates was the first to infuse wine with anise.
It is considered to be the national Turkish drink. But before the liberal reforms of the nineteenth century, Muslims did not even dare to think about the production of distillates. This was done on the territory of the Ottoman Empire by the Greeks, and less often by people from the Balkans. Raki became popular in Turkey thanks to Kemal Ataturk, who really liked this drink. Anise vodka should be drunk diluted. Usually a mixture is made of one part raki and two or three parts mineral water. When diluted with water, the solution instantly turns white and looks like milk. This happens because the essential oil comes out from the alcohol and an emulsion is formed. It is because of its white opaque color that the Turkish drink raki (but actually Greek vodka raki) has the poetic name “lion’s milk”. The strength of this drink varies from forty to fifty degrees. When undiluted, raki has a very strong anise smell and a pungent, pungent taste.
At first glance, it seems that the national one is the same raki, only softer. But that's not true. The production technology is completely different. There is no more than thirty percent grape alcohol in ouzo. But that's not all. High-quality Greek vodka ouzo, in addition to anise, contains a number of seasonings. These are coriander, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, star anise and fennel. Aromatic spices are first infused in pure grape alcohol. It is then distilled through a copper still, separating the front and back parts. The middle one is cleaned again, and then diluted with soft lime water to a strength of thirty-seven and a half degrees. The etymology of the name of this very old vodka is interesting. In the town of Tyrnavos, in Thessaly, the local population was engaged in growing silkworm cocoons for export to France. At that time, Italy controlled this part of Greece. Therefore, before being sent across the sea, boxes with cocoons were marked with the inscription Uso a Marsiglia (Italian: “Use in Marseille”). Local farmers did not know the meaning of these words, but this phrase was for them a standard of the highest quality. Therefore, when visiting people asked what kind of vodka this was, they answered - ouzo.
Tsipuro
The first mention of this distillate is found in the monastic books of Athos at the end of the sixteenth century. Tsipouro is made by distilling grape pomace. After that, various spices are added to the alcohols - cloves or cinnamon. Next, increase the alcohol content in the drink to 40-45 degrees. In Macedonia and Thessaly, anise is added to tsipouro, and there the drink resembles ouzo. Crete has its own national Greek vodka. What is the name of the drink there? Rakomelo. But there is no trace of anise in this vodka, only viscous honey. Tsipouro is drunk undiluted from small glasses. The drink is served with appetizers (dried tomatoes, spicy sausages and cheeses), as well as desserts (halva, nuts, raisins).
Mastic
A familiar word, isn't it? Translated, it means “chew with gnashing of teeth.” And all because Greek vodka mastic is infused with the roots of the chios tree. When alcohols obtained from grape pomace are distilled through these plant materials, they are enriched with essential resins. Mastic has a very specific taste and smell. This vodka must be drunk with ice added. When the cubes are immersed, the resin dissolved in alcohol comes out of the chemical compound, and the drink becomes opaque, white like milk. In Greece there are two types of mastic: vodka and sweet liqueur.
Ouzo
Ouzo is all of Greece in one glass
Greek wisdom
Ouzo is a strong national drink of Greece, which is produced by triple distillation and the subsequent addition of anise and aromatic herbs. This is the most famous anise vodka in Greece! Thousands of tourists, coming to this country, first rush to special taverns - ouzeri, to taste the legendary Greek vodka, which they have heard so much about, and only then go to admire the Acropolis.
The composition of ouzo is unique because, in addition to anise, it contains cardamom, fennel, coriander, nutmeg, cloves, star anise, and ginger root. The above-mentioned fragrant components slightly soften the strength of the drink and give it interesting shades in the bouquet.
Ouzo production
Ouzo is obtained through the distillation process of high-quality grape raw materials, all kinds of aromatic herbs and anise. The percentage of alcohol in Greek vodka ouzo by law cannot exceed 20-30 degrees, but in reality it turns out to be more - 35-50%. Initially, mixtures of herbs and seeds for ouzo are infused with pure alcohol. Then distillation takes place in special copper boilers (distillers) with the obligatory separation of the so-called tails and heads. The selected heart-shaped part of the future ouzo is distilled a second time under continuous monitoring. The resulting alcohol has a fairly high strength - 50%, so it is subsequently diluted so that the alcohol content in the drink becomes approximately 37-40%. The most famous ouzo production regions are Kalamata, Lesbos and Tyrnavos. In 1989, Greek vodka was finally officially registered, so the drink can only be produced in this country.
