Q: I spent some time in Athens, Greece after graduating college. While I was there, my friends and I discovered a shot that we were told was local to the area. It was served hot and tasted like warm apple crisp.
I would love to try to recreate this at home but can't remember what it's called and have no idea where to even begin trying to figure out what goes into it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. It would be perfect for the cold snowy nights we're having!
Sent by Amber
Editor: Amber, I am just taking a guess here, as I've never tried it, but it may be Tentura, a Greek liqueur heavily flavored with cinnamon and other spices.
Readers, any ideas?
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Comments (14)
Someone please identify this before I blow my money on AppleJack, this would be perfect for spiking fresh apple cider.
My friend makes a similar drink she calls "Hot Apple Pie," using Calvados (apple brandy) in apple cider, topped with whipped cream. She serves it in a mug, so it's not as strong as a shot, but you could probably play with the proportions.
Only thing I could find that even sounds close is Thatcher's Apple Spice Ginger Liqueur, which seems yum but is not Greek.
No idea about what kind of Greek spirit this would be, but you can achieve the same result with Polish Zubrowka (bison grass) vodka and some apple juice. Happy drinking!
I have an easy, homemade solution for this:
Steep a whole sliced apple and a cinnamon stick in Soju (Korean rice wine) for 3-4 days (or even longer if you like). Strain the liquid and you have a fabulous "liqueur" for 1/10 the cost.
I like to mix mine with apple cider for the perfect fall cocktail. You can serve it warm or cold over ice.
You could also use vodka, but Soju is much cheaper and, I think, has a more subtle flavor and a lower alcohol content.
I've been to Greece a few times but never encountered this - hmmm, ideas for next time! In the meantime, Snap liquor and hot apple cider is my winter apple drink of choice...
I've been making a "hot apple pie" since discovered Tuaca. It's not a shot however, but still very tasty.
TUACA Hot Apple Pie
1 1/2 oz TUACA
5-6 oz warm apple cider
whipped cream
cinnamon stick
Pour ingredients into a mug.
Garnish with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick.
You might be thinking of rakomelo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakomelo). I had it in a bar in Athens, and it was hot, sweet, and spiced. I'm not sure where you would find raki in the States, but it shouldn't be hard to make if you can.
Raki is easy to find in most cities in the US if rakomelo does end up being the drink as leanna.powell suggested! We live in Chicago and I've seen it lots of places, or if you're without, it's easy enough to either buy another anise flavored clear liquor (ouzo, pastis, etc.) or order raki online.
thank you for all of the suggestions! I don't live in a huge metropolitan area and our liquor stores aren't stocked with a ton of variety, but I think I can try and recreate it at home now.
I'm particularly intrigued by the rakomelo...I'm pretty sure I can at least get my hands on grappa and play with infusing that. I also have a bottle of Tuaca at home, but I'm not sure that would be the right base for this, it already has a really strong orange and vanilla aroma and taste but the Tuaca Hot Apple Pie sounds delicious on it's own!
Where are you having cold snowy nights right now??
I submitted the question last winter :)
Oh, too bad. I wanted to go there!
It must have been Rakomelo. (Tsipouro or Raki heated with honey, Cinnamon and other spices).
However, if you can find Tentura which is made with cinnamon, cloves and mavrodaphne wine, you can mix that with any non-flavored liquor,(vodka, Grappa), and end up with the most amazing drink. I am from Patras, Greece, the birthplace of Tentura, and the best is Pilavas. Have not been able to find in the USA though... By the way, Tentura makes the most amazing glaze for ham, just mix with a little honey and mustard. Enjoy...