Tsikoudia of Crete Τσικουδιά Κρήτης
Clear, potent Cretan grape pomace spirit served chilled, prized for its clean, rustic purity and warmth.
- Type
- spirit
- Designation
- GI
- Made from
- grape pomace distillate
- Where
- Crete
- Season
- all-year
- Price
- €
Taste and texture
Clean, fiery, and dry with distinct warm grape-must aromatics. It delivers an unadorned, warming spirit bite with subtle earthy undertones.
liquid
saltysharpcreamyfruitybittersweetintense
How to buy
Buy certified bottles from Cretan distillers rather than unmarked bulk carafes to ensure consistent quality.
Look for the protected geographical indication Tsikoudia of Crete or Raki on the bottle seal.
The rules in short
Produced entirely on Crete through the distillation of fermented grape pomace without the addition of aniseed or other flavourings. It represents the island's traditional, unflavoured pomace brandy.
Serving ideas
- Served ice-cold straight from the freezer as a digestive
- Paired with fresh walnuts and dried figs
- Offered neat alongside savoury meze
Substitutes
Grappa, Marc.
Read more: Ouzo, Tsipouro, and Raki: A Guide to the Clear Spirits of Greece.
Cooked in
Check the register. Designations are listed from our own working list and have not yet been checked against the EU register. Check eAmbrosia before relying on a name.