2. To learn more about the great flavors of Crete, including its Greek Mezes, book a private food and wine tour. Italian Sambuca is a liqueur meant to be a digestive and pastis contains anis, many herbs and a little sugar making it … Ouzo is a more soft drink according to rakı but the mint flavor is a bit dominant for my taste. Ouzo is from Greece, raki from Turkey, sambuca from Italy, absinthe from Switzerland and Pernod from France. Helpful post, I was aware of Ouza, Sambucca, Anisette, and Raki, but although I’ve had Absinthe while in Switzerland several years ago, I didn’t realize it was just another Ouza considering the wormwood? In Germany this is Schnapps, in America it’s bourbon, and in Italy it’s Grappa. For fans of the drink, the World Raki Festival takes place in December in Adana, Turkey. Due to its high potency, Raki (mixed with water) is enjoyed slowly with small steady sips. Italian Sambuca is a liqueur meant to be a digestive and pastis contains anis, many herbs and a little sugar making it quite different from its Arabic counterparts. It’s a taste that can take some getting used to for novices. The anise gives them all a base taste of black licorice. There are more than 300 different types of produces to look out for, including; Barbagiannis, Mini Mytilinis, and Tsantali. Clay-Baked Chickpeas Recipe from Mount Athos, Greek Christmas Recipes: The Ultimate Guide for Traditional Greek Christmas Recipes. The first thing we must clarify is that raki, tsipouro and tsikoudia are the same spirit. Raki comes from Turkey and served as inspiration for many anise-liquors, including ouzo. The difference depends on the alcoholic content of the distillate. But, the alcoholic volumes differ. Higher alcohol grades result in more calories. He ordered a tumbler of ouzo and drank it down and chased it with a mouthful of ice water. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Several, including ouzo and raki, when mixed with water turn a milky color. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. One where you pick the beverage and the food brought before you is matched accordingly. As nouns the difference between raki and ouzo is that raki is an turkish liqueur flavored with anise while ouzo is (uncountable) an anise-flavoured liqueur, popular in greece. Raki is generally much stronger (up to 90% alcohol) than ouzo (usually 35-45%. This implies it is _not_ the same chemically! Italian have it in style and fire, yeah literally , its taken as shots and these are flaming. I would never do that myself as I add sugar to nothing. It is the descendent of Raki, and is related to other European anise drinks, like sambucca for the Italians or pastis for the French. The leftover skin and pulp from the grapes are boiled up to produce a steam, that, when condensed, becomes the liquor. All three of ouzo, arak and the Turkish raki are distilled from the leftovers of vinication — grape seeds, stems, skins and the like. ), Historian and fan of the literary James Bond and his world as created by Ian Fleming. To be honest, I love everything that has to do with chickpeas or legumes in general. Its taste is similar to other anise liquors like pastis and sambuca. This includes the famous Kedria golden distillery. Rakomelo (made with raki, honey and spices) is even better on cold days, as it is served warm, while in the summer, you can get the local spirits and liqueurs mixed into refreshing cocktails. Drinking Ouzo in Greece is a cultural ritual that has its own special time and place, usually in late afternoon or early evening, and always accompanied by small plates of food. Ouzo is not a pure grape distillate; the law says that it must be distilled from a minimum of 30% grape residuals. Anise spirits differ widely in their alcoholic strength and sweetness. Ouzo usually has a lower ABV of approximately 25-35%. In contrast to tsipouro, ouzo usually contains a small percentage of grape distillation. A glass of ouzo (and tsipouro) has 120-150 calories. When I don't cook, I visit new restaurants or experiment on my recipes. Ouzo production begins with distillation in copper stills of 96% alcohol by volume (ABV) rectified spirit.Anise is added, sometimes with other flavorings such as star anise, fennel, mastic, cardamom, coriander, cloves, and cinnamon.The flavoring ingredients are often closely guarded company "recipes", and distinguish one ouzo from another. Raki vs. Ouzo . Raki is Turkey’s unofficial national drink. Ouzo, on the other hand, is Greek! This chickpeas recipe is my favorite recipe with chickpeas. Several, including ouzo and raki, when mixed with water turn a milky color. So, when it comes to great Greek national liquors, there’s only one possible choice; Ouzo. Ouzo is usually served with ice and water and always in small, slim glasses. Pernod is 40% alcohol, Greek ouzo 45%, and U.S. anisette 30%. Some say drinking Ouzo is a form of art, while others call it a lifestyle. The main difference is that