The Most Popular Drink in Greece, Ranked

Choose the drink you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:35
On a hot summer day in Greece, locals and tourists alike seek refreshment in a variety of beloved beverages. This diversity prompts an intriguing question: which drink truly captures the spirit of this sun-kissed nation? By compiling votes from a broad audience, we can offer an answer, reflecting the tastes and traditions of people from all walks of life. Each vote contributes to a dynamic list that not only charts current preferences but also offers insight into cultural trends over time. Whether you have visited Greece and have a favorite or you are a local passionate about your daily sip, your input is crucial. Engage with the community by voting and see how your choices stack up against the crowd.

What Is the Most Popular Drink in Greece?

  1. 1
    45
    votes
    Ouzo is an anise-flavored aperitif that is the national drink of Greece, usually served with meze, a small dish of food. It is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike and is often associated with Greek culture.
    Ouzo is a traditional Greek alcoholic drink known for its strong anise flavor. It is a clear, transparent liquor with a distinct licorice-like taste and a slightly sweet aroma. Ouzo is typically enjoyed as an aperitif and is often consumed alongside Greek mezes (appetizers) or seafood dishes. It has become an integral part of Greek culture and is commonly associated with social gatherings and celebrations.
    • Alcohol by volume (ABV): 37.5% – 50%
    • Ingredients: Ethanol, water, aniseed, and other flavorings
    • Color: Clear and transparent, turning milky white when mixed with water
    • Aroma: Slightly sweet with a strong anise scent
    • Taste: Strong anise flavor with a hint of sweetness
  2. 2
    39
    votes
    Frappé is a cold coffee drink made by blending instant coffee, sugar, and water with ice, topped with milk or cream. It is a popular summer beverage in Greece.
    Frappé is a popular iced coffee beverage in Greece. It is made by mixing instant coffee, sugar, and water, then blending it with ice to create a frothy and refreshing drink.
    • Preparation: Mix instant coffee, sugar, and water in a shaker or blender, blend with ice until frothy.
    • Serving style: Traditionally served in a tall glass with a straw and a foam-like layer on top.
    • Coffee strength: Frappé can be prepared according to taste, adjusting the amount of instant coffee used.
    • Sweetness level: Sugar can be added to the desired sweetness, making it customizable.
    • Variations: Frappé can be enjoyed plain or with milk, cream, or a scoop of ice cream added for extra richness.
  3. 3
    32
    votes
    Metaxa is a brandy distilled in Greece since the late 19th century. It is a blend of grape brandy and Muscat wine, aged in oak barrels. It is often served as a digestif after a meal.
    Metaxa is a type of Greek brandy that is known for its unique blend of aged wine distillates, aromatic Muscat wines, and Mediterranean botanicals. It is produced by the Metaxa distillery, which was founded by Spyros Metaxa in 1888. Metaxa is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike, offering a smooth and flavorful drinking experience.
    • Type: Brandy
    • Alcohol Content: Various, typically around 40%
    • Ingredients: Aged wine distillates, Muscat wines, Mediterranean botanicals
    • Aging Process: Blend of different aged distillates, including up to 80-year-old spirits
    • Color: Amber
  4. 4
    13
    votes
    Greek coffee is a strong coffee brewed by boiling finely ground coffee beans in a special pot called a briki. It is served in small cups and is a traditional part of Greek hospitality.
  5. 5
    23
    votes
    Retsina is a white or rosé wine that is flavored with pine resin. It has a distinctive taste and aroma and is a popular wine in Greece.
    Retsina is a traditional Greek alcoholic beverage known for its unique taste and aroma. It is a white or rosé wine that is flavored with pine resin during the fermentation process. The addition of pine resin gives Retsina its distinctive resinous flavor and a slightly syrupy texture. Retsina has been produced in Greece for centuries and is closely associated with Greek culture and cuisine.
    • Type: White or rosé wine
    • Flavor: Resinous, unique
    • Aroma: Distinctive pine scent
    • Texture: Slightly syrupy
    • Alcohol Content: Usually ranges from 11% to 13%
  6. 6
    17
    votes
    Tsipouro is a strong spirit made from the pomace of grapes. It is similar to Italian grappa and is often served as a digestif.
    Tsipouro is a strong alcoholic drink that originated in Greece. It is a clear spirit usually made from distilled grape pomace. Tsipouro is often consumed as an aperitif or digestif and is popular throughout Greece, particularly in the regions of Macedonia and Thessaly.
    • Alcohol Content: Tsipouro typically has an alcohol content ranging from 40% to 45%.
    • Ingredients: It is made from the fermented skins and seeds of grapes, as well as the grape marc left over from wine production.
    • Production Process: The grape pomace is distilled in traditional copper stills, resulting in a clear and potent spirit.
    • Regional Variations: Different regions in Greece have their own variations of tsipouro, often using local grape varieties.
    • Serving Method: Tsipouro is traditionally served in small shot glasses and can be enjoyed straight, chilled, or with ice.
  7. 7
    5
    votes
    Lemonade is a refreshing drink made by mixing lemon juice, sugar, and water. It is a popular summer beverage in Greece, especially for children.
    Lemonade is a refreshing and tangy citrus-based drink that is popularly enjoyed during the summertime. It is made by combining freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and sugar or a sweetener of choice. Lemonade has a vibrant yellow color and is often served with ice and a slice of lemon as garnish.
    • Flavor: Tangy citrus
    • Color: Yellow
    • Main ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, sugar
    • Sweetness level: Customizable based on sweetener used
    • Presentation: Served over ice with a slice of lemon as garnish
  8. 8
    5
    votes
    Tzatziki is a yogurt-based dip made with garlic, cucumber, and olive oil. It is often served as an appetizer or meze and is a popular accompaniment to grilled meat.
    Tzatziki is a popular Greek chip dip that is made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and various herbs and spices. It has a creamy and tangy taste, with a refreshing and slightly tart flavor. The dip has a thick and smooth consistency, making it perfect for dipping chips, pita bread, or vegetables.
    • Ingredients: Yogurt, cucumber, garlic, herbs, spices
    • Flavor: Creamy, tangy, refreshing
    • Consistency: Thick, smooth
    • Usage: Chip dip, pita bread dip, vegetable dip
    • Origin: Greece
  9. 9
    13
    votes
    Mastiha is a liqueur made from the resin of the mastic tree. It has a unique flavor and is often served as an after-dinner drink.
    Mastiha is a unique and highly prized drink in Greece, known for its distinct flavor and medicinal properties. It is derived from the resin of the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), which is primarily cultivated on the Greek island of Chios. The mastic tree resin is carefully harvested by slashing the tree trunk and collecting the droplets that solidify into translucent, aromatic teardrops.
    • Flavor: Mastiha has a complex taste profile, with notes of pine, citrus, and a subtle sweetness.
    • Aroma: Mastiha has a distinct and refreshing fragrance, reminiscent of fresh pine forests.
    • Color: Mastiha is typically transparent or pale yellow in color.
    • Origin: Mastiha has been consumed and cultivated in Greece for over 2,500 years.
    • Traditions: Mastiha has been historically used in traditional Greek cuisine, sweets, liqueurs, and even for oral health benefits.
  10. 10
    3
    votes
    Red wine
    CDC · Public domain

