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Arak (distilled beverage)
Encyclopedia
Arak or Araq is a highly alcoholic spirit (~50%-63% Alc. Vol./~100-126 proof) from the anis drinks
family. It is a clear, colorless, unsweetened anise
-flavoured distilled alcoholic drink
(also labeled as an Apéritif
). It is the traditional alcoholic beverage of Iraq
, Lebanon
, Palestine
, Jordan
, and Syria
, and is also produced and consumed in other Eastern Mediterranean
and North Africa
n countries. Arak is also a liquor (generally >100 proof) found throughout Indonesia that is distilled from tuak, a sweet wine made from the coconut palm flower, or from brem, which is a wine made from black glutinous rice and coconut milk. Although Indonesian arak may be found bottled commercially, more commonly it is sold in warung
s and other local shops filled within plastic bags sealed with a rubber band at the top. , the price for a ~1 liter bag is ~20,000 rupiah, just around 2 USD.
′araq عرق, meaning 'condensation'. Arak is not to be confused with the similarly named liquor, arrack (which in some cases, such as in Indonesia—especially Bali, also goes by the name arak). Another similarly sounding word is aragh, which in Armenia, Iran, Azerbaijan and Georgia is the colloquial name of vodka
, and not an aniseed-flavored drink. Raki
, zivania
, and ouzo
are aniseed-flavored alcoholic drinks, related to arak, popular in Turkey
, Cyprus
, and Greece, respectively.
Arak is usually mixed in approximately 1/3 arak and 2/3 water in a traditional Levantine water vessel called "Ibrik", in Arabic "إبريق"; then the mixture is poured in small ice filled cups, like in the picture.
This dilution causes the clear liquor to turn a translucent milky-white color; this is because anethole
, the essential oil of anise, is soluble in alcohol but not in water. This results in an emulsion, whose fine droplets scatter the light and turn the liquid translucent, a phenomenon known as louching.
Arak is commonly served with mezza
, which could include dozens of small traditional dishes. Most arak drinkers prefer to consume it this way, rather than alone. It is also well consumed with barbecues, along with garlic sauce
.
If ice is added after pouring in the cup, it results in the formation of an aesthetically unpleasant skin on the surface of the drink, because the ice causes the oils to solidify out in the arak. If water is added first, the ethanol causes the fat to emulsify, leading to the characteristic milky color. To avoid the precipitation of the anise (instead of emulsion), drinkers prefer not to reuse an arak-filled glass. In restaurants, when a bottle of arak is ordered, the waiter will usually bring a number of glasses along with it for this reason, whilst at home with regular drinkers it is deemed unnecessary.
poisoning due to impurities or flawed distillation process.
The most commonly known Arak brands are:
During the first distillation, the goal is to get the alcohol out of the mixture that has fermented for three weeks. The distillation is done using the alembic
or el romeli also al karkeh, made of copper
. This is made up of three sections. The lowest being a container used to boil what is inside (on fire). The middle part collects the vapors coming out of the boiling ingredients. The third part is used to cool the vapor that will be converted to liquid and collected on its way out, usually in a container of glass. The mixture of all the fermented and squeezed grapes is put into the lower part and it is boiled at a temperature around 80 °C (the boiling point of alcohol), but below 100 °C (boiling point of water). The aim is to collect all the alcohol whilst not allowing any of the water in to the container.
Numerous still
s exist, stainless steel, copper, continuous, discontinuous, swan neck, Moorish lid, and column pots, that will affect the aromas. Indeed, the material used
and the shapes will collect different vapors that will craft the final taste and specificity of the arak. The authentic copper with a Moorish shape are the most searched after.
The finished product is made during the second distillation.. The alcohol collected in the first distillation is distilled again but this time it is mixed with aniseed. The alembic is washed to remove all the remains of the previous distillation. The alcohol and the aniseed are mixed together in the lower part of the karkeh (called in Arabic ddessett). The ratio of alcohol to aniseed may vary (approximately 600 grams of anise to 4.5 gallons of alcohol), and it is one of the major factors in the quality of the final product. Another distillation takes place, usually on the lowest possible temperature. The procedure is very slow (around 8 hours for 150 liters 100% proof).
