Drinking is a passion in Greece. People indulge in drinking, be it alcohol or other hot and cold beverages. Alcohol is most popular with the Greeks and it is quite common in Greece. They enjoy drinking a lot and believe in the concept of ‘eat, drink and be merry’. It is a part and parcel of the social life. Wine, beer, and other liquors, hot and cold beverages – all have significance and importance in Greece. They are consumed in large quantities.
- Wine is the most famous in Greece. The innumerable vineyards make it possible for the Greeks to manufacture and produce the best wines of the world. Local wine is also not that expensive and a lot of them are exported also. Both red wine and white wine is popular in Greece. The most popular brand is Retsina. It is a very favoured brand of white wine and has the flavour of resins and well put it this way. There are people who like it but most people find it repulsive. Santorin and Mykonos are some of the attractive tourist locations which offer you good wines.
- Grapes give you a good flavour and a good aroma. Various wines that are manufactured and produced in Greece have the taste of grapes. Greeks have been manufacturing and producing wines since ages and ancient times. Both red wines and white wines have gained prominence. Krasi is a kind of wine which is also quite popular among the greek men and women.
- Beer is also popular in Greece, though not as famous as wine. Amstel and Heineken are the local brands which are consumed by both the local people and the tourists. Mythos is a popular brand of Beer. People indulge heavily in drinking and this brand of beer is loved by all.
- Consumption of liquor is a common phenomenon in Greece and it is enjoyed a lot. Ouzo is considered to be, probably, the most famous liqueur in Greece. It has a very good taste and a flavour which is loved and preferred by all. It is basically a kind of brandy. It is strong in taste yet, people like to consume it.
- Raki or Tsikoudia is also consumed a lot in Greece. Though it is not as popular as Ouzo, it is favoured by a lot of people. It is also a strong drink. It is not that expensive and quite affordable. Tsipouro is a preferred drink. It is a clear and mild drink. You don’t get a hangover and don’t get drunk easily. These are consumed in small and short shot glasses. But they have their own effects.
- Coffee and tea is also a great favourite with Greeks. Strong coffee and tea with a fine aroma is supposed to be a good option with the people of Greece. Filtered coffer is preferred by the local mass and thus, they prepare very good coffee which is loved by the tourists equally. Coffee is served with sweet or without sugar. The most common brand is perhaps, Nescafe. It serves both hot and cold coffee. Café Frappe soothes you on a typical hot and sunny afternoon. This iced coffee is liked and loved. The most popular Greek Coffee is the Elliniko Cafe. People drink this during breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner- anytime. They are that much fond of this coffee. It creates froth on the top of the cup and does not have milk. It is brewed with water only.
- Tea or ‘Tsai’ is also a relaxing beverage and both hot and the cold form is popular in Greece. Black tea is very popular in Greece. You are served tea with breakfast and there are several flavours of herbal teas which are offered to you during your meals. Camomile is a popular name which is famous in Greece.
- Metaxa is another drink which is a kind of sweet brandy that is consumed by the people of Greece. It is quite mild and a drink which is carefully prepared to suit the tastes of the people.
- Apart from these, soft drinks or Anapsihtika is also a favourite with the locals and other people. You will get all kinds of soft drinks and beverages in Greece. Fanta, Coke and Lemonades are the popular ones. People, who do not desire to consume alcohol, go for these. Fresh orange juice or plum juice is also preferred. As many fruits are harvested and grown, fresh fruit juices are also available in large quantity.
- Greeks can drink alcohol, actually fact they will drink plenty of it. The alcohol plays daily role in the Greek life. In meal times, Taverna and home dinner table is possible to have the alcoholic drink, and still you do not associate Greeks with the drunken behaviour like we see in countries!
- The Greek drinks, however doesn’t love to be very greedy and needy for the drink and nor do that they like appear drunk, and thought of being drunk. They alos care about the appearance & reputation every times. But, they like to let the hair down, leave away the stress of daily life behind & drink, sing as well as dance night away without cares in this world, and this is when they take this, most of time!
- Ouzo & MezePerhaps best known of the Greek drinks and national drink in Greece should be Ouzo. The aniseed flavoured aperitif and it is very unique and memorable to anybody that has visited to Greece. The clear liquid, which turns opaque when mixed with water, even aroma is very distinct as well as recognizable. The Ouzeri is special place you can go for drinking Ouzo, mix between bar & taverna, selling Ouzo as well as a big range of Mezedes.