Arak

Arak

TurkeySephardiEveryday Pareve 2 min 1 servings Easy

A potent anise-flavored spirit served diluted with water for festive toasts in the eastern Mediterranean and Ottoman Jewish world. Though a beverage rather than a cooked dish, it appears in celebratory dining and follows the classic cloudy 'ouzo effect' when mixed.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces arak or other kosher-certified anise spirit
  • 2 to 4 ounces cold water
  • Ice cubes, optional

Instructions

  1. 1

    Choose a small glass suitable for spirits or aperitifs.

  2. 2

    Pour the arak into the glass.

  3. 3

    Add the cold water to taste, usually one to two parts water for each part spirit.

  4. 4

    Watch the liquid turn cloudy as the anise oils emulsify.

  5. 5

    Add ice only after diluting, if desired, so the flavor stays balanced.

  6. 6

    Serve chilled alongside mezze or festive foods.

Kosher notes

Use only kosher-certified arak or anise spirit, especially when wine-based alcohol or added flavorings may raise certification concerns.

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Global Jewish Kitchen — recipes are labeled meat, dairy, or pareve. We are not a kashrut agency. Customs differ. Ask your rabbi.