Imagine yourself sipping delicious Mediterranean cocktails while relaxing in the sun and admiring the scenery. You can’t ask for a better moment than this. There are so many great Mediterranean drinks out there. How do you choose the right one? well, frankly it is quite a tough decision to make provided the variety and richness of Mediterranean drinks. However, we have listed some of the most popular and widely acknowledge cocktails of the region in the following section:
Rakomelo
Rakomelo is a mixed drink that also contains alcohol. Because it is rich in flavonoids, the drink is popular and can be used to treat sore throats and other ailments. The drink is typically made with honey, cinnamon, and raki. As you would have figured out, this is a hot beverage and is mostly consumed during the winter season.
Soumada
Soumada is syrupy, non-alcoholic, and almond-based drink. It can often contain bitter almond essence, almond extract, cinnamon sticks, or cloves for additional flavor. This drink has its origin in Greek. Despite being so old, Soumada is still trending red-hot in Greek as well as other Mediterranean countries. So much so, you will find it in most of the drinks menus in Mediterranean hotels.
Pomado
Gin is a popular Balearic drink. It contains high-quality wine and juniper berries from the Mediterranean mountains. The gin also includes secret aromatic herbs. Even if you are not a fan of beverages, Pomado is worth a try for sure.
Limoncello
This popular liqueur, although not technically a Mediterranean cocktail, is likely to be served to you in top Mediterranean restaurants. The origins of Limoncello are a mystery. However, there are many family members from Sorrento and Amalfi who claim to be its ancestors. The only thing that is known is that Massimo Canale from Capri registered the first trademark for ‘Limoncello’ in 1988. It tastes great when chilled properly.
Ouzo
It is one of the most well-known Mediterranean specialties. The drink has a similar flavor to sambuca. It is made by diluting the alcohol with water and flavoring it with aniseed and other botanicals such as coriander, coriander nutmeg, ginger, and angelica.
Ouzo is traditionally consumed with water. This gives it a cloudy appearance. Ouzo is a popular Mediterranean drink that can be ordered along with traditional meze dishes. We recommend you go slow with Ouzo to make the most of its taste.
Frappe
It is a refreshing, cold drink that can be found everywhere – at every cafe, bakery, and beach bar. It isn’t just for summer; Greeks enjoy it all year. Frappe is made with instant coffee and water. It’s stirred with a mixer. Once done, milk and ice are added to it. This is hands down the best Mediterranean drink to enjoy while you lay on the beach.
Tsikoudia
Tsikoudia, a Cretan spirit, is made from the solid remains of grapes after they have been pressed. The high alcohol content of this clear, colorless drink can range from 40% to 65%. Tsikoudia is typically only distilled once to preserve its natural flavors. A menu of Mediterranean drinks is considered incomplete without Tsikoudia.
Retsina
Frappe and beer may be more like daily beverages, but retsina can be a companion to your meal. This is the famous, chilled, Greek resinated wine. There are many retsina brands in Greece. So if you don’t specify it when ordering, you will likely be served a local brand of the spread.
Tsipouro
The Greek Orthodox monks on Mount Athos in the 14th century first created this popular spirit. It is still made in many regions, including Epirus, Thessaly, and Macedonia. Tsipouro, a strong distilled spirit ( containing 40%-50% alcohol), is made from grape skins and vine juice. Tsipouro can also be barrel-aged, tasting very similar to whisky.
Conclusion
Discovering the popular foods and drinks of a country is part of the joy of visiting it. There are many surprises waiting for you when you set out to explore Mediterranean countries. Among other things, you will come to terms with several Mediterranean drinks while touring the region. We strongly recommend you try the above-mentioned beverages by any means. They are definitely worth the shot.
