In Crete, November is the month of “Rakokazano”, as they make their appearance at this time of the year. “Rakokazano” is when a group of people gather up and distil Raki, the same unmistakable way as it has been for years. If you find yourself in Crete this month, look for a mountain village in the hinterland, and you will surely find Rakokazano to attend to. Rakomelo, a delectable blend of Raki (Crete's traditional spirit) and locally made honey, is the ideal alcoholic beverage to enjoy during the harsh winter months. It's even betterwhen spiced upwith cloves and cinnamon. During the summer, some people drink it at room temperature or even ice-cold, but the warm versionis more popular. Tsikoudia ( Greek: τσικουδιά, romanized: tsikoudiá, literally " terebinth"), also often called raki ( Greek: ρακή, romanized: rakí) in the eastern part of Crete, is an alcoholic beverage, a fragrant, grape-based pomace brandy of Cretan origin that contains 40% to 65% alcohol by volume. [1] Tsikoudia is made by distilling of pomace, what remains of grapes pressed in winemaking. The pomace ferments for about six weeks in a tightly sealed barrel, and is then distilled.

A similar drink is baked raki, which is a regional drink of the island of Amorgos, known as psimeni, made from raki, sugar and spices, and served at room temperature. Baked raki contains more spices than rakomelo, which usually only contains cinnamon. [4] Baked raki is also available mixed and bottled, ready for consumption (served at room temperature). [1] [4] Composition [ edit ] Rakiis the most popular of the Greek drinks considered as Greece’s national drink. Raki is made from distilled grapes and anise. Straight Raki will be the popular national drink, while Mastikha will be the Raki version prepared with gum mastic. 3. RETSINA WINE Soumadais a traditional drink in Greece produced Crete. Soumada is a non-alcoholic almond-based beverage with syrup. Soumada is made with a mixture of fresh, locally-grown almonds, sugar and water simmered in sugar syrup. 20. Visinada Ayranis a cold savory yoghurt that you can find in East Europe. You can have it anytime of the day for breakfast, lunch and even dinner. I loved Ayran when eating street food and prices are around €1-2. 19. SOUMADA We met Jorgos at his sister Niki's café, the Mylos Café, in the village of Agouseliana, about a half-hour south of Rethymnon. It was early evening and we were on our way to Agiroupoli, where we were going to spend the night. This being Crete, Jorgos of course poured us some raki to clink glasses, and Isi translated as Jorgos shared his rakomelo secrets.You might get confused between these two Mediterranean drinks quite easily. When comparing raki with ouzo, there are a few significant differences. First off, Raki has Turkish roots while Ouzo is a beverage that originated in Greece. Yes, the distillation method used in both produces a distinct aniseed flavour by using grape pulp. The alcoholic volumes do, however, vary. The primary difference is that Raki is much, much stronger than Ouzo. You can definitely taste the difference even if you can’t see it. Raki vs Cretan Beers

The fresh tsikoudia (protoraki) at this stage is particularly strong, and in traditional cauldrons, where there is no cooling stage, the raki comes out almost hot. It is advised that you not to try too hard and if you want to continue with last year’s tsikoudia collection.

The table at the rakokazano can be simple or extravagant. In any case, local traditional products will certainly make an appearance either as appetisers or as a main course. The charcoal and the hovel of the cauldron fire, of course, provide the solution either as a cooking or heating fire, except for the tsikoudia. Potatoes oftes, which are whole potatoes with the skin roasted in the hot ashes, apaki and sausages on the charcoal, plenty of local goats cooked against the fire, accompany the “protoraki”, which is the fresh batch of raki. And, of course, the seasonal Cretan products: fresh walnuts, chestnuts, pomegranates, apples, and quinces, which give colour to the table. Does Raki have any Health Benefits? Rakomelo is made by combining raki or tsipouro - two types of grape pomace brandy - with honey and several spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, or other regional herbs. It is produced in Crete and other islands of the Aegean Sea and on the Greek mainland, chiefly consumed during the winter as a warm drink. [3] Rakomelo can be found as a bottled mixed drink in liquor stores, ready to be served.

Agiorgitiko (Saint George) is a red Greek wine produced in Nemea Region in Greece. Agiorgitiko is a great option to try in Greece if you love red wine. 12. Greek Cider Thus, after the barrels are placed in the cauldron are layered, the so-called “amphika” is placed over this lid, which they then put dough around to prevent the steam from escaping as they boil, while a tube is placed on top and passes through a tank (cooler) with cold water. Can you believe that the Greek Frappe, popular and delicious is made from Nescafe instant coffee and water. Because it is! Greek coffee can be sketos (plain coffee, no sugar, no milk), metrios (medium sweetness), glykos (sweet), and me gala (with milk). GET HEYMONDO QUOTE HERE plus A SPECIAL DISCOUNT Greek Drinks: Best Greek Beverages And Non Alcoholic Drinks In Greece 1. OUZO Usually, the gatherings in the rakokazano with good company and under the sounds of the Cretan lyra with mantinades and songs that praise the everyday life, the joys, sorrows, and love certainly get the blessing of the positive energy of the participants for its production.Cretan Raki, also known as Tsikoudia, is the pomace brandy. Raki is available in all parts of Crete and is served on every occasion. It is the art of lifestyle and social communication between the Cretans, as there will be no mingling about without this drink in the foray. It lightens the mood and brings out the best in people. Many would think that the purpose of this drink would be to get drunk. However, that is not the case with this one. Raki is brought out while sharing the meal, in traditional cafes, or greeting the guests to break the ice that may have settled over otherwise. It helps in keeping the atmosphere cheerful and in good spirits. Raki is protected by the European Union as it is a registered trademark and is only considered to be original if it is produced in its original location. Nevertheless, it is not the only spirit on the protected list, such as brandy from Jerez, grappa from Barolo, Berliner Kümmel, Genièvre Flandres Artois, Scotch whiskey, Irish whiskey, and cognac. The popularity of raki increases with every passing day. It is often famous for its 100% natural without preservatives and additives, an authentic distillate full of flavours and aromas. One thing you should know is that Raki should never be consumed plain. It has to be accompanied by tasty appetisers and other treats. You can enjoy it with Cretan foods like rusks, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and cheese, seasonal vegetables such as beans and artichokes in the spring, fresh fruit in the summer, or homemade pastries. A lot of speculation abounds for the origin of mulled wine, which in some cases it is claimed to be Greek. It is claimed that the European tradition of mulling wine started in ancient Greece where heat and spices were used to salvage old wine once the summer’s harvest went bad. Being Greek myself I would love to claim that too! Rakomelo (Raki with honey) – A traditional Cretan beverage