Features of using ouzo
In Greece, ouzo is mostly consumed in pure form. This method is called “Sketo”. In this situation, ouzo can serve as an aperitif.
When it comes to noisy Greek feasts, the drink can be diluted with water. This makes some sense. Usually guests want to sit longer and chat, and due to the strength of ouzo, this is quite problematic, since the degree after 150 grams makes itself felt. Wise and sociable Greeks came up with the idea of diluting vodka with water in a 1:1 ratio. This way they can discuss all the topics that interest them and enjoy a great ouzo.
In addition, Greeks often drink ouzo with ice. A few ice cubes interrupt the too cloying taste of anise, and the strength of the drink becomes less. If you decide not to drink ouzo in its pure form, then a variety of seafood, desserts, fruits, cheeses and meat dishes are ideal to accompany the drink. They drink Greek pride in small narrow glasses with a volume of 50-100 ml.
How did the drink ouzo come about?
Unfortunately, it is not known exactly when the production of ouzo began. However, some historical facts indicate that already in the nineteenth century, factories for the production of national drink. Therefore, the official date of the appearance of ouzo in Greece is considered to be the 19th century.
As for the origin of the name, there are several versions. Some of them can be described as very original. For example, according to one of them, the word comes from the Greek phrase “u zo,” which translates as “I can’t live without ouzo.” According to another version, the name of the drink is a variation of the phrase “uso di Massaglia”, that is, “for consumption in Marseille,” because at that time Greece and Marseille were trading partners. However, connoisseurs interpret the name of Greek vodka in their own way. In their opinion, this is a drink for leisurely people, for those who understand life... Let's not argue. It's best to try this one yourself magic drink and come up with your own name.
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One of the most common and popular alcoholic drinks in Greece is raki. In almost every shop in Greece or at the market at the entrance you can see stylized vats with taps that remind us of a samovar. These vats contain raki or, to make it clearer, local grape moonshine, which anyone who enters can try.
Next to the vat there are small 50 gram disposable cups from which you can help yourself. This is a kind of tradition and a Greek compliment from the owners of the establishment and it is offered free of charge, and in unlimited quantities. Similar drinks in Greece made from grapes and their derivatives are called tsipouro and racomello. Racomello is the same moonshine, but infused with honey. A very useful and irreplaceable thing for colds.
Vats of raki in Chania market
Officially, the production of these drinks in Greece by distillation was legalized in 1920 in Crete. By the way, a compliment from an establishment in the form of a free glass of raki is most popular in Crete. On other islands and on the mainland you will hardly find such generosity.
In the Balkan countries, for example, in Bulgaria or Montenegro, there is also grape vodka and it is called rakia. In Turkey it's crayfish. These names come from the Arabic word "araka" and have common roots. By the way, the Greeks spread crayfish to Turkey.
Crayfish in Greece, it's more likely traditional drink, it is easy to manufacture and its production at home is officially permitted. Its strength is approximately 35-40 degrees, and maybe higher. Rakomelo has a slightly lower strength and is used mainly as a dessert drink or as a medicine. A good replacement for balm.
Rakomelo and crayfish in Greek shops
And this is how locals sell crayfish and rakomelo in the mountains
And one more thing about Greek traditional drinks.
Water. Greeks drink a lot of water. This has been going on since the time of Hippocrates, who argued that clean water is a source of longevity. Maybe this is why the Greeks are the longest living in Europe. In Greece, water is always served at the table. In taverns it is served just like that, mainly as a compliment or gift. Moreover, water, as a rule, is not included in the price of the order.
Water is served with dessert and water is always served with coffee. By the way, about coffee. Note, greek coffee should always be served with foam - kaimaki. Otherwise, the Greek may be offended. And if a Greek woman wants to express her favor to a man, she will definitely serve coffee with kaymaki. If there is no foam, then she doesn’t like the man.