For a quality arak, the finished spirit is aged in clay amphoras to allow the share of angels (low density alcohol) to evaporate and thus the remaining liquid is the most suitable for consumption. The aging process is around twelve months at El Massaya that owns the largest aging capacity in Lebanon.
Traditionally, a drinking party takes place at the same time and people would gather to help the producer and celebrate. This is one of the most traditional parties of the Lebanese mountains and it usually takes place in November.
s and anise
. Numerous varieties of arak are popular in all the countries edging the Mediterranean, and in parts of the Far East. In the Levant
, it is distilled from fermented grape juice
or, at times, sugar
, and is considered by the inhabitants to be greatly superior to similar hard liquors in other countries. The same spirit is called Ouzo
in Greece
, Mastika
in Republic of Macedonia
and Bulgaria
and Rakı
(another form of the word arak) in Turkey
; they are made from a variety of products like grain
, molasses
, plums, fig
s and potatoes. Other similar drinks are the arak of Iraq
, made from fermented date juice, and the zibib of Egypt
, a peasant-made drink. An Iranian variant called Aragh-e Sagi
is produced without anise, and has a higher alcohol
content than other varieties.
Beside the raw material, the arak differs because of the still shape. Indeed some use a continuous distillation, some the swan neck stills and some other the moorish shape. The different shapes allow to use the energy that the steam generates (continuous and swan neck) to accelerate the process while the moorish lid allows a natural migration of the steam and thus allows a smoother migration of the aromatic components. The distillery that rejuvenated this technique is El Massaya in Tanail, Bekaa valley.
Further west, along the northern shores of the Mediterranean, the Italian anesone, French pastis
and Spanish ojén
, served as aperitifs or refreshers, are all sweeter versions of arak. In the Far East, the similarly sounding arrack is a different beverage distilled from palm sap or rice and devoid of anise flavor (it is known as soju
in Korea and shōchū
in Japan).
Traditionally, arak was generally of local or village manufacture, but in the last few decades it has increasingly been produced in large manufacturing plants. It has remained the preference of those who enjoy alcoholic drinks in the Middle East, in competition with the many drinks imported from the West.
The strength of arak varies from 40% to 80% depending on the producer but can in no way indicates the quality of the spirit. The strength indeed depends on the quantity of the distilled water that is added after the distillation.
In Iraq
, Arak is sometimes referred to as the "lions' milk" ḥalīb sibāʕ, corresponding with Turkish aslan sütü -- most likely due to its milky appearance, and high alcohol content thought to only be tolerated by people "as strong as lions."
Lebanon considers arak its traditional alcoholic beverage and the name Arak Zahlawi is a "controlled term of origin" given by the Lebanese people to arak produced in Zahleh, Beqaa Valley.
Anis drinks
Anis drinks is a family of alcoholic drinks with unique characteristics such as:*Strong flavour of anise.*High concentration of alcohol.*Crystallization and colour changing when mixed with other liquids.* Rakı, a Turkish drink* Oghi, an Armenian drink...
family. It is a clear, colorless, unsweetened anise
Anise
Anise , Pimpinella anisum, also called aniseed, is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia. Its flavor resembles that of liquorice, fennel, and tarragon.- Biology :...
-flavoured distilled alcoholic drink
Alcoholic beverage
An alcoholic beverage is a drink containing ethanol, commonly known as alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are divided into three general classes: beers, wines, and spirits. They are legally consumed in most countries, and over 100 countries have laws regulating their production, sale, and consumption...
(also labeled as an Apéritif
Aperitif
Apéritifs and digestifs are alcoholic drinks that are normally served with meals.-Apéritifs:An apéritif is usually served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. This contrasts with digestifs, which are served after a meal for the purpose of aiding digestion...
). It is the traditional alcoholic beverage of Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
, Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
, Palestine
Palestine
Palestine is a conventional name, among others, used to describe the geographic region between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, and various adjoining lands....
, Jordan
Jordan
Jordan , officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan , Al-Mamlaka al-Urduniyya al-Hashemiyya) is a kingdom on the East Bank of the River Jordan. The country borders Saudi Arabia to the east and south-east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and the West Bank and Israel to the west, sharing...
