ARAK RAZZOUK ARAK RAZZOUK An anise-based spirit from Lebanon distilled from grape juice with fresh aniseeds, imparting its distinctive fresh flavor. Arak Razzouk is made with special varieties of sweet mountain grapes. The grapes are crushed and fermented, and then distilled over a low fire. Natural aniseed is then added and the mixture is distilled. The distilled product is poured into earthenware jars to age and mellow for at least six months. Arak should be served cool and not cold. The Crystal clear Arak turns milky white when water is added to it in the portion of 30% Arak and 70% water, or 50% Arak and 50% water depending on each one’s own taste. An ice cube or two is then added to the glass to refresh the drink. It is served before and during the meal and symbolizes a relaxed approach to drinking and eating. The best way to enjoy Arak is to sit behind a delicious Middle Eastern Food Table surrounded by good company. In 1918, itinerant dealers used to score the streets of the Lebanese Capital and refill customers’ jars as was the tradition at that time. Arak Razzouk Distillery then distinguished itself as the first company to bottle Arak under a brand name and sell it to the public. Historians and researchers widely attribute the discovery of distillation to Arab alchemists in the 13th century. When Arak Razzouk pioneered the sale of Arak to the public, a motto was created that to this day embodies this brand’s Middle Eastern character: “The Prince of the Souk is Arak Razzouk” (Souk means market in Arabic).
