Rakomelo — Spiced Honey-Raki Liqueur

Rakomelo is a traditional Cretan drink whose name literally means “raki with honey.” This cozy beverage blends strong grape spirit (tsikoudia or tsipouro) with natural honey, cinnamon sticks and cloves. The result is a warm amber mixture with a fragrant sweetness and gentle alcohol warmth. Served hot, it carries the heady aroma of honeyed spice and leaves a soothing finish on the palate.

The drink’s roots run deep in Crete’s culture. Shepherds and villagers in mountain communities have long prized Rakomelo as a winter tonic. Simple and quick to make by a hearth, its honey and spice were believed to ward off cold and soothe sore throats on chilly nights. Even today, Rakomelo is a staple of Cretan hospitality: family and friends pour it at gatherings, and tavernas may serve it to guests during winter. A related Aegean specialty called psimeni raki (Amorgos “baked raki”) is similar but usually bottled and served at room temperature. In contrast, Crete’s Rakomelo is always heated and often extra-spicy.

Compared to plain raki or ouzo, Rakomelo is distinctly sweet and spiced. A common recipe uses roughly one part honey to three parts raki, warmed gently with the spices until blended. The honey lends a mellow body and light floral undertone, while the cinnamon and clove contribute warmth and piquancy. No dairy is added, so Rakomelo feels lighter than western eggnogs; instead, its character comes entirely from the wine spirit and honey. Traditional recipes often call for a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon to balance the sweetness.

Traditionally, Rakomelo is served immediately after preparation while still hot. It may be sipped from thick mugs or glasses, often with a cinnamon stick left in as a stirrer. Many add a twist of lemon or orange peel just before drinking to brighten the flavor. It is typically offered after dinner or at cold-weather gatherings. In Crete, you might see it offered as a welcome drink in winter tavernas. Travel writers even dub it “winter in a glass.” As one Cretan saying goes, “Where there is Rakomelo, there is care.”