Greek Drinks You Should Try

When you think of Greece, what comes to mind? Is it the stunning beaches, ancient ruins, or delicious cuisine? While these are undeniable highlights, there’s another part of Greek culture you simply must experience: the Greek drinks you should try. From ancient times to the modern day, Greek drinks reflect the country’s deep-rooted traditions, regional pride, and love for social gatherings.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the most popular Greek drinks you should try, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, when visiting Greece or even from the comfort of your home. We’ll cover spirits, liqueurs, wines, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages, with each drink offering a unique taste of Greece’s history, geography, and culture.

Greek Spirits

Greece originates some of the world’s most distinctive alcoholic drinks, rooted in centuries old traditions. These spirits are an essential part of Greek social life, often served alongside small plates of food, called meze. Below, we’ll delve into the most popular spirits you should try in Greece.

Ouzo

Ouzo is perhaps the most iconic of all Greek alcoholic drinks.Distillers produce ouzo from grapes and flavor it with anise, giving it a strong licorice taste that Greeks have enjoyed for centuries. This drink remains especially popular on the islands, particularly in Plomari, Lesvos, where producers craft some of the best ouzo in the country.

• How to Enjoy Ouzo: Ouzo is usually diluted with water, which turns it a milky white, but you can also drink it straight. It’s commonly served alongside small dishes of meze think olives, grilled octopus, or cheese.
• Did You Know?: Ouzo is often associated with long, leisurely meals with friends and family. It’s not just about the drink, but the experience of relaxing and enjoying good company.

Key Facts About Ouzo

Origin	Greece (Plomari, Lesvos)
Main Ingredients	Anise, distilled grapes
Best Paired With	Seafood, olives, meze
ABV	37.5-50%

Tsipouro

Producers make tsipouro, a traditional Greek distilled spirit, from grape pomace the leftover skins, seeds, and stems from winemaking. Greek monks on Mount Athos first distilled this drink in the 14th century. Throughout Greece, producers create Retsina, offering regional varieties that differ slightly in taste.

• Anise Flavored or Plain?: Tsipouro can be flavored with anise, which gives it a similar flavor profile to ouzo, or it can be served plain. The latter is especially popular in regions like Thessaly and Macedonia.
• How to Drink Tsipouro: It’s typically served in small glasses alongside meze, much like ouzo. However, tsipouro is often stronger and less sweet.

Regional Differences in Tsipouro

Region	Type of Tsipouro
Crete (Tsikoudia)	Stronger, unflavored
Macedonia	Anise flavored
Thessaly	Plain (non-anise)

Tsikoudia (Raki)

Raki, or Tsikoudia, is Crete’s version of tsipouro. People usually serve this potent spirit as a welcoming drink in homes across the island. Cretans are famous for their hospitality, and offering raki is often a gesture of friendship and goodwill.

• The Drinking Experience: Cretans drink raki either before or after meals, and it’s typically served cold in small shot glasses. Unlike ouzo, raki is not diluted with water.
• Did You Know?: Raki is often home distilled, and each family takes great pride in their personal batch. It’s a true taste of Greek culture.

Tsikoudia Characteristics

Alcohol Content	40-45% ABV
Best Time to Drink	After meals
Typical Accompaniments	Meze, fruit

Mastiha from Chios

Mastiha is a sweet, fragrant liqueur made from the mastic resin harvested on the island of Chios.The mastic tree, unique to Chios, produces resin with a distinct pine-like flavor. For thousands of years, people have used this resin for medicinal purposes, cooking, and distillation.

• A Drink with Healing Powers: In ancient times, mastic resin was chewed to promote oral health and aid digestion. Today, Mastiha liqueur is a popular digestif served after meals.
• How to Drink Mastiha: It’s typically served cold, sometimes over ice. You can also find it used in cocktails or as a sweet accompaniment to desserts.

Key Information About Mastiha

Region	Chios
Primary Ingredient	Mastic resin
Flavor	Pine, herbal
Best Served	Cold or over ice

Tentura of Patras

In the port city of Patras, you’ll find Tentura, a cinnamon and spice infused liqueur.Producers in the region have been making this drink since the 15th century, when the Venetians influenced Greek trade and culture.

• Flavors of the Spice Route: Tentura’s flavor profile includes cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and sometimes citrus. It’s a warming, sweet drink that’s usually enjoyed as a digestif.
• Serving Suggestions: Tentura is typically consumed after dinner, either straight or mixed into cocktails.

