The long-standing stereotype that “Greece has everything” is repeatedly confirmed in terms of drinks. A country with ancient traditions in winemaking is ready to offer even the most sophisticated gourmet magnificent examples of the creativity of its masters, and therefore the drinks of Greece are another weighty reason to visit the homeland of the ancient gods and unique historical monuments.
Alcohol Greece
Each self-respecting Greek restaurant offers a rich selection of drinks that deserve to make any meal an important and significant event. Customs allows you to buy and export alcohol in Greece without restrictions, but it is permissible to import into the country no more than a liter of spirits and no more than two liters of wines. However, bringing your alcohol to Greece hardly comes to a true connoisseur's mind, because it is in this European country that prices are pleasing to the eye. It is cheaper to buy alcoholic drinks in Greece for gifts in a regular supermarket, where a bottle of decent wine can be purchased for 4-5 euros.
National drink of Greece
One of the main Greek alcoholic brands is Retsina resin wine. It is made from white or pink grape varieties, and despite the unequal popularity of this product in different regions, retsina may well claim the title of "National drink of Greece". The original taste of the product is achieved in a special way: the vessels with the future retsina are sealed with pine resin, which not only prevents souring, but also has a healing effect. The special taste of retsina and a noticeable resinous aroma require specially seasoned dishes as an appetizer, and the wine list at such a feast is usually limited to retsina only.
The non-alcoholic drink that serves as the country's trademark in the Balkans is undoubtedly coffee. Its preparation and consumption is a real significant ritual for every inhabitant, and the concept of “Greek coffee” includes fresh grinding of robusta beans, thick strong foam, a glass of ice water, and excellent company at a table in a street cafe.
Alcoholic drinks in Greece
Among the extensive list of alcoholic drinks in Greece, which are recommended by experienced travelers, there are samples of a wide variety of categories:
- Wines, the lineage of which often begins long before a new era.
- Strong drinks, including "Ouzo" with anise or sweet pear flavor and the famous rakia vodka.
- Brandy "Metaxa", recognizable and loved by many generations of Russian travelers due to its pleasant price and sunny aroma.
