TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Greek Spirit Types
Tsikoudia is a Cretan spirit that is distilled from fermented grape pomace (strafylo)—the solid remains that are left after the grapes have been pressed. Tsikoudia is traditionally distilled in October and November, usually in small, family-owned copper stills.
The final product is a clear, potent, and colorless drink with an alcohol content that can vary from 40 to 65% ABV. Tsikoudia is similar to tsipouro, another pomace spirit that is produced in other parts of Greece. Unlike tsipouro, tsikoudia is typically distilled only once, which helps preserve flavors and aromas.
This strong Greek spirit is distilled from pomace—solid components of grapes that are left after the juice has been pressed. According to some records, tsipouro was first produced in the 14th century by Orthodox monks. The drink comes in its original, pure form, but some distillers infuse it with botanicals, primarily anise, to create the anise-flavored spirit that is traditionally mixed with water.
Plain tsipouro is best appreciated well-chilled and neat, served in shot glasses. It is enjoyed as a welcoming drink and typically accompanies Greek meze—assorted small dishes. In Crete, a similar drink with a stronger aroma goes under the name tsikoudia.
Metaxa is a popular Greek spirit that is made from brandy (usually produced from Savatino, Sultanina, and Black Corinth grapes), a secret combination of botanicals, and the aromatic and carefully selected Muscat wines from the island of Samos.
The distillate and the wines are aged separately in oak casks before they are blended and flavored with botanicals. Every blend is then aged for a minimum of three years. Metaxa has a rich amber color, and it is praised for its smooth, complex, and intense flavor and aromas that are reminiscent of flowers, citrus, dried fruit, herbs, and spices.
Ouzo is one of the best-known Greek specialties whose large-scale production started in 1830. It is distilled from neutral alcohol that is diluted with water and flavored with a combination of aniseed and various botanicals, such as fennel seeds, coriander, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, or angelica.
The choice and the blend of herbs determines the final taste profile and its quality. Ouzo is protected by the European law, and it can only be produced in Greece and the Greek section of Cyprus, while the island of Lezbos became a center of ouzo production.
THE BEST Ouzo Spirits

Ouzo of Plomari Isidoros Arvanitis
1894
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024

Distillery-Winery of Thrace
Zachos Ouzo
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold 2024, 2019

Distillery-Winery of Thrace
Thracian Ouzo 7
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold 2023
Plomari Distillery Isidoros Arvantis S.A.
Ouzo
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold 2024

Distillery-Winery of Thrace
Korifeos Ouzo
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Silver 2024
Produced on the island of Chios, this Greek spirit is distilled from sun-dried and fermented figs in traditional copper stills, similar to those used for making ouzo or raki. Traditionally, the production of souma starts around the end of October, and it typically lasts until mid-December.
The preparation of the figs, however, starts earlier, usually at the end of August, when the fruits are gathered, dried, and allowed to ferment in large barrels with water and yeast. This beverage is made by the local people of Chios, in traditional home distilleries, and it can be bought from individuals selling it in unlabeled bottles throughout the island.
Mournoraki is a rare Cretan spirit that is distilled from black mulberries. It is usually quite potent, and it is mostly enjoyed as a welcoming drink, but it also works well as an aperitif or a digestif. Mournoraki is not easily found on Crete, and most producers make small quantities that are intended for family consumption or as unique Cretan souvenirs.
Because of its scarcity and the time-consuming process of production, mournoraki is usually more expensive than most Cretan spirits. In Crete, the drink is also commonly used as a health remedy.
Hailing from Nisyros, koukouzina is a traditional spirit that’s been distilled from grapes and figs. This alcoholic beverage is typically produced at old local distilleries called kazanari, and the preparation process follows the age-old traditional methods that have been handed down for generations.
The flavor is similar to that of Greek raki, while the alcohol content usually ranges from 42% to 43%. A carafe of koukouzina is commonly served as an accompaniment to a variety of local specialties, including chickpea fritters with skordalia.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Greek Spirit Producers
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
BEST LAZARIS DISTILLERY &ARTISAN SWEETS Spirits
Distillery – Winery of Thrace is a Greek company based in Komotini, established in 1977 through the merger of 17 small family-owned distilleries. Their tradition in producing alcoholic beverages dates back to 1893. The company is renowned for crafting high-quality drinks, including ouzo, tsipouro, vodka, and gin.
Their most famous product, "Ouzo 7," has gained international recognition and is available in over 40 countries worldwide. Distillery – Winery of Thrace places great emphasis on the quality of its products, using carefully selected ingredients and traditional distillation methods.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024, 2023, 2019