Tentura Ingredients and Origin

Origin	Patras
Flavors	Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, citrus
Best Enjoyed	After dinner

A Taste of Greece’s Unique Terroir

Greece’s regional liqueurs offer a window into the local flavors of the country, each capturing the essence of its unique environment.Local families often produce these liqueurs in small batches, maintaining a strong connection to their respective regions, from the citrus groves of Corfu to the citron trees of Naxos.

Kumquat Liqueur from Corfu

Kumquat liqueur is a specialty of the island of Corfu, introduced in the early 20th century by British botanists. The island’s subtropical climate allowed the Mavromatis family and other local producers to cultivate the small, bitter sweet fruit and turn it into a signature Greek liqueur.

• Bright Citrus Flavors:Kumquat liqueur offers an intense citrus aroma and a sweet yet tangy flavor. People often enjoy it as a digestif or use it in desserts.
• A Symbol of Corfu: This drink has become a cultural symbol of Corfu, and you’ll find it in nearly every local shop and restaurant.

Facts About Kumquat Liqueur

Region	Corfu
Primary Ingredient	Kumquat
Flavor	Citrus, sweet
Best Served	Cold

Kitron of Naxos

Kitron, a lesser-known Greek drink, comes from the leaves of the citron tree. Produced exclusively on the island of Naxos, Kitron comes in three varieties: green, yellow, and clear, each with varying levels of sweetness and alcohol content.

• Citron’s Unique Flavor: Unlike lemons or oranges, citron has a distinct, complex flavor that is both tart and sweet, making it perfect for distillation.
• The Vallindras Distillery: The Vallindras distillery in the village of Halki, known for producing Kitron since the late 1800s, is the most famous producer of the drink.

Varieties of Kitron

Type	Description
Green	Sweet, lower alcohol content
Yellow	Medium sweetness, higher alcohol
Clear	Dry, strong flavor

Greek Beer

Although beer isn’t as traditional in Greece as wine or spirits, the Greek craft beer scene has grown significantly in recent years. Several microbreweries have popped up across the country, creating unique, high quality beers that are perfect for a warm Mediterranean day.

Greek Breweries

Greece’s craft beer industry is booming, with a growing number of breweries experimenting with different styles and ingredients. From pale ales to dark stouts, Greek beers now hold their own on the international stage.

• Popular Breweries: Breweries like Septem, Nisos, and Santorini Donkey have become household names for beer lovers in Greece.
• Did You Know?: Septem brewery’s Sunday’s Honey Golden Ale has won multiple international awards for its smooth, honey infused flavor.

Standout Greek Beers

Beer	Brewery	Style	Tasting Notes
Septem 8th Day IPA	Septem	IPA	Citrusy, hoppy, balanced
Nisos Pilsner	Nisos	Pilsner	Crisp, refreshing, light malt
Yellow Donkey	Santorini Brewing Co.	Pale Ale	Fruity, smooth, slightly bitter

Greek Wines

Greece has a long history of winemaking, dating back thousands of years to ancient times. Today, Greek vineyards produce some of the world’s most unique wines, thanks to the country’s varied climate and volcanic soil. From the crisp whites of Santorini to the bold reds of Naoussa, Greek wines are a must try for any wine enthusiast.

Famous Greek Wine Regions

Region	Famous Wines	Characteristics
Santorini	Assyrtiko	Crisp, mineral, citrus notes from volcanic soil
Naoussa	Xinomavro	Bold, tannic, similar to Nebbiolo
Crete	Vidiano	Balanced, aromatic, floral
Peloponnese	Agiorgitiko	Fruity, soft, medium bodied

Unique Greek Grape Varietals

• Assyrtiko: This crisp white wine is a product of Santorini’s volcanic soil, giving it a unique minerality and citrus flavor. It’s one of the most popular Greek wines for pairing with seafood.
• Xinomavro:People often compare Xinomavro to Nebbiolo because of its complex profile, high acidity, and tannins. It’s the signature grape of the Naoussa region.
• Agiorgitiko: Known as Greece’s answer to Merlot, Agiorgitiko is a fruity, medium bodied red wine from the Peloponnese.
• Savatiano: Producers use this grape to make Retsina, a wine flavored with Aleppo pine resin that imparts a distinctive earthy and herbal character.

Greek Wine and Food Pairings

Wine	Best Paired With
Assyrtiko	Grilled seafood, salads
Xinomavro	Lamb, grilled meats
Agiorgitiko	Tomato based dishes, poultry
Moschofilero	Spicy foods, fish dishes

Non-Alcoholic Greek Drinks

Greece offers plenty of delicious non-alcoholic drinks to try, which people often enjoy as part of their daily lifestyle, providing a refreshing and flavorful break from the heat.

