Greek herbs flavor Greece’s amazing cuisine and – POINT a cocktails! Our cocktails are only as special as their ingredients, and Greek herbs are part of many of our best cocktail recipes.
Greek Herbs: Where and Why
Greece is all about herbs which grow everywhere around the country. They carpet the forests and grow wildly in lush fields near the mountains. Their aromas can be appreciated as you walk through the plains and valleys. In major cities, like Athens, people love to grow them in their own pots on their windowsills and terraces. That’s because Greeks know just how important herbs are for flavor and fragrance.
The need for Greek herbs date back to ancient times when they were used in medicine and to make holy oils. Hippocrates, the “father of medicine,” used herbs every day. The plants were even used as aphrodisiacs.
Today, Greek herbs and spices can be found fresh and dried. You can buy them flaked and whole, use them as leaves and stems, as seeds or in pods. The incredible variety of Greek herbs and their flavorful yet healthy qualities not only inspire our POINT a dishes but our POINT a cocktails. Here are a selection of Greek herbs and which cocktails you can try on your next visit that feature them.
Basil
Greek: vassilikos | With its countless number of little brilliant green leaves, Greek basil is considered a bit sweeter than its Italian counterpart. It’s aromatic and light yet has a hint of anise or clove flavor.
POINT a cocktail to try featuring Greek basil: Act One: Drama
Ouzo, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lemon juice, basil, thyme infused in lime cordial
Sage
Greek: faskomilo | Walk in the Greek mountains and you can’t help but breathe in the scent of Greek sage which a native herb of the Mediterranean region. It is popular as a tea.
POINT a cocktail to try featuring Greek sage: Olympus Gate
Mastiha, Metaxa 5-stars, fig, basil, peach bitters, sage infused in bitter Italian aperitif
Chamomile
Greek: chamaimeli| Chamomile is a name that derives from the Greek words ground and apple due to the fact that it grows close to the ground and smells like apples. Greeks living in rural areas will pick these daisy-like flowers out in the wild, wash them and lay them out to dry. Chamomile is popular around the world and can be easily found anywhere in a ready tea bag form. In Greece, dried chamomile is most often brewed with hot water into a soothing herbal tea.
POINT a cocktail to try featuring Greek chamomile: Olympic Flame
Sailor jerry spiced rum, Bacardi rum, chamomile syrup infused with spices, strawberry, cacao liqueur, lemon juice, mint
Thyme
Greek: thymari |The herb is popular in some meat dishes. Greek olives can be flavored with thyme. Some of the best Greek honey is too!
POINT a cocktail to try featuring Greek thyme: Act One: Drama
Ouzo, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lemon juice, basil, thyme infused in lime cordial
Mint
Greek: diosmos | The rich green, lance shaped leaves of mint feature jagged edges, and the whole plant itself is known for its wonderful smell. Many recipes for Greek meatballs call for mint for a unique flavour kick. It’s also an ingredient in Greek savory pies and Greek salads.
POINT a cocktail to try featuring Greek mint: Olympic Flame
Sailor jerry spiced rum, Bacardi rum, chamomile syrup infused with spices, strawberry, cacao liqueur, lemon juice, mint
Have you ever cooked with Greek herbs? Have you ever tried a cocktail featuring Greek herbs like POINT a cocktails?