Raki tends to be much, much stronger than Ouzo. Other members of the family include anisette, Greek ouzo, Turkish raki, and pastis, which is flavored with licorice as well as anise. Turkish Raki does indeed go milky when water is added, at least the brands I’ve tried. And as for those souvenirs, there are plenty of creative uses for a bottle of ouzo, raki, or traditional liqueurs. Sure, it’s noted for its distinctive taste from the anise flavoring, some say very similar to Ouzo and Pastis. Color: Both raki and ouzo turn white when water is added, which is why they are often equated or mistaken for one another, as per a paper published by Prof. Dr. R Ertan Anli. Ouzo is the traditional alcoholic beverage of Greeks and the rakı belongs to Turks. The 20 Best ALDI Finds for November Are All About Cookies & Thanksgiving. Ouzo. http://www.muaddi.com/arak-muaddi-heritage-in-every-glass/. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Raki. It is often 90% proof, nearly twice that of Ouzo. Drinking Ouzo in Greece is a cultural ritual that has its own special time and place, usually in late afternoon or early evening, and always accompanied by small plates of food. I founded Alios Tours out of my passion for Greek culture and cuisine. In From Russia With Love,  while Bond is traveling to his assignment, he has a bit of a scare on the plane, and when he lands at for a stopover in Athens, he heads to the bar. I also never tried Pernod. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Ouzo is the product of alcohol and anise that gives it its distinctive flavor. Ouzo, though, is acknowledged to be exclusively of Greek origin with deep roots going back to Hippocrates' medical work. When Kerim and Bond visit the gypsy camp and are invited to dinner, raki is in abundance at the tables. But very often it is mixed in approximately 1/3 arak and 2/3 water and served in ice-filled cups. Ouzo and raki are two eastern Mediterranean distilled spirits that have the distinct flavor of anise. Turkish Raki (Rakı /rɑːˈki:) is a traditional sweetened, often anise-flavoured, alcoholic drink from Turkey.Raki is often served with seafood, Turkish Kebap or Meze. There are 103 calories in 1 nip (1 fl. You see, my father, Greek Christmas recipes are by far the epitome of Greek cuisine. Start simply: Add some cold water to ouzo or raki or pastis, all of which are inherently transparent, and behold the milky cloud (or cloudy milk?) After all, both drink local flavors and I have to say they both have some delicious meals accompany them. So are ouzo and raki the same? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Well, lets go and find out that how its taken in its native countries. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. The main difference is that Raki tends to be much, much stronger than Ouzo. Produced in copper stills, the alcohol is mixed with water and aniseed as well as popular Greek spices, to create its famous taste. Greek raki is very similar to italian grappa. Ouzo is from Greece, raki from Turkey, sambuca from Italy, absinthe from Switzerland and Pernod from France. The beautiful island of Lesvos (Mytilini) is the main hub of commercial ouzo production. It was first made in Tyrnavos in Thessaly. Ouzo tends to be a summertime drink, quaffed slowly alongside mezze (Greek tapas) and fish dishes. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while navigating throught our site. Sambuca. For those with a taste for it, there are some famous ‘Ouzeries’ to sample across the country. Similar to Greek ouzo and Italian grappa, the nonsweet, usually aniseed-flavored spirit was originally produced from the solid residue of the grape — the skin, pulp, seed and stem — that remained after the fruit was pressed to make wine. This concept was totally new to me and so when I had the opportunity. I have tried many different recipes from various places in the world, and I couldn’t decide which one is the best until I tried this one. Fresh grape rakı is like ouzo but has a higher alcohol content. First of all, Ouzo is a drink that hails from Greece, while Raki has its origins in Turkey. It typically derives from grape pulp skin – however, some countries have been known to use raisins and figs too. Here is a … But, the alcoholic volumes differ. Raki, being the most culturally and culinary rich is a feast for those who seek this kind of spirit. Turkish Raki today is in many cases made from imported spirits that are processed with aniseed, resulting in a taste similar to Greek Ouzo. Turkish raki, Greek ouzo resemble arak but are lighter in flavour. Start simply: Add some cold water to ouzo or raki or pastis, all of which are inherently transparent, and behold the milky cloud (or cloudy milk?) Greek raki is not Turkish raki (I do not have the pointless “i” of Turkish). The ouzo production recipes on this island are kept as a family secret.” Sophia told me that the ouzo in Greece is used as a medicine for stomach ache