    Red wine

    Various winemakers worldwide
    Greece has a long history of winemaking, and red wine is a popular drink in the country. Some of the most famous Greek wines are made from the Agiorgitiko grape, which produces a fruity and full-bodied red wine.
    Red wine is a dark-colored alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes or grape juice. It is widely consumed around the world and known for its rich, complex flavors and deep red color. Red wine contains various compounds that contribute to its characteristics, including tannins, anthocyanins, and resveratrol. It is often enjoyed as a standalone drink, but also pairs well with a variety of foods.
    • Color: Deep red
    • Flavor: Rich and complex
    • Alcohol Content: Typically ranges from 12% to 15%
    • Main Grape Varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz, Malbec, Sangiovese, etc.
    • Serving Temperature: Between 60°F and 65°F (15°C and 18°C)
    Red wine in other rankings

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Ranking factors for popular drink

  1. Consumption rate
    The number of people consuming the drink and the frequency of consumption should be considered. A higher consumption rate suggests greater popularity.
  2. Cultural importance
    The significance of the drink in Greek culture and history plays a role in determining its popularity. Drinks with cultural or traditional significance may be more widespread and favored by locals.
  3. Availability
    The ease of availability of the drink in various regions, cities, and establishments throughout Greece is an important factor. The more readily available the drink is, the more popular it could be.
  4. Affordability
    The price of the drink as it compares to the average income and spending habits of the Greek population should be considered. More affordable drinks tend to be more popular among the masses.
  5. Taste and flavor preferences
    The overall appeal of the drink to the general population in terms of taste and flavor is crucial. A drink that is widely liked will likely be more popular.
  6. Seasonality
    Some drinks may be tied to specific seasons or occasions, impacting their popularity at different times throughout the year.
  7. Marketing and promotion
    The extent to which the drink is marketed and promoted by producers, distributors, and establishments can affect its popularity.
  8. Health and lifestyle trends
    The health benefits, nutritional value, and alignment with current lifestyle trends can contribute to a drink's popularity. For example, if a beverage is considered healthy or associated with a particular diet or wellness trend, it may be more popular.
  9. Alcohol content
    Whether or not the drink contains alcohol can influence popularity. Some people may prefer non-alcoholic alternatives, while others may specifically seek out alcoholic beverages.
  10. Age demographic
    The popularity of a drink among various age groups should be considered, as preferences can differ significantly between younger and older generations.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular drink in Greece. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or beverage is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1642 views
  • 194 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each beverage once every 24 hours. The rank of each beverage is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular drink in greece

Greece is known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and delicious food. But have you ever wondered what the most popular drink in Greece is? Well, the answer might surprise you. While Greece is famous for its wine, the most popular drink among Greeks is actually coffee. From traditional Greek coffee to frappes, Greeks love their caffeine fix. However, when it comes to alcoholic beverages, ouzo reigns supreme. This anise-flavored aperitif is often served with meze, small dishes of food similar to Spanish tapas. So, whether you're in the mood for a strong cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of ouzo, Greece has something to offer for every taste.

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