Drinks similar to Rakia - Tsipouro

Tsipouro

Tsipouro is a Greek based spirit made from pomace. It is popularly made in the towns of Thessaly, Epirus, Macedonia and the island of Crete. This particular drink is usually around the 45 percent alcohol by volume mark. It is also known as raki in other areas of Greece and the foundation for the term rakizio which means the distillation process. It is regularly drunk for a celebration with family and friends.

Greek Orthodox monks in the fourteenth century were the founders in the area of Mount Athos in Macedonia. Eventually, the idea of using the must left overs from the wine process to make a distilled spirit was passed on to the poorer regions and tsipouro flourish.

Tsipouro is used either as refreshment or as a hot beverage depending on the climate at the time and also on the time of the day. Bu mainly it is drunk mostly on special occasions.

To serve, traditionally cold shot glasses are used alongside a meze feast of small dishes in restaurants.

A landmark in the spirit was made in 2006, when Greece lodged a request for tsipouro to be recognised as a Protected designation of origin (PDO) product.

There is also an anise-flavored tsipouro which is unique to Central Macedonia, Chalkidiki, and Thessaly areas. The production method is different with the result being a higher quality spirit. The character of this tsipouro is very similar to the flavour of the renown Greek ouzo.