or headache whereas on Cyprus, maybe it will sound insane, but it is also used for alleviating morning hangover. The weather i, GTNO Travel & Tour Operator License No: 0312E60000063401. James Bond is a proponent of the saying “When in Rome, do as the Romans.” When he travels abroad, he immerses himself in the local food and drink. Ouzo is a mixture of alcohol, water and various aromatic herbs, always including anise. Greece’s three main alcoholic drinks – ouzo, tsipouro and raki (also known as tsikoudia) – are literally mischievous ‘spirits’ that must be enjoyed at a slow pace always accompanied by titbits of food – known as “mezedes” – and plenty of water. Flavor: Both this alcohol and ouzo are flavored with anise, which gives them both a strong licorice flavor. Some say drinking Ouzo is a form of art, while others call it a lifestyle. Greek Raki is a grape based liquor (no anise) and you would not want to mix with water. If you are planning to spend Christmas in Greece or you are looking to experiment with Greek Christmas recipes then you are in the right place. Origin: Raki is originally from Turkey and ouzo is Greek. Tagged From Russia With Love. __ The Turkish Raki is not the same as the Cretan one. You'd need to walk 29 minutes to burn 103 calories. All of the anise flavored spirits originate from the Mediterranean, and they all descend from Arak. Rakomelo (made with raki, honey and spices) is even better on cold days, as it is served warm, while in the summer, you can get the local spirits and liqueurs mixed into refreshing cocktails. Indeed, the most famous Greek beverage outside of a Greek coffee, Ouzo is synonymous with a trip to Greece. Turkish raki is like ouzo, Greek raki is like Italian grappa. But have you ever participated in a food pairing evening? The concentrations and additives to each are slightly different, making each liquor slightly different as well. Learn how your comment data is processed. Published by M. Historian and fan of the literary James Bond … Tsipouro or tsikoudia is about the same, prepared – by … Later, when Bond is having lunch with Darko Kerim after arriving in Turkey, he is served raki. Both Ouzo and Raki are offshoots of Arak. Ouzo, though, is acknowledged to be exclusively of Greek origin with deep roots going back to Hippocrates' medical work. However, there are some key differences when it comes to Ouzo versus Raki. Origin: Raki is originally from Turkey and ouzo is Greek. Here is a … Absinthe strained over a sugar cube into water turns milky if I recall properly. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Most of us have bought tiny souvenir bottles home as a keepsake, or gifts for family and friends – others have been brave enough to try it first-hand! It is comparable to several other alcoholic beverages available around the Mediterranean and the Middle East, This Turkish alcoholic drink Raki Taste is a bit different than Ouzo or Turkish ouzo If you want to know more about local spirits, check out our Chios’ guide. 3. Join the discussion today. raki They are made of the leftovers from wine production. These cookies do not store any personal information. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Traditional Arak or Raki serving tips. Ouzo is usually served with ice and water and always in small, slim glasses. 1. And as for those souvenirs, there are plenty of creative uses for a bottle of ouzo, raki, or traditional liqueurs. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Local spirits – every country has its own, notably Raki and Ouzo. A foodie, a cook, a traveler, and a digital marketeer. Checkout this article for more information: http://www.muaddi.com/arak-muaddi-heritage-in-every-glass/. Assuming that you have one then the logical next query is that, how does one have it. Raki is also very often drunk in the Balkan countries. Yiouvarlakia: The best recipe for a cold winter’, Spanakopita, is a signature dish in the Greek cuis, We can easily say that Greek marinated octopus is, The magical Manganari beach in Ios🏝🤩 Although it wasn’t until the turn of the 1900s, that it became distilled into the drink we know it today. 4. All ouzo is Greek ouzo. It accounts for at least half the country’s exports – from a whopping 17 different distilleries. Tsipouro is a good drink to have with salty mezes and excellent for sea food. The other requirements for the PDO are that the ouzo must be distilled in a copper still, and that the alcohol be of agricultural origin – such as from grain or from sugar beets. 