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What to eat & drink in Crete? Top 7 Cretan Beverages

Last update: Wed Feb 19 2025
Top 7 Cretan Beverages
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Cretan Beverage Types

01

Brandy

CRETE, Greece
4.4
Tsikoudia
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Tsikoudia is a Cretan spirit that is distilled from fermented grape pomace (strafylo)—the solid remains that are left after the grapes have been pressed. Tsikoudia is traditionally distilled in October and November, usually in small, family-owned copper stills.


The final product is a clear, potent, and colorless drink with an alcohol content that can vary from 40 to 65% ABV. Tsikoudia is similar to tsipouro, another pomace spirit that is produced in other parts of Greece. Unlike tsipouro, tsikoudia is typically distilled only once, which helps preserve flavors and aromas. 
02

Wine Variety

CRETE, Greece
4.3
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Vilana is a white grape variety native to Crete that produces fresh and light white wines. It is a very productive and resistant grape that was mainly used as a workhorse variety that often created unimpressive bland wines. However, it was proven that with a careful approach, good terroir, and controlled yields, Vilana can make exciting and aromatic wines.

Vilana-based wines will usually have a refreshing character with citrus and green apple aroma and some floral nuances.


The wines will sometimes have subtle spice-like notes. The grape is used in varietals (Peza appellation) and blends, and though it is rarely aged, some producers experiment with oak aging, creating more complex Vilana examples. The approachable and easy-drinking Vilana wines would pair well with lighter local dishes.

03

Honey Liqueur

CRETE, Greece
4.2
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Rakomelo is a Cretan drink that combines honey and tsikoudia, a clear Cretan spirit that is sometimes referred to as raki, though it is not anise-flavored like the namesake Turkish spirit. The drink is often flavored with herbs and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves.


It is frequently prepared at home by combining warm spirit and honey, but commercially produced versions are also available. Rakomelo is sometimes served warm, usually as a soothing winter drink or a health remedy, while the well-chilled variety is mainly enjoyed neat or with ice, preferably as an aperitif or a digestif. 
04

Wine Variety

CRETE, Greece
4.2
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Often dubbed as a true Mediterranean grape, this red-skinned variety from Greece typically produces aromatic wines that are high in alcohol but usually lack acidity and color. This is why Kostifali is mainly used in blends—most commonly with local Mandilaria.


The grape is traditionally cultivated on Crete. Kostifali is a high-yield grape, and despite its downsides, it can produce light, approachable, and balanced wines with a fruity character and hints of spices, herbs, and flowers. These wines are soft and mostly enjoyed young. 
05

Wine Variety

CRETE, Greece
3.8
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Vidiano is a native white grape from Crete that is mostly cultivated around Rethymnon. The grape is not widely known, but it has seen an upsurge in popularity in the last decade. It is usually used in varietal examples that are typically high in alcohol and acidity.


The wines are usually straw-colored and tend to turn darker with age. They have a rich and creamy texture, while the aroma is reminiscent of melon, apricot, and quince, sometimes with subtle floral notes. They will often have hints of spice and minerality. 
06

Almond Syrup

CRETE, Greece
3.8
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Soumada is a non-alcoholic, syrupy, almond-based beverage that is produced on the island of Crete. It is made with a mixture of fresh, locally-grown almonds, sugar, and water, which is simmered in sugar syrup to create this signature Cretan drink.


Traditionally, people used a mortar and pestle to pound the almonds, although nowadays this laborious process is usually simplified by using a food processor instead. The almond syrup is often enhanced with bitter almond essence or almond extract, cinnamon sticks, cloves, or orange peel for added flavor. 
07

Spirit

CRETE, Greece
n/a
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Mournoraki is a rare Cretan spirit that is distilled from black mulberries. It is usually quite potent, and it is mostly enjoyed as a welcoming drink, but it also works well as an aperitif or a digestif. Mournoraki is not easily found on Crete, and most producers make small quantities that are intended for family consumption or as unique Cretan souvenirs.


Because of its scarcity and the time-consuming process of production, mournoraki is usually more expensive than most Cretan spirits. In Crete, the drink is also commonly used as a health remedy.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Cretan Beverage Producers

01

Wine

CRETE, Greece
5.0
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AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold

2019

BEST Dourakis Andreas Wines
02

Beer

HERAKLION, Greece
5.0
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AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold

2021

BEST Kasta Microbrews Beers (Styles and Brands)
03

Honey

PATSIDES, Greece
4.7
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AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars

2024, 2022

BEST Minoan Farm Honeys
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Cretan Beverages

01
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AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold

2019

02
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AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold

2021

03
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AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars

2024

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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Cretan Beverages