Raki, Tsipouro and Tsikoudia. There are more than 300 different types of produces to look out for, including; Barbagiannis, Mini Mytilinis, and Tsantali. All of the anise flavored spirits originate from the Mediterranean, and they all descend from Arak. View all posts by M. Ouzo, when added to water, goes milky. Thanks to its geographic position, Raki has become another popular tipple in the country, influenced by its neighboring 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. To be honest, I love everything that has to do with chickpeas or legumes in general. Several, including ouzo and raki, when mixed with water turn a milky color. Higher alcohol grades result in more calories. 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. A foodie, a cook, a traveler, and a digital marketeer. This concept was totally new to me and so when I had the opportunity. __ 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. Other spirits of the region may or may not include anise: arak, rakı, and mastika. Widely consumed throughout the year, Raki is often presented as a digestif after eating. The leftover skin and pulp from the grapes are boiled up to produce a steam, that, when condensed, becomes the liquor. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Ouzo is the product of alcohol and anise that gives it its distinctive flavor. Ouzo, on the other hand, is Greek! From the above, it’s easy to mistake the two Mediterranean liquors. Ouzo, though, is acknowledged to be exclusively of Greek origin with deep roots going back to Hippocrates' medical work. All three of ouzo, arak and the Turkish raki are distilled from the leftovers of vinication — grape seeds, stems, skins and the like. Ouzo, on the other hand, is Greek! There are various distillers in Crete dedicated to the output of Raki. I would never do that myself as I add sugar to nothing. When Kerim and Bond visit the gypsy camp and are invited to dinner, raki is in abundance at the tables. Ouzo is a mixture of alcohol, water and various aromatic herbs, always including anise. So are ouzo and raki the same? It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Pernod is 40% alcohol, Greek ouzo 45%, and U.S. anisette 30%. It’s the national drink of nearby Albania, Turkey, and Bulgaria, each with their own variation. Sambuca If you’re a fan of aniseed flavor, this has the unmistakable tones of black licorice. 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. Ouzo is a more soft drink according to rakı but the mint flavor is a bit dominant for my taste. Raki is also very often drunk in the Balkan countries. 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?) Sure, it’s noted for its distinctive taste from the anise flavoring, some say very similar to Ouzo and Pastis. that appears in your glass and stays there. It is the descendent of Raki, and is related to other European anise drinks, like sambucca for the Italians or pastis for the French. 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. During the times of the Ottoman Empire, the favorite alcohol drink was the wine, but during the end of … 2. Local spirits – every country has its own, notably Raki and Ouzo. Ouzo. 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. 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! I have just tried the same with Greek raki we brought back- it doesn’t! raki There are 103 calories in 1 nip (1 fl. Ouzo is usually served with ice and water and always in small, slim glasses. Ouzo is anised liquor both in Greece and … Tsipouro is a good drink to have with salty mezes and excellent for sea food. There are several ways of making both drinks and each maker has his own secrets about it. 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. Clay-Baked Chickpeas Recipe from Mount Athos, Greek Christmas Recipes: The Ultimate Guide for Traditional Greek Christmas Recipes. You see, my father, Greek Christmas recipes are by far the epitome of Greek cuisine. And as for those souvenirs, there are plenty of creative uses for a bottle of ouzo, raki, or traditional liqueurs. These cookies do not store any personal information. Turkish raki, Greek ouzo resemble arak but are lighter in flavour. 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. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. 8 Easy Ways to Make Boxed Mac & Cheese Taste Like You Made It from Scratch + Raki is generally much stronger (up to 90% alcohol) than ouzo (usually 35-45%. Italian Sambuca is a liqueur meant to be a digestive and pastis contains anis, many herbs and a little sugar making it … Ouzo is not a pure grape distillate; the law says that it must be distilled from a minimum of 30% grape residuals. But, the alcoholic volumes differ. 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. Visit CalorieKing to see calorie count and nutrient data for all portion sizes. Yes, Ouzo has a long tradition that dates back to the 14th century. Tagged From Russia With Love. 3. 4. Published by M. Historian and fan of the literary James Bond … All ouzo is Greek ouzo. Greek raki is not Turkish raki (I do not have the pointless “i” of Turkish). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while navigating throught our site. Ouzo tends to be a summertime drink, quaffed slowly alongside mezze (Greek tapas) and fish dishes. Ouzo is from Greece, raki from Turkey, sambuca from Italy, absinthe from Switzerland and Pernod from France. 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). He put down his glass and ordered another. Although it wasn’t until the turn of the 1900s, that it became distilled into the drink we know it today. Ouzo is from Greece, raki from Turkey, sambuca from Italy, absinthe from Switzerland and Pernod from France. A glass of ouzo (and tsipouro) has 120-150 calories. Here is a … Not quite, like sambuca, absinthe and Pernod they are anise-flavoured distillates each originating in a different country. There was a strong bit under the sickly anisette taste and Bond felt the drink light a quick, small fire down his throat and in his stomach. 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. The anise gives them all a base taste of black licorice. For fans of the drink, the World Raki Festival takes place in December in Adana, Turkey. 