If you are traveling to Greece and do not yet know how to drink ouzo correctly, this article will be useful to you. Greek folk drink considered an ideal aperitif. However, no one forbids using it as a digestif, especially after hearty, hearty meals. Skeptics joke about the bouquet of taste and aroma of ouzo - they say that the drink looks like a cough syrup, because it is made from anise. Many, by the way, do not want to try it for this reason. But if, after all, local residents manage to persuade tourists to drink aniseed vodka, then they become imbued with love and respect for the Greek potion. And when they come to their native land, they tell their friends how to drink ouzo correctly. Just in case, we’ll immediately write that in addition to anise, ouzo may contain coriander, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, fennel, and star anise, which, by the way, noticeably soften the rather high strength of the drink (40-50%).
In Greece, there are special establishments where anyone can taste national pride and, of course, learn how to drink ouzo correctly. Needless to say, there are others out there strong alcohol, however, in our case we are not talking about them. Hiding from the heat, locals and tourists sit in indoor street cafes and sip ouzo, thinking about the eternal. Greek vodka is a drink for people with a philosophical mindset! What is important is that in such an establishment you can not only taste ouzo, but also try the famous Greek dishes. Just in case, we immediately wish you bon appetit!
Delicious but treacherous ouzo
The answer to the question “how to drink ouzo” is usually “carefully.” It should be noted that this is a rather insidious drink. The addition of water and ice makes it not seem particularly strong. However, this is a deceptive impression, since the drink contains sugar, which greatly softens the harshness of the alcohol, thereby delaying the process of its absorption into the intestines. Therefore, it seems to naive ordinary people that Greek vodka is not intoxicating. And here the most interesting and dangerous part begins, since at this moment sugar decomposes in the blood and increases the effect of alcohol on the body of a poor tourist lost in the Greek wilds. Thus, even after a seemingly harmless 150 grams, the fellow taster retains clarity of thought, but can no longer get to his feet. Therefore, in order to drink Greek ouzo vodka correctly, you need a high-quality snack, which we will talk about in the next paragraph.
How to drink ouzo? Three ways to drink Greek vodka
There are three ways to consume ouzo.
1. Ouzo in its pure form, or, as it is called in Greece, “Sketo”. With this method of serving, the drink can safely be called an aperitif, because, among other things, it stimulates the appetite. Greek vodka is cooled to a temperature of 18-23°C. Drinking anise drink in small sips, savoring for a long time and enjoying all the nuances of taste and aroma.
2. Ouzo diluted with water. Most often, this method of serving a drink is found during noisy Greek feasts. Guests want to sit longer, but the vodka is too strong to prolong the pleasure of communication and refreshments. So the resourceful Greeks began to dilute ouzo with water in a 1:1 ratio. Usually the drink becomes cloudy and turns white, which indicates the presence of anise oil. At the same time, the bitterness and strength of Greek vodka are significantly reduced, and drinking ouzo correctly becomes much easier.
3. Ouzo and ice are often drunk together to counteract the too strong taste of anise. A few ice cubes really help the situation. The strength of the drink also becomes smaller.
A few more words about how to drink Greek ouzo vodka correctly. It is not customary to mix the drink with other representatives of the alcoholic family or juices. However, there are craftsmen who mix cola and ouzo. This is not an example to follow, agree. But no one forbids you to add ouzo to cocktails. There are many mixtures in which the Greek drink plays a major role. And the names of the mixes alone are worth it - “Greek Tiger”, “Iliad”!
There is another, very unusual way to serve and drink the drink - ouzo with coffee. The proportions are as follows - teaspoon anisette vodka in Turkish Although there are amateur experimenters who increase the volume of the drink and reduce the size of the container - from the cezve to the cup. As they say, there is no gourmet in taste and color... By the way, ouzo in combination with coffee is considered a good substitute for cognac.
What do you drink ouzo with?
What do the Greeks drink ouzo with? What can we learn from them? Local residents snack on ouzo with various seafood (shrimp, anchovies, squid, octopus tentacles), olives, light salads, pickled vegetables, various confectionery products, meat dishes, sweet desserts, strong coffee, fruits, cheeses. Potato croquettes go perfectly with the drink, fresh cucumbers, salted nuts, fried zucchini, eggplant. Greek salad“Khoryatiki with olives, tomatoes, feta cheese and cucumbers will also make a pleasant company with ouzo. Appetizers with rice and the famous herb and vinegar sauce, various salty snacks, freshly baked bread, Greek dolma, fava ( pea porridge), pasta. What else do you drink ouzo with? With dishes that are proud Greek cuisine And a great addition for ouzo: boiled wild herbs with lemon, fried pies with cheese and spinach, thick pea mash, generously flavored olive oil and sprinkled with sweet onions and many other delights that make tourists salivate at the mere sight of it. Can you imagine if you try all this and wash it down with real Greek ouzo!
