Table of Contents:
SPIRITS.
SUMMARY.
Greek Brandy.
Greece may not be as well-known for its spirits as for its wine. However, that is changing. Although they are not producing many types of liquor, the ones that they do make, deserve a visit from you.
BRANDIES
Tsipouro – (Tsi-pou-ro ) A strong brandy (80% proof or higher). Distillation is from the pomace, (skin, seeds, and pulp left over from the pressing of the wine grapes). This pressing makes a pure grape distillate, similar to Italian Grappa. On the island of Crete, they call it Tsikoudia. They protect it as a unique spirit coming from its original place. Best served when chilled in a freezer and not diluted. Once considered an old man’s drink, it is growing in popularity with all ages.
Metaxa – (Met-aak-sAAs) It gets its name from its creator. It is a blend of brandy (distilling from the pomace) and Muscat wine from the Aegean Islands. They serve it neat, on the rocks or use it in cocktails. The number of stars on the label refers to its aging duration.
Spirits
Ouzo – (OO-zo) starts like Tsipouro, with the distillation from the pomace. It has proof of 75% or higher, but they add anise (not licorice, but similar in taste). The better quality Ouzos will be 100% from distillation. On the other hand, lesser brands add less expensive alcohol which makes it cheaper to produce. You will feel cheaper the next morning if you drink these.
Ouzo gets a bad name from people who do not respect it. Greeks sip from a small glass and never drink it in one shot. It has a high-proof and a sneaky release (or so it seems) into the bloodstream. In other words, not warning you to stop until it’s too late.
A faux pas many make when drinking Ouzo is adding ice. This reaction changes the liquid from clear to cloudy as the temperature crystallizes the anise oil. These crystals can ruin the texture. The traditional way is to drink it at room temperature. If you want to chill your Ouzo, add cold water, this will dilute it, turn it cloudy, but should not create crystals.
Mastika – In the same fashion as Ouzo in preparation but the flavoring is with resin from the Mastic tree. This resin gives it a light pine or cedar-like flavor.
In Conclusion:
Erase any preconceived notions about Greek spirits. When you consume them correctly, they can enhance your Greek experience.
In contrast, there are still “home-made” spirits, often in small tavernas, that will have you seeing minotaurs. Most of the ones I have (foolishly) tried have altered my speech, thinking, and ability to hold things. In other words, proceed with caution.
In Greek, the word for “health” is Eyia – (Yah),
The word for “your” is su – (soo).
And the word for “our” is mas – (mas),
Yasou – (Yah soo) To your health – when saying cheers to 1 person. Also a casual hello.
Yamas – (Yah mas) To our health – when saying cheers to more than one person.