Rakomelo, a hot honey spiced brandy, is typically consumed during cold weather. Bottles of the spiced spirit are available in retail shops throughout Greece but the flavors aren’t nearly as appealing as a freshly mulled batch.
Traditionally prepared with brandy known as Tsipouro, grappa or grape brandy will also do the trick. Served straight in a short glass or “sfinaki” served straight and consumed from a shot glass or “sfinaki”. It is meant to be sipped slowly and enjoyed.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces tsipouro, grappa, or unaged grape brandy
- 3 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon honey
Preparation
- Combine the liquor, honey, cinnamon, and cloves in a small pot. Make sure the stove top is off when combining the ingredients as the liquor’s vapors are flammable
- Bring the pot to a boil over high heat for 1 to 2 minutes
- Remove from the heat and serve. If your pot isn’t well suited for serving directly into small glasses, you can transfer the spiced drink into a small teapot