What to drink ouzo from
What do they drink ouzo from in Greece, and in our country too? Typically, tall, small and narrow glasses with a volume of 50-100 ml are taken for these purposes. They add a small amount of clean water and a few ice cubes.
All that remains is to enjoy this great Greek drink! After all, now you know how to drink ouzo correctly! Have a nice experience!
Ouzo alcoholic drink, which has a rather insidious character. Let's try to figure out how to drink ouzo according to all the rules, so that the impressions from it remain exclusively positive. The Greeks say: there are two prohibitions: you cannot get drunk and you cannot overeat. To prevent this from happening, do not drink ouzo undiluted. Do not be confused by films like the film “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” where you can see how the Greeks knock back this potion, as they say, cleanly. Such examples have nothing to do with how you should actually drink ouzo. These are stories, the alcoholic drink ouzo is drunk diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio, and even a piece of ice is added to complete the experience. The Greeks recommend using small wide or tall narrow glasses as containers. The ouzo drink prepared for consumption in this way acquires a milky white color. This indicates the presence of anise oil in the mixture. Upon contact with water, which reduces the strength of the drink, it condenses into liquid, turning the ouzo into a cloudy whitish shade. .jpg)
Another question arises related to how to drink ouzo - is it possible to eat it with something or should you not do this? When it comes to gastronomic combinations, the Greeks do not recommend inventing complex or fatty snacks. They eat the alcoholic drink ouzo with pickled vegetables, fried anchovy, octopus tentacles and other seafood, light salad or just take a few olives. If until now you didn’t know how to drink ouzo correctly, remember: the main thing in this situation is not to overdo it. Greek drink Ouzo is incredibly easy to drink, thanks to its extraordinary taste, and its strength is impressive. As a result, having taken about 150 grams “on the chest”, a person maintains clarity of thoughts, but may find it difficult to get back on his feet, if, of course, he can.
If you find yourself in Greece, you will be able to see from your own experience that sometimes it is simply impossible not to try the ouzo drink. However, be careful: you should inquire not only about how to drink ouzo, but also about local traditions and customs associated with this drink. For example, there is a funny story connected with it that happened many years ago with one zucchini owner. He was terribly tired of the fact that people visiting his establishment, when asked: “What would you like to drink?” They answer: “Nothing” (in Greek - “tipota”). Then the cunning owner of the tavern began to pour a glass of ouzo for each modest person. Agree - if they have already brought you a portion of alcohol, and even with a snack according to all the rules, because in such establishments they certainly know how to drink ouzo, it is even somehow impolite to refuse further. So if in Greece you 
They will ask in a drinking establishment what you want, don’t say “Nothing”, otherwise you will have to eat ouzo. Although sometimes the use of this humorous name can be very convenient. Imagine - a wife calls her husband who has been playing around and, hearing his confused speech, asks: “What did you drink?!” In such a situation, he can, contemplating the bottle of ouzo he has just finished, answer with a clear conscience: “Nothing!”
By the way, locals say that the drink ouzo is supposed to be consumed seasonally. The rule is more than simple: firstly, remember the name of the current month, and secondly, look for the letter “P” in its name. If there is none, uncork the bottle! Armed with competent advice on how to drink ouzo, you will get real pleasure from it. Indeed, the hottest time in Greece is from May to August. It is in this weather that local residents like to hide from the heat and sit in covered street cafes, leisurely drinking ouzo. For this purpose, in Greece they even open special taverns. They are called "uzeri". In such a drinking establishment you can not only try the alcoholic drink ouzo, but also enjoy traditional snacks. In general, if you don’t know how to drink ouzo correctly, arm yourself with the tips outlined above. And if you trust, but prefer to check, go to Greece. There they will clearly explain to you how to drink ouzo according to all the rules, and they will also “crush the bottle” for making acquaintance in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