, and Syria
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
, and is also produced and consumed in other Eastern Mediterranean
Eastern Mediterranean
The Eastern Mediterranean is a term that denotes the countries geographically to the east of the Mediterranean Sea. This region is also known as Greater Syria or the Levant....
and North Africa
North Africa
North Africa or Northern Africa is the northernmost region of the African continent, linked by the Sahara to Sub-Saharan Africa. Geopolitically, the United Nations definition of Northern Africa includes eight countries or territories; Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, South Sudan, Sudan, Tunisia, and...
n countries. Arak is also a liquor (generally >100 proof) found throughout Indonesia that is distilled from tuak, a sweet wine made from the coconut palm flower, or from brem, which is a wine made from black glutinous rice and coconut milk. Although Indonesian arak may be found bottled commercially, more commonly it is sold in warung
Warung
A warung is a type of small family-owned business — often a casual shop, usually café — in Indonesia and Malaysia...
s and other local shops filled within plastic bags sealed with a rubber band at the top. , the price for a ~1 liter bag is ~20,000 rupiah, just around 2 USD.
Etymology
The word arak comes from ArabicArabic language
Arabic is a name applied to the descendants of the Classical Arabic language of the 6th century AD, used most prominently in the Quran, the Islamic Holy Book...
′araq عرق, meaning 'condensation'. Arak is not to be confused with the similarly named liquor, arrack (which in some cases, such as in Indonesia—especially Bali, also goes by the name arak). Another similarly sounding word is aragh, which in Armenia, Iran, Azerbaijan and Georgia is the colloquial name of vodka
Vodka
Vodka , is a distilled beverage. It is composed primarily of water and ethanol with traces of impurities and flavorings. Vodka is made by the distillation of fermented substances such as grains, potatoes, or sometimes fruits....
, and not an aniseed-flavored drink. Raki
Raki (alcoholic beverage)
Raki is a Turkish unsweetened, anise-flavored hard alcoholic drink that is popular in Turkey, Greece, Serbia, and other Balkan countries as an apéritif. It is often served with seafood or meze...
, zivania
Zivania
Zivania or zivana is a Cypriot alcoholic beverage. Zivania is a distillate produced from the pomace of grapes that were pressed during the wine-making process mixed with local dry wines produced from local grape varieties of Cyprus such as Xynisteri and Mavro...
, and ouzo
Ouzo
Ouzo is an anise-flavored aperitif that is widely consumed in Greece and Cyprus, and a symbol of Greek culture.-History:Traditionally, tsipouro is said to have been the pet project of a group of 14th century monks living in a monastery on holy Mount Athos. One version of it is flavored with anise...
are aniseed-flavored alcoholic drinks, related to arak, popular in Turkey
Turkish cuisine
Turkish cuisine is largely the heritage of Ottoman cuisine, which can be described as a fusion and refinement of Central Asian, Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisines. Turkish cuisine has in turn influenced those and other neighbouring cuisines, including that of western Europe...
, Cyprus
Cypriot cuisine
Cypriot cuisine is the cuisine of Cyprus and can be described as a blend of Greek cuisines. Greek Cypriot cuisine is another regional Greek cuisine along with Cretan, Ionian, or Attic....
, and Greece, respectively.
Consumption
This dilution causes the clear liquor to turn a translucent milky-white color; this is because anethole
Anethole
Anethole is a phenylpropene, a type of aromatic compound that occurs widely in nature, in essential oils...
, the essential oil of anise, is soluble in alcohol but not in water. This results in an emulsion, whose fine droplets scatter the light and turn the liquid translucent, a phenomenon known as louching.
Arak is commonly served with mezza
Meze
Meze or mezze is a selection of small dishes served in the Mediterranean and Middle East as dinner or lunch, with or without drinks. In Levantine cuisines and in the Caucasus region, meze is served at the beginning of all large-scale meals....
, which could include dozens of small traditional dishes. Most arak drinkers prefer to consume it this way, rather than alone. It is also well consumed with barbecues, along with garlic sauce
Toum
Toum is a garlic sauce as prepared in Lebanon, the Levant and Egypt similar to the European aioli. As well as garlic, it contains salt, olive oil or vegetable oil and lemon juice crushed using a wooden mortar and pestle. There is also a variation popular in many villages where mint is added,...