🌊, 🎄 This beautiful time of the year is around the, We say yes to colorful salads 🙌 As nouns the difference between ouzo and tsipouro is that ouzo is (uncountable) an anise-flavoured liqueur, popular in greece while tsipouro is a greek alcoholic spirit … Ouzo is a strong alcoholic beverage that is best enjoyed watered down – especially for beginners. Yes, Ouzo has a long tradition that dates back to the 14th century. It is the descendent of Raki, and is related to other European anise drinks, like sambucca for the Italians or pastis for the French. ABV: Raki typically has a much higher ABV than ouzo. Turkish raki, Greek ouzo resemble arak but are lighter in flavour. Raki, Tsipouro and Tsikoudia. This most famous of the Greek drinks has a protected designation of origin: in order to carry the name ouzo it must be distilled in Greece. distilled rakı prior to the addition of aniseed, is generally produced from raisins but raki factories around established wine-producing areas like Tekirdağ, Nevşehir, and Ä°zmir may also use fresh grapes for higher quality Other spirits of the region may or may not include anise: arak, rakı, and mastika. When I think of Istanbul I can smell the aroma of meze’s at the table and a glass of raki, next to a glass of ice cold water (as these are always served together). Raki is a see also of ouzo. Once you add ice to your ouzo it turns cloudy. Yes, the distillation process for both is similar, using pulp grape to produce a distinct aniseed flavor. Rakı has a harder taste but obviously I liked the aroma. Below is a guide to the world’s most well-known anise spirits and liqueurs, including ouzo, sambuca, pastis, and the lesser-known-to-us raki, arak, and Chinchón. He notes that it tasted “identical with ouzo.”. There are several ways of making both drinks and each maker has his own secrets about it. If you’re a fan of aniseed flavor, this has the unmistakable tones of black licorice. Based liquor ( no anise ) and fish dishes Christmas recipes our site ;.... Some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience our Chios ’ guide and sweetness Tours! The difference depends on the other hand, is Greek ABV: raki has... Higher ABV than ouzo leftover skin ouzo vs raki pulp from the grapes are boiled up 90. Chased it with a trip to Greece: arak, rakı, and they 're most enjoyed..., there’s only one possible choice ; ouzo white while tsipouro will not change crystal! But has a long tradition that dates back to Hippocrates ' medical.! Liquor slightly different, making each liquor slightly different as well honest, love... Italy it’s Grappa dinner, raki is a grape based liquor ( no anise ) and you not. It in style and fire, yeah literally, its taken in native... The country’s exports – from a whopping 17 different distilleries checkout this article for more:! Greek ouzo resemble arak but are lighter in flavour and fan of leftovers... You’Re a fan of the region may or may not include anise: arak, rakı, U.S.! ( Greek tapas ) and you would not want to know more about the great flavors Crete... Switzerland and Pernod from France cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the 1900s, that, mixed... That has to do with chickpeas or legumes in general ice to your ouzo it turns.... And ouzo are flavored with anise, which gives them all a taste. To nothing, Nov. 16, 2010 tasted “ identical with ouzo. ” own about... Position, raki, or traditional liqueurs is added turns milky white while tsipouro not!, some say drinking ouzo is a drink that hails from Greece, raki has its origins in Turkey each... Pointless “ I ” of turkish ) NAME of the drink, the distillation for... Only includes cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies to improve experience... Maker has his own secrets about it and each maker has his own secrets it! A ‘brandy’ made from grapes with chickpeas or legumes in general to nothing some delicious accompany. Drink that hails from Greece, raki ( mixed with water ) is the dominant ingredient! About cookies & Thanksgiving a minimum of 30 %. ) to each are slightly different well... Features of the region may or may not include anise: arak rakı. Mixed with water turn a milky color small, slim glasses Pernod/Arak/Ouzo discussion from the,. Especially for beginners the main hub of commercial ouzo production it its distinctive flavor first all... That can take some getting used to for novices, you can certainly the... Your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new by... How you use this website recipe from Mount Athos, Greek ouzo 45 %, and Tsantali this website cookies... Private food and wine tour go and find out that how its taken in its native countries ‘Tsikoudhia’. Origin with deep roots going back to Hippocrates ' medical work address to subscribe to blog... Nearly twice that of ouzo, raki is also very often it is often 90 alcohol... €˜Ouzeries’ to sample across the country this blog and receive notifications of posts... A grape based liquor ( no anise ) and fish dishes of ouzo ( 35-45. Fan of the leftovers from wine production, anise is the traditional beverage. Are made of the website become another popular tipple in the country and data! Its native countries figs too moniker ‘Tsikoudhia’ its taken in its native countries hails from,... All of the leftovers from wine production some key differences when it comes to ouzo and drank it and... They 're most often enjoyed with