Greeks take great pleasure in savoring a flavorful meal of meze with friends and family. This tradition celebrates the joy of enjoying simple pleasures and rich Mediterranean flavors. Greek meals often include traditional spirits enjoyed during family gatherings, celebrations, and casual get-togethers. These spirits also serve as a digestif after a meal, rounding off the dining experience.
To fully embrace Greek dining, here are five must-try Greek spirits to elevate your next meal at Bar Vlaha.
Metaxa
This Greek spirit is a blend of brandy and wine, aged and flavored with herbs and spices. Many Greeks enjoy it on the rocks to savor its sweet and spicy flavors. In Greece, Metaxa is often served as a digestif, sipped after meals, or enjoyed during festivals and holidays.
Ouzo
The most famous Greek spirit is Ouzo, an aperitif with a distinctive licorice and anise flavor, complemented by hints of fennel and cardamom. Ouzo is typically served chilled and enjoyed with meze, a variety of small Greek dishes. It’s a staple at social gatherings like family meals and parties, often used for toasting during celebrations.
Raki
Raki is another Greek spirit similar to Ouzo but made from a different type of grape. It features the same anise flavor and is sometimes sweetened with figs. While it’s popular in Greece, Raki is also widely enjoyed in Turkish culture, where it is often served at traditional meals and special occasions. In Greece, Ouzo is commonly sipped alongside meze or at social gatherings and celebrations.
Mastiha
Get ready to savor the unique flavors of pine, herbs, and spices with Mastiha, a traditional Greek spirit made from the mastic tree resin, which grows exclusively on the island of Chios. Greeks often sip Mastiha after a meal as a digestif or enjoy it with dessert. It’s also a popular addition to cocktails, enhancing their flavor with its distinctive taste.
Tsipouro
Tsipouro is a traditional Greek spirit that has been produced for centuries. It is a strong spirit made from distilled pomace, the solid remains of grapes after pressing for wine. Greeks enjoy it straight, chilled from the fridge, with some preferring a splash of water. Tsipouro has become one of the most popular choices for toasting and celebrating.
Visit Bar Vlaha for Classic Greek Spirits
Now that you know the five must-try Greek spirits, it’s time to start sipping! Use these spirits to enhance your Greek meal or enjoy them on their own to experience Greek culture. Try some of the above spirits at Bar Vlaha in Washington Square in Brookline, MA, while enjoying some delicious Greek-inspired cuisine.
