Greece Hotels: Sample Traditional Greek Drinks
The Greek national drink of ouzo is famous all over the world and people staying at Greece hotels always try to bring a bottle home as a souvenir. Other drinks are also produced in Greece though, many of which are spirit-based and deceptively strong, including raki, tsipouri and metaxa. Greek Orthodox monks devised most of these drinks many centuries ago, and they are still hugely popular today, being exported to many countries around the world.
The favourite drink of Greeks is ouzo, an anise-flavoured aperitif that is usually drunk mixed with cold water or ice. Modern ouzo production began in the 19th century following Greek Independence, mostly centred on the island of Lesbos. In the early 20th century, it became very popular as absinthe lost its popularity and Ouzo was adopted by young intellectuals.
Another famous Greek drink, a favourite with those on holiday in Corfu hotels is raki. Often consumed with sea food or mezze platters, this less-sweet anise-flavoured spirit is usually drunk neat or mixed with water. So popular is this drink, that at the end of the 19th century, raki overtook wine as the drink of choice of Greeks. There are many different types of raki, dependent on which fruit is used to make the alcohol.
Made by blending brandy and wine made from sun dried grapes, Metaxa was invented in 1888 by Spyros Metaxa. The spices added for flavouring are a closely guarded secret, although it has been disclosed that rose petals, pepper, bay leaf, cinnamon and nutmeg are present. Exported to over 60 countries worldwide, Mexaxa is very popular and has five major varieties.
Look out for Tsipouro, a pomace brandy produced in Macedonia, the Mani Peninsula or on the island of Crete, when staying in cheap hotels in these regions. It was invented in the 14th century by Greek Orthodox monks on Mount Athos in Macedonia and the strong distilled spirit, which contains approximately 45% alcohol has been popular ever since.
tags:Greece hotels,Corfu hotels,CHEAP HOTELS
No comments:
Post a Comment