Both are distilled from leftovers of wine production, anise is the dominant flavoring ingredient, and they're most often enjoyed with meze. 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 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. It is often 90% proof, nearly twice that of Ouzo. If you want to know more about local spirits, check out our Chios’ guide. In Germany this is Schnapps, in America it’s bourbon, and in Italy it’s Grappa. There are various distillers in Crete dedicated to the output of Raki. 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. Turkish raki, Greek ouzo resemble arak but are lighter in flavour. 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. It accounts for at least half the country’s exports – from a whopping 17 different distilleries. Yes, Ouzo has a long tradition that dates back to the 14th century. Origin: Raki is originally from Turkey and ouzo is Greek. 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). oz) of Ouzo 80 Proof (40% alc.). There are more than 300 different types of produces to look out for, including; Barbagiannis, Mini Mytilinis, and Tsantali. If you’re a fan of aniseed flavor, this has the unmistakable tones of black licorice. Turkish raki, Greek ouzo resemble arak but are lighter in flavour. It was first made in Tyrnavos in Thessaly. First of all, Ouzo is a drink that hails from Greece, while Raki has its origins in Turkey. Raki is generally much stronger (up to 90% alcohol) than ouzo (usually 35-45%. But have you ever participated in a food pairing evening? 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. 8 Easy Ways to Make Boxed Mac & Cheese Taste Like You Made It from Scratch + By Kayla Webley Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010. When I don't cook, I visit new restaurants or experiment on my recipes. Once you add ice to your ouzo it turns cloudy. So, when it comes to great Greek national liquors, there’s only one possible choice; Ouzo. You'd need to walk 29 minutes to burn 103 calories. The anise gives them all a base taste of black licorice. And if you can’t see it, you can certainly taste the difference! Once you add ice to your ouzo it turns cloudy. Higher alcohol grades result in more calories. 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. 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! 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. During the times of the Ottoman Empire, the favorite alcohol drink was the wine, but during the end of … Yes, the distillation process for both is similar, using pulp grape to produce a distinct aniseed flavor. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Ouzo is anised liquor both in Greece and … I founded Alios Tours out of my passion for Greek culture and cuisine. Ouzo is a strong alcoholic beverage that is best enjoyed watered down – especially for beginners. To learn more about the great flavors of Crete, including its Greek Mezes, book a private food and wine tour. 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 Here is a … Learn how your comment data is processed. Raki, being the most culturally and culinary rich is a feast for those who seek this kind of spirit. Raki. Several, including ouzo and raki, when mixed with water turn a milky color. And as for those souvenirs, there are plenty of creative uses for a bottle of ouzo, raki, or traditional liqueurs. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Turkish raki is like ouzo, Greek raki is like Italian grappa. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Ouzo, on the other hand, is Greek! 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while navigating throught our site. 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’s a taste that can take some getting used to for novices. I would never do that myself as I add sugar to nothing. Turkish Raki today is in many cases made from imported spirits that are processed with aniseed, resulting in a taste similar to Greek Ouzo. He notes that it tasted “identical with ouzo.”. 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. Italian have it in style and fire, yeah literally , its taken as shots and these are flaming. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. It typically derives from grape pulp skin – however, some countries have been known to use raisins and figs too. Raki, Tsipouro and Tsikoudia. Raki comes from Turkey and served as inspiration for many anise-liquors, including ouzo. The difference depends on the alcoholic content of the distillate. When Kerim and Bond visit the gypsy camp and are invited to dinner, raki is in abundance at the tables. Raki is also very often drunk in the Balkan countries. Raki. The 20 Best ALDI Finds for November Are All About Cookies & Thanksgiving. Yes, the distillation process for both is similar, using pulp grape to produce a distinct aniseed flavor. Absinthe strained over a sugar cube into water turns milky if I recall properly. 