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Arak
ABV
52.2 %
Country
Lebanon
ABV
40 %
Color
White
ABV
50 %
Country
Belgium
ABV
53 %
Color
White
ABV
50 %
Country
Canada
ABV
53 %
Color
White
ABV
55 %
Color
White
ABV
50 %
Color
White
ABV
45 %
Country
Israel
ABV
45 %
Country
Israel
ABV
53 %
Country
Lebanon
ABV
50 %
Color
White
Arak is a distilled spirit popular in the Middle East, especially Lebanon, that is flavored with aniseed. It has a strong licorice taste similar to pastis or ouzo.
Arak is traditionally made from fermented grape juice or dates, then triple distilled along with aniseeds and sometimes other herbs. The aniseed flavor comes from anethole in fennel, star anise, or green aniseed. After distilling, arak is diluted with water to an ABV of 40-63%.
The clear spirit turns a translucent milky-white when water is added. This effect comes from anethole dissolving. Ice is often added to reduce the alcoholic bite. Arak is popular mixed with mezza in Lebanon or Turkey, or on the rocks.
Arak has existed in the Levant for over 500 years. Legend says arak was created by the Lebanese monk Brother Anthony Isidore in the 17th century. He had the idea of distilling wine then adding anise for additional complexity.
Arak is similar to raki in Turkey and Greece, mastic in Greece, and arack in Iraq. It should not be confused with arrack, a spirit from South Asia. While strong, slow sipping reveals intriguing licorice and spice notes. When enjoyed responsibly, arak is the quintessential Lebanese alcoholic drink.