Arak (liqueur)

Arak Rayan

A clear, colorless Middle-eastern and eastern Mediterranean liqueur, made in Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. Made from grapes and anise, arak (from Arabic araq عرق) is closely related to the Greek ouzo and to the French pastis. It is served with meals or as an aperitif, and mixed with water, which makes it opaque.

In Iran, arak is made in many homes and is consumed on various occasions. More common in Iran is a purer and stronger sort of Arak, made without anise, which is called Aragh-e Sagi (Persian: عرق سگی, literally dog's arak).

See also Raki.