Arak is a distilled spirit similar to Ouzo and Raki. It is a perfect match for the introductory dishes of a Middle Eastern meal. Lebanon is reputed to produce the world's finest Arak.It is distilled from wine and anise, has a clear colour and the scent of liquorice.Traditionally served with water and ice, the water is added first giving the liquid a cloudy appearance. Ice is then added to cool the mixture. The ratio of arak to water is determined by one's own personal taste.
Pure Arak, triple distilled in copper Moor's Head stills with fresh green aniseed, is matured for at least two years in clay jars to soften the spirit before it is finally bottled. Purists believe that true arak must be made using Obeidah and Merweh grapes, varietals indigenous to Lebanon, and aniseed from Hina in the foothills of Mt Hermon in Syria. To ensure the purity of the arak, the fire under the still should be lit with vine wood.