Frappe

The frappe, a popular Greek cold coffee drink, combines instant coffee, water, and sugar. It’s a Greek café staple, especially in summer.

• How to Enjoy Frappe:They typically serve the frappe over ice, adding milk and sugar to taste. It’s a refreshing pick-me-up that’s perfect for sipping on a hot day.

Mountain Tea (Tsai tou Vounou)

People make mountain tea, a traditional Greek herbal drink, from dried herbs and flowers, especially Sideritis. People brew it with hot water for its mild, earthy flavor and health benefits.

• Health Benefits: Mountain tea, rich in antioxidants, helps with digestion, colds, and anxiety.

Soumada

Soumada is a sweet, almond flavored drink traditionally served at weddings and celebrations in Greece. Made from ground almonds and sugar, it’s a refreshing and delicious non-alcoholic option.

Retsina

Retsina, a unique wine infused with Aleppo pine resin, has been a part of Greek tradition for thousands of years. Its distinctive resinous flavor often requires newcomers to acquire a taste for it. Historically, winemakers sealed wine containers with resin, making it a key feature of the wine’s character.

• The Origins of Retsina: This wine is often associated with the ancient Greek practice of sealing amphorae with resin to prevent spoilage. The resin flavor became synonymous with the wine itself.
• Modern Retsina:Today, winemakers use Savatiano grapes to make Retsina, particularly popular in the Attica region around Athens. They still add resin during fermentation, but modern methods refine the flavor.

Retsina at a Glance

Flavor	Earthy, piney, herbal
Pairing Suggestions	Grilled fish, lamb, olives
Popular Regions	Attica, Euboea

Rakomelo

Rakomelo blends rake (or tsikoudia) with honey and spices like cinnamon and cloves into a warm Greek spirit.People especially enjoy Retsina in the winter months, particularly in the mountainous regions of Crete.

• How It’s Made: To prepare Rakomelo, Raki heats gently while dissolving honey and spices into it. The result is a smooth, slightly sweet drink with a warming kick.
• Best Served Warm: Unlike many other Greek spirits, rakomelo is traditionally served warm, making it perfect for cooler weather or after dinner enjoyment.

Rakomelo Flavor Profile

Main Ingredients	Raki, honey, cinnamon, cloves
Flavor	Sweet, spicy, warming
Best Time to Drink	Winter evenings, after meals

Greek Brandy

While brandy isn’t exclusively Greek, Metaxa is a brandy blend that has become synonymous with Greece. Spyros Metaxa created this spirit in 1888. It blends brandy with Muscat wine from Samos. A secret mix of herbs and botanicals enhances its flavor.

• A Smooth Blend:People describe Metaxa as a smooth, amber-hued spirit with notes of dried fruit, honey, and spices. The different varieties of tsipouro range from 5-star to 12-star, depending on how long the drink has aged.
• How to Drink Metaxa: You can enjoy Metaxa neat, on the rocks, or as part of a cocktail. It’s versatile and often used in recipes that call for brandy.

Metaxa Variations

Star Rating	Aging Time	Tasting Notes
5-Star	5 years	Smooth, fruity
7-Star	7 years	Rich, spicy, complex
12-Star	12 years	Deep, velvety, sophisticated

Greek Coffee

Greek coffee, central to social life, is brewed in a special pot called a briki. It’s served in small cups with a rich, strong flavor and frothy foam called kaimaki. Enjoy it slowly, often with a glass of water on the side.

• How to Order Greek Coffee: You can request your coffee sketos (unsweetened), metrios (medium sweet), or glyko (sweet). It’s important to allow the coffee grounds to settle at the bottom of the cup before drinking.
• Greek Coffee Tradition: In Greece, coffee is more than just a drink; it’s a reason to sit down, relax, and have a conversation with friends or family.

Greek Coffee Strengths

Type	Sweetness Level
Sketos	No sugar
Metrios	Medium sweetness
Glyko	Sweet

Kanelada

Kanelada is a traditional Greek cinnamon-flavored drink, popular particularly in the region of Epirus. This beverage, typically enjoyed cold, features a fragrant and flavorful syrup made by boiling cinnamon sticks with sugar. Dilute the syrup with water or soda before serving to create a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink.

• A Traditional Treat: People often serve Kanelada during the holidays, but they can enjoy it year-round as a refreshing, spiced drink.
• Health Benefits: Besides its delicious taste, cinnamon offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making kanelada both tasty and beneficial.

How to Make Kanelada

Ingredients	Method
Cinnamon sticks, sugar, water	Boil cinnamon and sugar in water to create syrup. Cool and mix with water or soda. Serve chilled.