.
If ice is added after pouring in the cup, it results in the formation of an aesthetically unpleasant skin on the surface of the drink, because the ice causes the oils to solidify out in the arak. If water is added first, the ethanol causes the fat to emulsify, leading to the characteristic milky color. To avoid the precipitation of the anise (instead of emulsion), drinkers prefer not to reuse an arak-filled glass. In restaurants, when a bottle of arak is ordered, the waiter will usually bring a number of glasses along with it for this reason, whilst at home with regular drinkers it is deemed unnecessary.
Controversy
Due to the lack of legislative control, there had been fatalities associated with methanolMethanol
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, wood naphtha or wood spirits, is a chemical with the formula CH3OH . It is the simplest alcohol, and is a light, volatile, colorless, flammable liquid with a distinctive odor very similar to, but slightly sweeter than, ethanol...
poisoning due to impurities or flawed distillation process.
Brands
- Zumot (الزعمط)
- Rayan (الريّان)
- Haddad (حداد )
- Batta (البطّة)
- Al Mimas (الميماس)
- Al Hayat (الحياة)
- Dinan (دنان)
- Al Laytany (الليطاني)
- Al Bayt (البيت)
- Al-Jouzour (الجذور)
- Al Samir
- Brun (بران)
- El Massaya (مسايا)
- Fakra (فقرا)
- Ghantous and Abi Raad (غنطوس و أبي رعد)
- Kefraya
- Ksarak (كساراك)
- Layali Loubnan (ليالي لبنان)
- Nakad (نكد)
- Riachi (رياشي)
- Tazka (تزكا)
- Touma (توما)
- asriya (عصرية)
Preparation
Distillation begins with the vineyards and quality grapevines are the key to making good arak. The vines should be very mature and usually of a golden colour. Instead of being irrigated, the vineyards are left to the care of the Mediterranean climate and make use of the natural rain and sun. The grapes, which are harvested in late September and October, are crushed and put in barrels together with the juice (in Arabic El romeli) and left to ferment for three weeks. Occasionally the whole mix is stirred to release the CO2.During the first distillation, the goal is to get the alcohol out of the mixture that has fermented for three weeks. The distillation is done using the alembic
Alembic
An alembic is an alchemical still consisting of two vessels connected by a tube...
or el romeli also al karkeh, made of copper
Copper
Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It is a ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. Pure copper is soft and malleable; an exposed surface has a reddish-orange tarnish...
. This is made up of three sections. The lowest being a container used to boil what is inside (on fire). The middle part collects the vapors coming out of the boiling ingredients. The third part is used to cool the vapor that will be converted to liquid and collected on its way out, usually in a container of glass. The mixture of all the fermented and squeezed grapes is put into the lower part and it is boiled at a temperature around 80 °C (the boiling point of alcohol), but below 100 °C (boiling point of water). The aim is to collect all the alcohol whilst not allowing any of the water in to the container.
Numerous still
Still
A still is a permanent apparatus used to distill miscible or immiscible liquid mixtures by heating to selectively boil and then cooling to condense the vapor...
s exist, stainless steel, copper, continuous, discontinuous, swan neck, Moorish lid, and column pots, that will affect the aromas. Indeed, the material used
Distillation
Distillation is a method of separating mixtures based on differences in volatilities of components in a boiling liquid mixture. Distillation is a unit operation, or a physical separation process, and not a chemical reaction....
and the shapes will collect different vapors that will craft the final taste and specificity of the arak. The authentic copper with a Moorish shape are the most searched after.
For a quality arak, the finished spirit is aged in clay amphoras to allow the share of angels (low density alcohol) to evaporate and thus the remaining liquid is the most suitable for consumption. The aging process is around twelve months at El Massaya that owns the largest aging capacity in Lebanon.
Traditionally, a drinking party takes place at the same time and people would gather to help the producer and celebrate. This is one of the most traditional parties of the Lebanese mountains and it usually takes place in November.
