Greek cuisine offers a delightful array of beverages that perfectly complement its rich and flavorful dishes. Here are some of the best Greek drinks you should definitely try!

Ouzo

Ouzo is like Greece’s superstar drink! It’s this cool, anise-flavored liqueur that gets all cloudy when you mix it with water or ice – pretty neat, huh?

Now, Greeks love to sip ouzo while munching on meze – those yummy appetizers like olives, cheese, and grilled seafood. It’s like the perfect combo for a chill hangout with friends. And here’s the best part: sharing ouzo with your buddies is a big deal in Greece. It’s not just about drinking – it’s about enjoying each other’s company and having a blast together. It’s all about that Greek hospitality and friendship vibes!

You’ll find ouzo all over Greece, but it’s super famous on islands like Lesvos, Chios, and Samos. These places have been making ouzo for ages, so they really know how to make it just right!

Let’s chat about raki! You might hear it called tsikoudia or tsipouro, depending on where you are in Greece. It’s this awesome traditional Greek spirit that’s been around forever.

They take grape pomace – that’s basically the stuff left over after they squeeze grapes for wine. They distill it, which gives raki its clear look and super strong flavor. Raki is loved all over Greece, but it’s got a special connection to places like Crete and Cyprus. It’s a big part of their culture and traditions.

The alcohol content of raki can vary, but it generally ranges between 40% to 45% alcohol by volume (ABV), making it quite potent. It’s traditionally served in small glasses, often accompanied by meze, which are small plates of appetizers like olives, cheese, or cured meats.

Over the years, Greece has become quite the wine hotspot, known for its awesome variety of local grapes that make some seriously tasty wines. Look out for Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, Agiorgitiko, and Moschofilero—they’re all winners. If you’re into wine tasting, Santorini is the place to be, with loads of cool wineries to check out. One of the big names is Santo Wines, a major player on the island since 1911, and their stuff is top-notch.

Mastiha Liqueur

Have you ever heard of mastiha liqueur? It’s this awesome drink that comes from the Greek island of Chios. They make it from the resin of mastic trees, which grow all over the Mediterranean.

Now, what’s it taste like? Well, it’s kinda sweet with a hint of pine. And it smells amazing, like pine and herbs mixed together. Plus, it’s really smooth and velvety, perfect for sipping on its own or mixing into cocktails and desserts.

Here in Greece, we love to enjoy mastiha liqueur before or after a meal – you know, as a little pre-game or a nightcap. We like it chilled or with some ice to keep it nice and refreshing. We even use it in traditional Greek sweets like baklava for a tasty twist!

Often referred to as the Greek brandy, Metaxa is a sweet and aromatic spirit made from distilled wine and aged in oak barrels. You’ll find it served usually over ice, or sometimes mixed with cola for a little extra zing. It’s got this smooth, mellow vibe that’s perfect for sipping on a warm evening while you’re chilling with friends. Some folks even say it’s like a taste of Greece in a glass, giving you those Mediterranean vibes with every sip. Give it a try if you’re feeling adventurous—it’s definitely worth it!

Frappé

A popular summer drink, frappé is made by shaking instant coffee, sugar, and water with ice until frothy.
Some people like to add milk to sweeten it up or make it creamier. It’s kinda like a coffee milkshake, but with a bit more kick. Perfect for sipping and chilling out, whether you’re hanging at a café or kicking back at home.