Rakomelo

Rakomelo (Greek: ρακόμελο (or racomelo) from raki (ρακί) + meli (μέλι), meaning honey) is a warm mixed alcoholic drink.
It is made by combining raki or Tsipouro with honey and several spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, or other regional herbs.

It is produced in Crete and other islands of the Aegean Sea and on the Greek mainland, chiefly consumed during the winter as a warm drink.

Psimeni Raki – Baked Raki

A similar drink is baked raki, which is a regional drink of the island of Amorgos that is made from raki, sugar and spices and is served at room temperature. Baked raki contains more spices than rakomelo which usually only contains cinnamon.

This traditional alcoholic beverage has been produced on the island of Amorgos since the ancient times and was always served along with food when friends and relatives came to visit.

At the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, monks traditionally used to greet the visitors offering them “rakomelo” and  “loukoumi”.  It is also offered at weddings, christenings with the  traditional “pasteli”, decorated on lemon tree leaves. This long custom still exists at all major events all year round , like the pasteli festivity at Chora and Katapola. .

This particular drink was mentioned by Aristophanes, the great comedian writer of ancient Athens, who advised women to give their husband a glass of rakomelo in order to provoke their sexual feelings.

Rakomelo can be found as a bottled mixed drink in liquor stores, ready to be warmed and served. Baked raki is also available mixed and bottled, ready for consumption (served at room temperature). This is a simple and very good drink for the cold days of the winter.

Racomelo Recipe
Scale ingredients to 1 servings
- 250 ml Greek raki liqueur
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 clove

Boil all the ingredients together in a special pot called briki (cezve) or on a gass stove, as with greek coffee. Serve.