We introduced you to our fabulous Culture Club recently, and now, we’re introducing the newest member to snag a spot on our exclusive roster. Meet Susie O., founder of cool cocktail blog Susie Drinks Dallas. Susie’s love of fun, food, and the perfect evening out make her the perfect Culture Clubber, and today, she’s giving us her take on Grecian drinks that everyone can love.
Greeks have been rumored to have one of the most festive cultures in the world. Between the bacchanalia of the Greek Isles and Dionysus himself, I think it’s a stereotype that may just fit. While their food is world famous, their drinks haven’t found the same recognition. We’re going to explore the history of their most well-known liquors and a couple of delicious Greek libations recipes to try out on your own.
The Greek liquor that has the highest recognition along with the highest alcohol content is Ouzo, pronounced “ooozo”. Ouzo has been a symbol of Greek culture since it was created by a group monks in the 14th century and has widely been distilled in Greek ouzeries since the 19th century.
The anise-flavored liquor can be sipped over ice or sipped from a super-chilled glass. When mixed with water, ouzo tends to become cloudy white because anise (the essential oil in ouzo) isn’t soluble in water. If you want the punch of ouzo without the licorice taste, try mixing it with a cola to cut the flavor.
If you’re not up for the strong flavor of ouzo, try the other famous distilled Greek spirit, Metaxa that has been distilled in Greece since 1888 by Spyros Metaxas in Kefalonia. Metaxa is a blend of brandy and Greek wine. Just like whisky, the longer Metaxa is aged, the richer the flavor.
MY FAVORITE GREEK DRINKS
The Greek
Must-have Ingredients: 8 cups of water, ½ a piece of ginger, a handful of mint leaves, one lemon (sliced), a cinnamon stick, brandy to taste, and 1/2 C. of honey.
Creating the Cocktail: Boil the water with the ginger, mint, lemon and cinnamon stick. Add brandy to taste and boil for five minutes. Remove from heat, strain, add the cup of honey, and place in the refrigerator to cool. Serve this drink cool with your favorite Greek delicacy; it’s perfect with your lamb souvlaki in the warmer weather
Iliad
Must-have Ingredients: One part Ouzo, one part amaretto
Creating the Cocktail: Shake the ouzo and amaretto together with ice to chill. Serve with strawberries in a highball glass.
Zorbatini
Must-have Ingredients: 1 part Ouzo, 5 parts vodka
Creating the Cocktail: Mix Ouzo and vodka. Serve with a Greek olive in a martini glass.
Susie O’s Greek Affair
Must-have Ingredients: Retsina and Coca Cola.
Creating the Cocktail: Want to try something a little simpler? Just mix Restina and Coke. It’s a rough drink to imbibe, but you’ll get accustomed to the bite!
Lastly, if liquor isn’t your thing and you’re more of a κρασί (wine) fan, Greece is one of the oldest-known wine-producing regions in the world dating back 6,500 years … heck, they even have a god of wine! Greek wine was traded throughout the Mediterranean and was in high demand in Italy during the Roman Empire. Wine was not only traded, but was also used for medicinal purposes by Hippocrates. Either way, Greek wine has some staying power for a good reason. Try a glass for yourself …or maybe a bottle?
So go and celebrate the Greek tradition of drinking. The one rule is, when you drink, you must dance. OPA!
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