Variations
One of the basic varieties, considered by many to be the prototypical arak, is distilled from grapeGrape
A grape is a non-climacteric fruit, specifically a berry, that grows on the perennial and deciduous woody vines of the genus Vitis. Grapes can be eaten raw or they can be used for making jam, juice, jelly, vinegar, wine, grape seed extracts, raisins, molasses and grape seed oil. Grapes are also...
s and anise
Anise
Anise , Pimpinella anisum, also called aniseed, is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia. Its flavor resembles that of liquorice, fennel, and tarragon.- Biology :...
. Numerous varieties of arak are popular in all the countries edging the Mediterranean, and in parts of the Far East. In the Levant
Levant
The Levant or ) is the geographic region and culture zone of the "eastern Mediterranean littoral between Anatolia and Egypt" . The Levant includes most of modern Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel, the Palestinian territories, and sometimes parts of Turkey and Iraq, and corresponds roughly to the...
, it is distilled from fermented grape juice
Grape juice
Grape juice is obtained from crushing and blending grapes into a liquid. The juice is often sold in stores or fermented and made into wine, brandy, or vinegar. In the wine industry, grape juice that contains 7-23 percent of pulp, skins, stems and seeds is often referred to as "must"...
or, at times, sugar
Sugar
Sugar is a class of edible crystalline carbohydrates, mainly sucrose, lactose, and fructose, characterized by a sweet flavor.Sucrose in its refined form primarily comes from sugar cane and sugar beet...
, and is considered by the inhabitants to be greatly superior to similar hard liquors in other countries. The same spirit is called Ouzo
Ouzo
Ouzo is an anise-flavored aperitif that is widely consumed in Greece and Cyprus, and a symbol of Greek culture.-History:Traditionally, tsipouro is said to have been the pet project of a group of 14th century monks living in a monastery on holy Mount Athos. One version of it is flavored with anise...
in Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
, Mastika
Mastika
Mastika , mastícha; is a liquor seasoned with mastic, a resin gathered from the mastic tree, a small evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region...
in Republic of Macedonia
Republic of Macedonia
Macedonia , officially the Republic of Macedonia , is a country located in the central Balkan peninsula in Southeast Europe. It is one of the successor states of the former Yugoslavia, from which it declared independence in 1991...
and Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Bulgaria , officially the Republic of Bulgaria , is a parliamentary democracy within a unitary constitutional republic in Southeast Europe. The country borders Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, as well as the Black Sea to the east...
and Rakı
Raki
-Alcoholic beverages:*Rakı, an anise-flavored spirit popular in Turkey*Any anise-flavored drink.-Fictional characters:*Raki, a character in the manga/anime series Claymore*Raki, a character in the game Ar tonelico II: Melody of Metafalica...
(another form of the word arak) in Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
; they are made from a variety of products like grain
GRAIN
GRAIN is a small international non-profit organisation that works to support small farmers and social movements in their struggles for community-controlled and biodiversity-based food systems. Our support takes the form of independent research and analysis, networking at local, regional and...
, molasses
Molasses
Molasses is a viscous by-product of the processing of sugar cane, grapes or sugar beets into sugar. The word molasses comes from the Portuguese word melaço, which ultimately comes from mel, the Latin word for "honey". The quality of molasses depends on the maturity of the sugar cane or sugar beet,...
, plums, fig
Ficus
Ficus is a genus of about 850 species of woody trees, shrubs, vines, epiphytes, and hemiepiphyte in the family Moraceae. Collectively known as fig trees or figs, they are native throughout the tropics with a few species extending into the semi-warm temperate zone. The Common Fig Ficus is a genus of...
s and potatoes. Other similar drinks are the arak of Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
, made from fermented date juice, and the zibib of Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
, a peasant-made drink. An Iranian variant called Aragh-e Sagi
Aragh Sagi
Aragh Sagi is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage in Iran which contains at least 45% pure ethanol. It is usually produced at home from raisins. Its production and possession is illegal in Iran . prior to 1979 revolution in Iran this product had been produced traditonally in several cities of...
is produced without anise, and has a higher alcohol
Alcohol
In chemistry, an alcohol is an organic compound in which the hydroxy functional group is bound to a carbon atom. In particular, this carbon center should be saturated, having single bonds to three other atoms....
content than other varieties.