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Silver
2024
BEST Distillery-Winery of Thrace Spirits
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
BEST Ouzo of Plomari Isidoros Arvanitis Spirits
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
BEST Hidden Barn Whiskey Spirits
AWARDS

World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2020
BEST Melissanidi Distillery Spirits
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022
BEST Distillery P.milonas & Sons Spirits
Varvayanni Distilleries is a family-owned ouzo distillery founded in 1860 by Efstathios Varvayannis in Plomari, on the island of Lesvos, Greece. Efstathios, born in 1805 in the Cyclades, brought the art of distillation and the first copper still from Istanbul, establishing the foundation of the family business.
Over five generations, the Varvayanni family has refined the craft of ouzo production, blending traditional techniques with modern innovations. The distillery produces five distinct types of ouzo, each crafted with high-quality anise and other select ingredients, combined with crystal-clear water from Plomari, ensuring exceptional flavor and quality.
"Ouzo Veto" is a renowned Greek distillery based in Mytilene on the island of Lesvos, known for producing high-quality ouzo since 1892. Its founder, Georgios Spentzas, honed his distillation skills in Pergamon, Asia Minor, under a special firman from the Sultan, establishing a family tradition in ouzo production.
Over the years, the distillery has remained true to traditional production methods while incorporating modern techniques to ensure exceptional product quality. "Ouzo Veto" is distinguished by its rich, balanced, and slightly sweet aromatic profile, featuring a distinctive intense finish that reflects its "maritime" character.
Kosteas Distillery is a family-owned company based in Kalamata, Greece, established in 1962 by Thanasis Kosteas. Since its founding, the distillery has been producing high-quality Greek beverages, including ouzo, tsipouro, liqueurs, and wines, blending traditional recipes with modern production techniques.
The company operates two production and bottling facilities, along with storage spaces within the urban area of Kalamata. It also includes marketing and sales departments, with a total of 1,500 square meters of space, which houses a central store for the sale and distribution of its products.
BEST Kosteas Spirits
The Stoupakis Distillery from the island of Chios in Greece combines knowledge, experience, and tradition with modern technologies to produce high-quality products. Their state-of-the-art production and bottling facilities are equipped with numerous distillation copper stills and modern production lines.
The company has significantly invested in quality control, establishing a cutting-edge laboratory staffed with professionals, including chemists, engineers, and tasters. Among their products, the standout is the ouzo "Kazanisto," distilled in copper stills since 1896 using a unique recipe.
BEST Stoupakis Spirits
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Greek Spirits
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
AWARDS

World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2020
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024, 2019
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2023

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Silver
2024
Korifeos Premium Ouzo is a high-quality Greek spirit crafted with traditional methods to deliver an authentic and refined experience. Its delicate aroma of anise unfolds into a balanced flavor profile, offering a smooth and enjoyable taste. Subtle hints of spearmint add a refreshing touch, enhancing its complexity.
This premium ouzo is made with carefully selected ingredients that honor Greece's rich distillation heritage. It is perfect for enjoying neat, over ice, or as a complement to Mediterranean appetizers and seafood dishes. The distillation process ensures a clean and crisp finish, making it a versatile choice for various occasions.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Silver
2024
Ouzo Varvayanni Blue is a classic Greek spirit crafted by the Varvayanni family in Plomari, Lesvos, since 1860. This 100% distilled ouzo is made using a traditional family recipe, combining high-quality anise and aromatic herbs with the pure water of Plomari.
Bottled at 46% alcohol by volume, it offers a pleasant aroma, transparent color, and a delicate flavor that evokes sensations of spring breezes and sunlit seas.
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