Mavrodaphne

Mavrodaphne is a sweet, fortified red wine from Patras. Winemakers blend Mavrodaphne grapes with Korinthiaki to achieve a deep, syrupy texture. This wine is a popular dessert choice.

• The Origin: The name Mavrodaphne means “black laurel” in Greek, and the wine is believed to have been named after a woman beloved by Gustav Clauss, the founder of the Achaia Clauss winery in Patras.
• Flavor Profile: This wine is rich with flavors of dark fruits like blackberries, prunes, and raisins, with hints of chocolate and spice.People best enjoy it at the end of a meal, often pairing it with desserts or strong cheeses.

How to Enjoy Mavrodaphne

Best Paired With	Serving Temperature
Chocolate desserts, cheese plates	Slightly chilled (12-15°C)

Koumaria

Koumaria, a traditional Greek spirit, comes from wild berries, mainly the Arbutus unedo or strawberry tree. Small villages, especially in northern Greece’s mountainous regions, produce it. This rustic and potent spirit is a lesser-known gem of Greek distillation.

• Traditional Production: Koumaria is distilled using the same techniques as tsipouro or raki, but instead of grapes, the berries of the koumaria tree are used. Distillers ferment these berries and distill them into a clear, strong spirit.
• A Rare Taste: Koumaria has a slightly sweet, fruity flavor with a hint of earthiness from the wild berries. While not as widely available as ouzo or tsipouro, it’s a true gem for those seeking a unique, authentic Greek drinking experience.

Kitro

On the island of Naxos, you’ll find kitro, a citrus-based liqueur made from the leaves of the citron tree. The Vallindras distillery, established in 1896, is the most famous producer of this liqueur, which is available in three different varieties: green, yellow, and clear, each with varying degrees of sweetness.

• Kitro’s Unique Flavors: The green variety is the sweetest, the yellow has a more balanced, medium sweetness, and the clear kitro is the driest and most potent. Each has a distinct citrus flavor, making it a refreshing and light after-dinner drink.
• Cultural Significance: Kitro has been produced for centuries on Naxos and is closely tied to the island’s identity. It’s traditionally consumed as a digestif, and it’s often enjoyed over ice or with soda water.

Varieties of Kitro

Color	Flavor	Alcohol Content
Green	Sweet, zesty	30% ABV
Yellow	Balanced, mild citrus	35% ABV
Clear	Dry, strong citrus	40% ABV

Vissinada

Vissinada is a traditional non-alcoholic Greek cherry drink made from sour cherry syrup (vissino). People typically serve this refreshing beverage over ice in the summer, diluting it with water or soda for a tangy, fruity treat. It’s similar to soumada, but instead of almonds, cherries are the star.

• A Taste of Summer: Vissinada is especially loved during the hot Greek summers for its ability to refresh and energize. It’s often served in cafés as an alternative to alcohol or soft drinks.
• Homemade Vissinada: Many Greek households make their own vissinada syrup by boiling sour cherries with sugar and lemon juice, which is then stored for use throughout the year.

Vissinada Ingredients

Key Ingredients	Preparation Method
Sour cherries, sugar, lemon juice	Boil cherries with sugar, strain, and bottle syrup for later use

Krokos Kozanis

Krokos Kozanis, also known as Greek saffron, is an ancient and highly valued spice grown in the region of Kozani in northern Greece. Saffron, known for its vibrant color and health benefits, enriches not only cooking but also herbal teas and alcoholic beverages.

• The History of Krokos: Saffron has been cultivated in Greece for over 3,000 years, and the Kozani region is recognized for producing some of the world’s highest-quality saffron.
• Saffron Tea: One of the most popular ways to enjoy Krokos Kozanis is as a herbal tea. The tea offers a mild flavor with honey notes and floral undertones, and people often consume it for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Krokos in Spirits: Saffron is also used to flavor certain Greek spirits, adding a unique and slightly bitter taste to them.

Benefits of Krokos Kozanis

Health Benefits	Common Uses
Rich in antioxidants, anti inflammatory properties, aids digestion	Herbal teas, infused in spirits, cooking

Conclusion

Whether you’re enjoying a glass of ouzo by the seaside or sipping on a refreshing frappe in a bustling Greek café, the drinks of Greece offer an authentic taste of the country’s culture and history. Visitors and enthusiasts must try these drinks, from the spirits enjoyed for centuries to the modern craft beers that are putting Greece on the map.

So, the next time you find yourself in Greece, make sure to explore these popular Greek drinks. And if you can’t make it to Greece, many of these drinks are available worldwide bringing the flavors of Greece right to your doorstep.