Beside the raw material, the arak differs because of the still shape. Indeed some use a continuous distillation, some the swan neck stills and some other the moorish shape. The different shapes allow to use the energy that the steam generates (continuous and swan neck) to accelerate the process while the moorish lid allows a natural migration of the steam and thus allows a smoother migration of the aromatic components. The distillery that rejuvenated this technique is El Massaya in Tanail, Bekaa valley.
Further west, along the northern shores of the Mediterranean, the Italian anesone, French pastis
Pastis
Pastis is an anise-flavored liqueur and apéritif from France, typically containing 40–45% alcohol by volume, although alcohol-free varieties exist.-Origins:...
and Spanish ojén
Ojen
Ojen is a town which sits in the mountains behind Marbella in Andalusia, Southern Spain.Its name is oddly derived from an Arabic word, hoxán, meaning "rough" or "bitter" place, and therefore curious that the Moors should establish a settlement in a place they presumably did not care for...
, served as aperitifs or refreshers, are all sweeter versions of arak. In the Far East, the similarly sounding arrack is a different beverage distilled from palm sap or rice and devoid of anise flavor (it is known as soju
Soju
Soju is a distilled beverage native to Korea. Its taste is comparable to vodka, though often slightly sweeter due to sugars added in the manufacturing process, and more commonly consumed neat.Most brands of soju are made in South Korea...
in Korea and shōchū
Shochu
is a Japanese distilled beverage. It is typically distilled from barley, sweet potatoes, or rice, though it is sometimes produced from other ingredients such as brown sugar, buckwheat or chestnut. Typically shōchū contains 25% alcohol by volume...
in Japan).
Traditionally, arak was generally of local or village manufacture, but in the last few decades it has increasingly been produced in large manufacturing plants. It has remained the preference of those who enjoy alcoholic drinks in the Middle East, in competition with the many drinks imported from the West.
The strength of arak varies from 40% to 80% depending on the producer but can in no way indicates the quality of the spirit. The strength indeed depends on the quantity of the distilled water that is added after the distillation.
In Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
, Arak is sometimes referred to as the "lions' milk" ḥalīb sibāʕ, corresponding with Turkish aslan sütü -- most likely due to its milky appearance, and high alcohol content thought to only be tolerated by people "as strong as lions."
Lebanon considers arak its traditional alcoholic beverage and the name Arak Zahlawi is a "controlled term of origin" given by the Lebanese people to arak produced in Zahleh, Beqaa Valley.
See also
- AbsintheAbsintheAbsinthe is historically described as a distilled, highly alcoholic beverage. It is an anise-flavoured spirit derived from herbs, including the flowers and leaves of the herb Artemisia absinthium, commonly referred to as "grande wormwood", together with green anise and sweet fennel...
, a drink popular throughout EuropeEuropeEurope is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting... - AguardienteAguardienteAguardiente , aiguardent , aguardente , and augardente are generic terms for alcoholic beverages that contain between 29% and 60% alcohol by volume...
, a drink in Colombia - AiragAiragAirag may refer to*Airag, also spelled ayrag, the Mongolian word for fermented horse milk; see kumis, the name under which it is more widely known throughout Central Asia. It is an alcoholic spirit that people drank in the Khan era....
, a MongolianMongolian cuisineMongolian cuisine refers to the local culinary traditions of Mongolia and Mongolian styled dishes. The extreme continental climate has affected the traditional diet, so the Mongolian cuisine primarily consists of dairy products, meat, and animal fats. Use of vegetables and spices is limited...
drink - AraAra (drink)Ara, or Arag, is a traditional alcoholic beverage consumed in Bhutan. Ara is made from rice, maize, millet, or wheat, and may be either fermented or distilled. The beverage is usually a clear, creamy, or white color.-Production:Ara is most commonly made from rice or maize at private homes or farms...