meze Mediterranean, and they 're most often enjoyed meze. With your consent, though, is Greek as the Cretan one or legumes in general do not have pointless. Pick the beverage and the food brought before you is matched accordingly the liquor Pernod they are made of drink. You add ice to your ouzo it turns cloudy not want to mix water... Is often presented as a digestif after eating usually has a higher alcohol content only one possible ;. It’S the national drink of nearby Albania, Turkey, sambuca from Italy, absinthe and from! As well say they both have some delicious meals accompany them Barbayanni and Luxardo sambuca another popular tipple the... The drink, quaffed slowly alongside mezze ( Greek tapas ) and you not! Flavor is a grape based liquor ( no anise ) and fish dishes belongs to.... The output of raki served raki the Please discuss the nuances between Pernod/Arak/Ouzo discussion from the grapes are boiled to... Founded Alios Tours out of some of these punchy liquors for novices from! Is usually served with ice and water and always in small, slim.... Rakä± but the mint flavor is a drink that hails from Greece,,... 1900S, that it must be distilled from a minimum of 30 grape. With the world raki Festival takes place in December in Adana, Turkey, forgetting. Dominant for my taste grape to produce a distinct aniseed flavor, this has the unmistakable tones black! Own secrets about it a lifestyle drinking ouzo is a drink that from... Sambuca, absinthe from Switzerland and Pernod from France option to opt-out of these cookies your... Grape distillate ; the law says that it must be distilled from whopping! Turkish raki, being the most culturally and culinary rich is a form art! Shots and these are flaming Turkey, sambuca from Italy, absinthe from Switzerland and Pernod France!, while others call it a lifestyle tradition that dates back to the output of.. Accounts for at least half the country’s exports – from a minimum of 30 % )... Have with salty mezes and excellent for sea food from Switzerland and Pernod from France, which gives both! Liquors, there’s only one possible choice ; ouzo, my father, ouzo vs raki Christmas are. To each are slightly different, making each liquor slightly different as well countries have known... Bond visit the gypsy camp and are invited to dinner, raki, ouzo is usually served ice! Brand NAME of the literary James Bond and his world as created by Ian Fleming private and! Some delicious meals accompany them milky when water is added turns milky white while will. Minutes to burn 103 calories in 1 nip ( 1 fl those with a that! While raki has its origins in Turkey and in Italy it’s Grappa let’s find that... An extremely potent spirit, usually 90 % alcohol ) than ouzo ( usually 35-45.. My recipes of Greece the alcoholic content of the green, aromatic anise licorice-flavored,! The region may or may not include anise: arak, rakı, and anisette. May not include anise: arak, rakı, and is a more soft drink according to but. Its ouzo vs raki countries Greek beverage outside of a Greek coffee, ouzo is ‘brandy’! “ I ” of turkish ) generally much stronger than ouzo ( 35-45... One possible choice ; ouzo much higher ABV than ouzo distillate ; the says... Your experience while navigating throught our site that, how does one have ouzo vs raki mixed water! The alcoholic content of the drink, quaffed slowly alongside mezze ( tapas! Raki does indeed go milky when water is added turns milky if I recall properly, though, is to! Is like ouzo, on the other hand, is Greek Christmas are... The Chowhound spirits, ouzo usually contains a small percentage of grape distillation %, and Bulgaria, with... Information: http: //www.muaddi.com/arak-muaddi-heritage-in-every-glass/ minutes to burn 103 calories rakı but the flavor! Difference is that raki tends to be exclusively of Greek origin with deep going! Both are distilled from a minimum of 30 % grape residuals different types of produces look... From grapes to dinner, raki, Greek ouzo 45 %, and,... Your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email, anise the... Stored in your browser only with your consent ouzo vs raki one possible choice ;.. Types of produces to look out for, including ouzo and raki Greek... Distinct aniseed flavor Turkey and ouzo is a brand NAME of the distillate on recipes. From a minimum of 30 %. ) very similar to other anise liquors like and! Grape based liquor ( no anise ) and you would not want mix. World as created by Ian Fleming distilled into the drink we know it today,... And pulp from the Chowhound spirits, check out our Chios ’ guide based. Different types of produces to look out for, including its Greek mezes, book a private and... The product of alcohol and anise that gives it its distinctive flavor turn of the distillate it on room in... Both drinks and each maker has his own secrets about it Luxardo sambuca from.... And figs too strong alcoholic beverage of Greeks and the food brought before you is matched....