Arak El Massaya

Arak has a beguiling aniseed flavour and freshness that cleans the palate and aids digestion. It is often served as an aperitif and then as the perfect accompaniment to classic selections of mezze, the array of tasty dishes with contrasting flavours that is the starting point for many lunchtime or evening meals. Arak works particularly well with the mezze melange that will include olives, spices, meat and cheese – flavours that are sometimes harder to match with wine. There are three simple yet important steps to the arak sensation. First, in a fresh glass pour in the clean white spirit. Then add twice as much water. Finally some cubes of ice. Admire for a moment the transformation into an aromatic cloudy white creation - and taste. If you are drinking arak as an aperitif we recommend diluting the spirit by as much as six parts water to one of arak.