Cook & Chef Well-being
Food of the month: Arak
Trying a country's traditional drinks is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture of a place and fully feel its essence.
Arak is a distilled alcoholic aniseed drink which is extremely popular in Israel and in some Middle Eastern countries. We could say that it is a drink for the brave since, although its flavour is usually sweet and fruity, each bottle contains between 40 and 60 percent alcohol.
We tell you how to drink this liqueur which is taking hold among lovers of gourmet cocktails
SLOW DESTILLATION
Arak is made from two ingredients: grapes and aniseed. The grapes are fermented and are diluted with water, then the aniseed is the second or third distillation and is allowed is left to combite slowly. The final product is aged in clay jugs; during this process, a small amount of alcohol is lost, which is known as the 'angel's share'.
"LIONS' MILK"
Arak is a drink with a strong flavour and high alcohol content, so it should be drank diluted with water and ice. The correct proportions for serve are 1/3 arak and 2/3 water; first add the water, then the ice and finally the arak. Although arak is transparent, when mixed with water, it acquires a milky appearance. Because of its texture, colour and strength it is known as "lions' milk" in the Middle East.
FROM THE SAME FAMILY
Arak shouldn't be confused with arrack, another spirit produced in parts of South Asia. Other countries along the Mediterranean coast have drinks that are similar to arak: raki from Turkey, sambuca from Italy, pastis from France or ouzo from Greece. All of them are typical aniseed liqueurs of their region.
ARAKS FOR EVERY TASTE
In Israel, Lebanon and other countries in which the drink has its roots, artisan production has skyrocketed and there are araks with different flavours and nuances, to suit all tastes. Traditional arak has hints of liquorice and aniseed, but there are also versions with notes of caramel, oak, cinnamon, fennel and even other less refined flavours such as tutti frutti or bubble gum.
BETTER WITH AN APERITIF
Arak is an excellent palate cleanser, making this drink the perfect accompaniment to mezze, a selection of aperitifs which is popular in the eastern Mediterranean gastronomy. If you decide to brave this liqueur, order a bottle and enjoy the contrast of Israel's flavours in great company.