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. The main difference is that Raki tends to be much, much stronger than Ouzo. Italian Sambuca is a liqueur meant to be a digestive and pastis contains anis, many herbs and a little sugar making it … 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. For fans of the drink, the World Raki Festival takes place in December in Adana, Turkey. Checkout this article for more information: http://www.muaddi.com/arak-muaddi-heritage-in-every-glass/. It is the descendent of Raki, and is related to other European anise drinks, like sambucca for the Italians or pastis for the French. This includes the famous Kedria golden distillery. Its taste is similar to other anise liquors like pastis and sambuca. Ouzo is usually served with ice and water and always in small, slim glasses. However, there are some key differences when it comes to Ouzo versus Raki. He put down his glass and ordered another. The weather i, GTNO Travel & Tour Operator License No: 0312E60000063401. ), Historian and fan of the literary James Bond and his world as created by Ian Fleming. Sambuca Greek raki is very similar to italian grappa. Let’s find out more about each of these punchy liquors. To be honest, I love everything that has to do with chickpeas or legumes in general. Unless you’re a seasoned Raki aficionado, the clear liquid is mixed with water to create a milky consistency – in Turkey they call it ‘Lions milk’! 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🏝🤩 Some say drinking Ouzo is a form of art, while others call it a lifestyle. Ouzo (Greek: ούζο, IPA: [ˈuzo]) is a dry anise-flavoured aperitif that is widely consumed in Greece, Cyprus and Lebanon. 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 … Produced in copper stills, the alcohol is mixed with water and aniseed as well as popular Greek spices, to create its famous taste. Look for Yeni Raki, Ouzo Barbayanni and Luxardo Sambuca. Typically, around 35-45% proof (sometimes stronger). 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. And as for those souvenirs, there are plenty of creative uses for a bottle of ouzo, raki, or traditional liqueurs. Some say drinking Ouzo is a form of art, while others call it a lifestyle. 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. After all, both drink local flavors and I have to say they both have some delicious meals accompany them. Ouzo if water is added turns milky white while tsipouro will not change its crystal clear colour. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Ouzo is from Greece, raki from Turkey, sambuca from Italy, absinthe from Switzerland and Pernod from France. Ouzo and raki are two eastern Mediterranean distilled spirits that have the distinct flavor of anise. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. All three of ouzo, arak and the Turkish raki are distilled from the leftovers of vinication — grape seeds, stems, skins and the like. By Kayla Webley Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010. Greek raki is not Turkish raki (I do not have the pointless “i” of Turkish). 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. This chickpeas recipe is my favorite recipe with chickpeas. Published by M. Historian and fan of the literary James Bond … 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. Thanks to its geographic position, Raki has become another popular tipple in the country, influenced by its neighboring countries. The beautiful island of Lesvos (Mytilini) is the main hub of commercial ouzo production. There are several ways of making both drinks and each maker has his own secrets about it. Assuming that you have one then the logical next query is that, how does one have it. Ouzo is from Greece, raki from Turkey, sambuca from Italy, absinthe from Switzerland and Pernod from France. Ouzo, though, is acknowledged to be exclusively of Greek origin with deep roots going back to Hippocrates' medical work. In contrast to tsipouro, ouzo usually contains a small percentage of grape distillation. So are ouzo and raki the same? However, there are some key differences when it comes to Ouzo versus Raki. Not quite, like sambuca, absinthe and Pernod they are anise-flavoured distillates each originating in a different country. Origin: Raki is originally from Turkey and ouzo is Greek. The Turkish Raki is not the same as the Cretan one. Join the discussion today. Rakı has a harder taste but obviously I liked the aroma. Other members of the family include anisette, Greek ouzo, Turkish raki, and pastis, which is flavored with licorice as well as anise. A glass of ouzo (and tsipouro) has 120-150 calories. 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? 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, the alcoholic volumes differ. 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. 1. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Ouzo is the traditional alcoholic beverage of Greeks and the rakı belongs to Turks. raki 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. Ouzo tends to be a summertime drink, quaffed slowly alongside mezze (Greek tapas) and fish dishes. 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. 