Raki with cinnamon and honey- Rakomelo- is the ultimate winter drink in Crete, Greece. Originally used to soothe a sore throat, it became increasingly popular with younger generations and is now also served as an aperitif or a digestive drink to warm up in winter.

If you love this Raki Drink with Cinnamon and Honey-Rakomelo, you will also love this Egg Pie, Buttermilk Pie or Brown Butter Chess Pie!

Three glasses, a tall small one, a big round and a medium glass with rakomelo, raki drink with honey in a wood environment.

What is Raki?

Raki (ρακή)is a strong alcoholic drink produced in Crete, Greece, by fermenting grape pomace from making wine. In Greece, a Raki drink is also called Tsikoudia in Crete and Tsipouro in the mainland and the rest of the Greek islands. It can also be flavored with aniseed. Raki is also popular in the Slavic countries of the Balkans as Rakija (Serbo-Croatian: Ракија) or Rakiya (Bulgarian: ракия).

Raki is the drink served in Crete on almost every occasion. It is consumed as a sign of friendship and as a means of social communication. It is simply the national drink of the Cretans. It is almost naturally served after every meal, and there is often the opportunity to enjoy raki. There is always a shot glass of raki when Cretans greet their guests, wish each other well, and chat about their everyday lives in traditional cafes.

Anyone who goes to Crete will not avoid drinking raki. Years ago, I traveled through Crete with friends and was looking for directions to a specific location hidden in the mountains. We were lost and stopped many times to ask the villagers for directions and every single one offered us a shot of raki to welcome us. In the Kandanos village supermarket, as we were shopping for supplies, the shop owner placed some parchment paper on a freezer, poured raki into shot glasses, and scattered nuts and dried fruit on the paper as an offering while we were shopping! Remembering the warmth and hospitality of Cretans always brings a smile to my face.

Cretan raki is also known for its unique flavor profile. Depending on the producer, it may have hints of anise, cinnamon, or other herbs and spices. It is made in the autumn after the grape harvest. It is pure and has a high alcohol percentage, averaging 40% – 65% ABV. Despite this, Cretan raki is considered a very smooth and easy-to-drink spirit.

Why this recipe sings

Warm rakomelo is a delicious, comforting drink perfect for sipping during winter. A warm raki drink with honey can also help soothe a sore throat on a cold winter day. Combining cinnamon, cloves, and a tiny bit of lemon creates a unique, complex flavor that is sweet, strong and fragrant.
It is easy to make. Raki is warmed in a small pot with honey, a cinnamon stick, and cloves. You can add orange peel and a little lemon juice.
Rakomelo can also be enjoyed cold in a beautiful glass with an orange peel and a cinnamon stick as garnish.
It is different and original. You can impress your guests with this unique, beautiful drink.

Here is what you need

A bottle of raki drink, a pot with honey, an orange, a lemon and a small plate with cloves on a wooden table.

Raki. You can find Cretan raki online or in specialized liquor stores. You can also use Greek Tsipouro or Italian Grappa (although not authentic Cretan, it will do the job).
Honey. I love thyme honey or orange blossom honey.
Cinnamon stick and cloves.
Lemon juice. A little bit ads a fresh note. Optional.
Orange peel. It serves as a garnish, optional.

How to make rakomelo

To make the warm rakomelo

In a saucepan, over medium heat, put all the ingredients except the cinnamon and the orange peel. Warm the drink without exceeding 75°C (you need a pastry thermometer). Strain and serve in shot glasses garnished with cinnamon and orange peel.

To make the cold rakomelo

You follow the same method as above. Strain into a small pitcher and cool the rakomelo in the refrigerator. Serve in a tall glass garnished with cinnamon and orange peel.