Arak Mezze
Multiple · Rocks
Lebanon's national anise spirit turns milky-white when water is added (the 'ouzo effect'). Here, arak with cold water and crushed ice, alongside mint and olive. Built for a slow mezze table.
| Glass | Rocks |
| Garnish | None |
| ABV | 18% |
| Category | international |
| Flavor | anise, refreshing, lebanese, mezze |
Ingredients
- Arak1.5 oz
- Ice-Cold Water4.5 oz
- Crushed Ice1 cup
- Fresh Mint Sprig1 piece
- Green Olive1 piece
Method
- Pour arak into small rocks glass
- Add ice water to produce the milky louche (about 3:1 water to arak)
- Fill with crushed ice
- Garnish with mint sprig on the rim and serve with an olive on the side
Pro Tips
- The milky louche (ouzo effect) is from anethole — water triggers it. Add water BEFORE ice or the color distribution is uneven.
- Lebanese arak and Turkish raki are close cousins; Greek ouzo is sweeter.
- Serve with bread, olives, hummus, labneh — arak solo is punishing; arak + mezze is religion.