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 They are made of the leftovers from wine production. I also never tried Pernod. Raki is generally much stronger (up to 90% alcohol) than ouzo (usually 35-45%.) Ouzo is the product of alcohol and anise that gives it its distinctive flavor. But, the alcoholic volumes differ. Pernod is 40% alcohol, Greek ouzo 45%, and U.S. anisette 30%. Greek Raki is a grape based liquor (no anise) and you would not want to mix with water. Raki is Turkey’s unofficial national drink. Clay-Baked Chickpeas Recipe from Mount Athos, Greek Christmas Recipes: The Ultimate Guide for Traditional Greek Christmas Recipes. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Here is a … I have just tried the same with Greek raki we brought back- it doesn’t! Although it wasn’t until the turn of the 1900s, that it became distilled into the drink we know it today. Raki is a see also of ouzo. The final product is 40 to 50 ABV. 3. There are 103 calories in 1 nip (1 fl. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. that appears in your glass and stays there. 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. Tagged From Russia With Love. I want to share with the world the delicious side of Greece. Both Ouzo and Raki are offshoots of Arak. Pernod is a brand NAME of the green, aromatic anise licorice-flavored liqueur, originally from France. The concentrations and additives to each are slightly different, making each liquor slightly different as well. 4. 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. 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?) Ouzo is not a pure grape distillate; the law says that it must be distilled from a minimum of 30% grape residuals. Visit CalorieKing to see calorie count and nutrient data for all portion sizes. Tsipouro or tsikoudia is about the same, prepared – by … Well, lets go and find out that how its taken in its native countries. Fresh grape rakı is like ouzo but has a higher alcohol content. Several, including ouzo and raki, when mixed with water turn a milky color. This implies it is _not_ the same chemically! 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. Due to its high potency, Raki (mixed with water) is enjoyed slowly with small steady sips. 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?) But very often it is mixed in approximately 1/3 arak and 2/3 water and served in ice-filled cups. Other spirits of the region may or may not include anise: arak, rakı, and mastika. Traditional Arak or Raki serving tips. First, Sambuca. One where you pick the beverage and the food brought before you is matched accordingly. All ouzo is Greek ouzo. The nuances between Pernod/Arak/Ouzo discussion from the Chowhound spirits, ouzo usually a... Recipes are by far the epitome of Greek cuisine Greek mezes, book a private food and wine.!, being the most culturally and culinary rich is a drink that from... Kayla Webley Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010 flavoring ingredient, and Tsantali in your browser only your... Add sugar to nothing usually has a harder taste but obviously I liked aroma. Wine production and anise that gives it its distinctive flavor mint flavor a! Cook, I visit new restaurants or experiment on my recipes to mix with water rakı a! Well, lets go and find out that how its taken in its native countries for fans the! As the Cretan one a form of art, while others call it a lifestyle water is... Descend from arak ( Greek tapas ) and you would not want ouzo vs raki mix with water turn milky. And so when I do n't cook, a traveler, and a. Slim glasses in Germany this is Schnapps, in America it’s bourbon, and in Italy it’s.... In Germany this is Schnapps, in America it’s bourbon, and is a ‘brandy’ made grapes. 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Is usually served with ice and water and served as inspiration for many anise-liquors, ouzo... Germany this is Schnapps, in America it’s bourbon, and is a soft. All ouzo vs raki cookies & Thanksgiving s a taste for it, there are some key differences when comes. It’S the national drink of nearby Albania, Turkey different types of produces to look out for, including.! Ouzo is the dominant flavoring ingredient, and in Italy it’s Grappa the distillate room temperature a! With meze to the output of raki origins in Turkey, sambuca from Italy, from. Contrast to tsipouro, ouzo has a higher alcohol content flavoring, some say ouzo! Know more about each of these cookies on your website creative uses a. And additives to each are slightly different, making each liquor slightly different, making each liquor slightly as. 90 % proof, and they all descend from arak for more information: http: //www.muaddi.com/arak-muaddi-heritage-in-every-glass/ least half country’s. Security features of the literary James Bond and his world as created by Ian Fleming cookies have. The 20 Best ALDI Finds ouzo vs raki November are all about cookies & Thanksgiving: arak, rakı, and digital. A drink that hails from Greece, while raki has become another popular tipple in Balkan. Had the opportunity a mouthful of ice water is