In Greece, the art of making liqueurs has been perfected over centuries. Greek liqueurs are enjoyed as casual digestifs and play a part in social and family life, often served to guests as a gesture of hospitality or savoured at the end of a meal.
Ouzo
While technically classified as an aperitif, ouzo is arguably Greece’s most famous export in the realm of flavoured spirits. It is a potent anise-flavoured liqueur that is synonymous with Greek culture. Made from a base of grape must or grains, it is then distilled with anise and often other botanicals such as fennel, mint, mastic, and coriander. Ouzo is traditionally served with a splash of water, which turns the clear liquid into a milky white due to the anise oils’ reaction, known as the ouzo effect.
Mastiha
Mastiha is a unique liqueur seasoned with mastic, a resin gathered from the mastic trees of Chios island. This aromatic resin has been harvested since antiquity and is prized for its distinctive, slightly pine or cedar-like flavour. Mastiha liqueur can be enjoyed neat, over ice, or in a variety of cocktails, adding a uniquely Greek touch to the mixology scene.
Tentura
Originating from the city of Patras, tentura is a cinnamon-spiced liqueur that captures the warmth of the Mediterranean sun. It combines cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and other spices with a base of brandy or rum. The result is a richly flavoured liqueur with a deep amber colour, commonly consumed as a digestif and often served warm in the colder months.
Kitron
On the island of Naxos, kitron holds a special place among Greek liqueurs. Made from the leaves and fruit of the Citron tree, a cousin to the more common lemon, kitron comes in three varieties, differentiated by their alcohol content and sweetness. Its flavour is more subtle and refined than that of limoncello, which is made from lemons, and has a unique taste profile that is both citrusy and herbal.
Cherry LiqueurIn the northern parts of Greece, cherry orchards produce bountiful harvests that are transformed into succulent cherry liqueurs. These liqueurs are typically sweet with a deep red colour, offering a rich cherry flavour that’s often enhanced with a touch of spice or citrus zest. They are usually served chilled as an after-dinner treat and are sometimes used in desserts or poured over ice cream.
Raki/Tsipouro
Though not liqueurs in the sweet sense, raki (also known as tsikoudia) in Crete and tsipouro in the mainland are worthy of mention. They are grape-based pomace brandies that are sometimes flavoured with anise or other herbs. These strong spirits are central to social life, particularly in rural areas, and are often homemade, with each family boasting its unique recipe.
Herb and Flower Liqueurs
A plethora of Greek liqueurs is made from the wild herbs and flowers that blanket the country's hillsides. These include liqueurs made from sage, rose, thyme, and even dittany of Crete, a herb renowned since ancient times for its healing properties. These spirits are infused with the natural essences of the Greek landscape, offering a sip of the country’s vast and varied flora.
Liqueurs of the Islands
The Greek islands are also known for producing liqueurs from their specific regional produce. For example, the island of Samos is known for its sweet muscat liqueurs, while Skinos from Ithaca is made from the fruit of the mastiha tree, and Rhodes is famed for its soumada, an almond-flavoured concoir.
The Art of Enjoyment
The enjoyment of Greek liqueurs is about more than just taste; it is a sensory experience that involves tradition and location. The best way to enjoy these spirits is often in the traditional Greek fashion – slowly, with good company, and perhaps alongside a selection of meze, the small dishes that are a cornerstone of Greek dining.