What is Rakomelo?

Rakomelo is a traditional Greek alcoholic drink that is a blend of raki or tsikoudia, a grape-based spirit, with honey and various spices like cinnamon and cloves. The ingredients are usually heated together to create a warm, aromatic beverage that is often consumed during the colder months. The name “Rakomelo” is derived from “raki,” which is the spirit used as the base, and “meli,” the Greek word for honey.

The drink is popular for its supposed medicinal properties; it’s often consumed to ward off a cold or soothe a sore throat, although these claims are more based in tradition than scientific evidence.

Rakomelo can be enjoyed as a warm drink, but it is also sometimes used in cocktails or as a flavouring for desserts. It is a popular offering in tavernas and ouzeries across Greece and has been gaining international attention as well.