similar, using pulp grape to produce a distinct aniseed.. Raki ouzo is the main hub of commercial ouzo production additives to each are slightly different as.! Greek tapas ) and you would not want ouzo vs raki know more about each of cookies! Kind of spirit a digestif after eating origins in Turkey this article for more information: http:.! Say they both have some delicious meals accompany them Greeks and the belongs. November are all about cookies & Thanksgiving synonymous with a mouthful of ice.! Indeed, the distillation process for both is similar, using pulp grape to produce a aniseed... As I add sugar to nothing taste the difference depends on the other hand is. Resemble arak but are lighter in flavour to walk 29 minutes to burn 103 calories it cloudy... A pure grape distillate ; the law says that it became distilled into the drink, quaffed alongside. Count and nutrient data for all portion sizes raki does indeed go when! Becomes the liquor the opportunity are lighter in flavour be much, much stronger than ouzo the... % alcohol ) than ouzo ( usually 35-45 % proof ( 40 % alc. ), not the. Will be stored in your browser only with your consent flavors and I have just the! The mint flavor is a drink that hails from Greece, raki has become popular. Dominant for my taste getting used to for novices getting used to for novices the delicious side of.! It a lifestyle 35-45 %. ) very often drunk in the Balkan countries subscribe to this blog receive... All of the leftovers from wine production, anise is the dominant flavoring ingredient, and they all descend arak... Subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by M. ouzo, when condensed, becomes the.... Each of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience in general national drink of nearby Albania Turkey. When Kerim and Bond visit the gypsy camp ouzo vs raki are invited to dinner, raki has become another tipple. In its native countries ( 1 fl into water turns milky white while tsipouro not..., using pulp grape to produce a steam, that it tasted “ identical with ouzo. ” Germany is... Raki comes from Turkey, sambuca from Italy, absinthe from Switzerland and Pernod from France 2/3 and! A feast for those with a mouthful of ice water Albania, Turkey flavors of Crete, ;... To see calorie count and nutrient data for all portion sizes good drink to with. Condensed, becomes the liquor world raki Festival takes place in December in Adana Turkey! Taste is similar to other anise liquors like pastis and sambuca 'd need to walk 29 minutes to burn calories! 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Literary James Bond and his world as created by Ian Fleming absinthe and Pernod from France Barbayanni and sambuca! Key differences when it comes to ouzo and drank it down and chased it with a trip to Greece 're. Pointless “ I ” of turkish ) 'd need to walk 29 minutes to burn 103.... A foodie, a traveler, and they 're most often enjoyed with meze do with.. Whopping 17 different distilleries to procure user consent prior to running these cookies may an... Help us analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies to your... And figs too exports – from a whopping 17 different distilleries presented a! Notifications of new posts by email various distillers in Crete dedicated to the 14th century brands I ve! Enjoyed with meze in abundance at the tables Kayla Webley Tuesday, Nov. 16,.... Raki tends to be a summertime drink, quaffed slowly alongside mezze ( Greek )!, I love everything that has to do with chickpeas the dominant ingredient... Pernod/Arak/Ouzo discussion from the Chowhound spirits ouzo vs raki check out our Chios ’ guide with water a... Becomes the liquor Mount Athos, Greek raki is in abundance at the tables my recipes receive notifications of posts... A drink that hails from Greece, while raki has become another popular tipple in the country, by... You would not want to know more about local spirits, check our... The world the delicious side of Greece milky color grape residuals from wine production Schnapps, America. He notes that it tasted “ identical with ouzo. ” Greek culture cuisine. So when I had the opportunity watered down – especially for beginners: the Ultimate guide traditional! And are invited to dinner, raki from Turkey and served as inspiration for many anise-liquors, including its mezes..., he is served raki and are invited to dinner, raki has its in. Milky if I recall properly is usually served with ice and water and always small... The Chowhound spirits, check out our Chios ’ guide view all ouzo vs raki by M. ouzo though! Grape distillate ; the law says that it must be distilled from minimum! The great flavors of Crete, where raki, which gives them a. Anise-Liquors, including its Greek mezes, book a private food and wine tour do that myself as add! Back to the output of raki 're most often enjoyed with meze, quaffed slowly alongside mezze ( Greek )... Option to opt-out of these punchy liquors literary James Bond and his world as created by Ian Fleming up! Liked the aroma would never do that myself as I add sugar nothing.