, Tibetan and BhutaneseCuisine of BhutanBhutanese cuisine employs a lot of red rice , buckwheat, and increasingly maize. The diet in the hills also includes chicken, yak meat, dried beef, pork, pork fat and mutton...
drink - Araqi, SudaneseSudanese cuisineSudanese cuisine is varied by region, and greatly affected by the cross-cultural influences upon Sudan throughout history. In addition to the influences of the indigenous African peoples, the cuisine was influenced by Arab traders and settlers during the Ottoman Empire, who introduced spices such...
drink - Flavored liquorFlavored liquorFlavored liquors are alcoholic beverages that have added flavoring and, in some cases, a small amount of added sugar...
- OghiOghi (distilled beverage)Oghi is an Armenian spirit distilled from fruits or berries. Oghi, a clear fruit vodka, is also referred to as aragh, which is the generic Armenian word for vodka of all kinds...
, an ArmenianArmenian cuisineArmenian cuisine includes the foods and cooking techniques of the Armenian people, the Armenian diaspora and traditional Armenian foods and dishes. The cuisine reflects the history and geography where Armenians have lived as well as incorporating outside influences...
drink - OuzoOuzoOuzo is an anise-flavored aperitif that is widely consumed in Greece and Cyprus, and a symbol of Greek culture.-History:Traditionally, tsipouro is said to have been the pet project of a group of 14th century monks living in a monastery on holy Mount Athos. One version of it is flavored with anise...
, a Greek drink - PastisPastisPastis is an anise-flavored liqueur and apéritif from France, typically containing 40–45% alcohol by volume, although alcohol-free varieties exist.-Origins:...
, a drink in FranceFrench cuisineFrench cuisine is a style of food preparation originating from France that has developed from centuries of social change. In the Middle Ages, Guillaume Tirel , a court chef, authored Le Viandier, one of the earliest recipe collections of Medieval France... - PunschPunschPunsch is a traditional liqueur in Sweden and to a lesser extent some other Nordic countries produced from arrack, neutral spirits, sugar, water, and various flavorings...
, a Swedish drink made from arak - Rakija, a popular drink in the BalkansBalkansThe Balkans is a geopolitical and cultural region of southeastern Europe...
- RakıRaki-Alcoholic beverages:*Rakı, an anise-flavored spirit popular in Turkey*Any anise-flavored drink.-Fictional characters:*Raki, a character in the manga/anime series Claymore*Raki, a character in the game Ar tonelico II: Melody of Metafalica...
, a TurkishTurkish cuisineTurkish cuisine is largely the heritage of Ottoman cuisine, which can be described as a fusion and refinement of Central Asian, Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisines. Turkish cuisine has in turn influenced those and other neighbouring cuisines, including that of western Europe...
drink - SambucaSambucaSambuca is an Italian anise-flavoured, usually colourless, liqueur. Its most common variety is often referred to as white sambuca to differentiate it from other varieties that are deep blue in colour or bright red ....
, a drink in ItalyItalian cuisineItalian cuisine has developed through centuries of social and political changes, with roots as far back as the 4th century BCE. Italian cuisine in itself takes heavy influences, including Etruscan, ancient Greek, ancient Roman, Byzantine, Jewish and Arab cuisines... - ShochuShochuis a Japanese distilled beverage. It is typically distilled from barley, sweet potatoes, or rice, though it is sometimes produced from other ingredients such as brown sugar, buckwheat or chestnut. Typically shōchū contains 25% alcohol by volume...
, a JapaneseJapanese cuisineJapanese cuisine has developed over the centuries as a result of many political and social changes throughout Japan. The cuisine eventually changed with the advent of the Medieval age which ushered in a shedding of elitism with the age of shogun rule...
drink - SojuSojuSoju is a distilled beverage native to Korea. Its taste is comparable to vodka, though often slightly sweeter due to sugars added in the manufacturing process, and more commonly consumed neat.Most brands of soju are made in South Korea...
, a Korean drink - ZivaniaZivaniaZivania or zivana is a Cypriot alcoholic beverage. Zivania is a distillate produced from the pomace of grapes that were pressed during the wine-making process mixed with local dry wines produced from local grape varieties of Cyprus such as Xynisteri and Mavro...
, a CypriotCypriot cuisineCypriot cuisine is the cuisine of Cyprus and can be described as a blend of Greek cuisines. Greek Cypriot cuisine is another regional Greek cuisine along with Cretan, Ionian, or Attic....
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