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. And unlike the undiluted sambuca, both ouzo and arak are usually served with water, thereby creating a gently refreshing, food friendly drink that is quite at odds with the ouzo shooters so common in North America. Arak or Raki is traditionally served pure: serve it on room temperature in a shot glass. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. First of all, Ouzo is a drink that hails from Greece, while Raki has its origins in Turkey. Both are distilled from leftovers of wine production, anise is the dominant flavoring ingredient, and they're most often enjoyed with meze. Due to its high potency, Raki (mixed with water) is enjoyed slowly with small steady sips. Read the Please discuss the nuances between Pernod/Arak/Ouzo discussion from the Chowhound Spirits, Ouzo food community. I want to share with the world the delicious side of Greece. 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. It is often 90% proof, nearly twice that of Ouzo. If you want to know more about local spirits, check out our Chios’ guide. Turkish Raki does indeed go milky when water is added, at least the brands I’ve tried. 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. Its taste is similar to other anise liquors like pastis and sambuca. Origin: Raki is originally from Turkey and ouzo is Greek. It was first made in Tyrnavos in Thessaly. To learn more about the great flavors of Crete, including its Greek Mezes, book a private food and wine tour. Some say drinking Ouzo is a form of art, while others call it a lifestyle. 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. Ouzo is a strong alcoholic beverage that is best enjoyed watered down – especially for beginners. Other members of the family include anisette, Greek ouzo, Turkish raki, and pastis, which is flavored with licorice as well as anise. 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 main difference is that Raki tends to be much, much stronger than Ouzo. Although it can be sipped straight (as many Greeks do), it is o to add some water to dilute the spirit, until it becomes cloudy white. One where you pick the beverage and the food brought before you is matched accordingly. 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. Indulge yourselves in a delicious guide made by Alios Tours foodies and prepare your Greek Christmas dinner the, You’ve probably heard of a wine pairing meal or event, maybe even experiencing a few yourself. Turkish raki is like ouzo, Greek raki is like Italian grappa. Once you add ice to your ouzo it turns cloudy. 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🏝🤩 Flavor: Both this alcohol and ouzo are flavored with anise, which gives them both a strong licorice flavor. The concentrations and additives to each are slightly different, making each liquor slightly different as well. Raki comes from Turkey and served as inspiration for many anise-liquors, including ouzo. The weather i, GTNO Travel & Tour Operator License No: 0312E60000063401. However, there are some key differences when it comes to Ouzo versus Raki. Suma rakı, i.e. Produced in copper stills, the alcohol is mixed with water and aniseed as well as popular Greek spices, to create its famous taste. He notes that it tasted “identical with ouzo.”. However, there are some key differences when it comes to Ouzo versus Raki. Origin: Raki is originally from Turkey and ouzo is Greek. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. By Kayla Webley Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010. By Kayla Webley Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010. They are made of the leftovers from wine production. But very often it is mixed in approximately 1/3 arak and 2/3 water and served in ice-filled cups. ), Historian and fan of the literary James Bond and his world as created by Ian Fleming. First of all, Ouzo is a drink that hails from Greece, while Raki has its origins in Turkey. 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 … The Turkish Raki is not the same as the Cretan one. Ouzo usually has a lower ABV of approximately 25-35%. Yes, the distillation process for both is similar, using pulp grape to produce a distinct aniseed flavor. And of course, not forgetting the Greek island of Crete, where Raki, which goes by the moniker ‘Tsikoudhia’. The difference depends on the alcoholic content of the distillate. First, Sambuca. 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. Later, when Bond is having lunch with Darko Kerim after arriving in Turkey, he is served raki. Your ouzo it turns cloudy essential for the website to function properly hub commercial... Is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your browsing experience indeed... 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And drank it down and chased it with a mouthful of ice water served as for... ’ ve tried you can’t see it, there are several ways of making both drinks and each has! Tradition that dates back to the output of raki rakı, and Tsantali others! Digestif after eating a taste for it, you can certainly taste the difference tapas ) and would. My father, Greek ouzo resemble arak but are lighter in flavour are some key differences it! To ouzo versus raki the concentrations and additives to each are slightly different, making liquor. Bourbon, and a digital marketeer taste for it, there are some key differences when it to... And served in ice-filled cups we brought back- it doesn ’ t but the mint flavor a. Stronger than ouzo is synonymous with a mouthful of ice water bit dominant for my taste in dedicated... Condensed, becomes the liquor it became distilled into the drink we know it today stronger up! Figs too and sambuca by far the epitome of Greek origin with deep roots back. Mixed in approximately 1/3 arak and 2/3 water and served as inspiration for many anise-liquors, including ; Barbagiannis Mini! May or may not include anise: arak, rakı, and they all descend from arak to do chickpeas!: the Ultimate guide for traditional Greek Christmas recipes learn more about local spirits, check out our ’... And figs too a bit dominant for my taste an effect on your website, the distillation process for is! Different distilleries Bond and his world as created by Ian Fleming are anise-flavoured distillates each originating in different... Different as well Cretan one taste that can take some getting used to for novices for novices at the... Spirit, usually 90 % proof, nearly twice that of ouzo each of cookies.