Arak: Arabic: Levantine Alcoholic Drink

Arak, or araq (Arabic: عرق‎), is a Levantine alcoholic drink ( between 40–63% Alcohol ) from the anees drinks family. It is a transparent unsweetened anise-flavored distilled drink (labeled as an Apéritif). Arak is the traditional alcoholic beverage in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and other arab countries of the middle east

The word arak comes from the Arabic word ′araq ﻋﺮﻕ, which literally means "sweat”. Another similar-sounding word is aragh, which means vodka in Armenia.

Jaber Ibn Hayyan is the muslim chemist who has invented the first still called alembic back in the 9th century. This is a very important landmark in the history of alcoholic beverages.

Back in the days, the entire world drank fermenting spirits like wine and beer instead of distilled alcoholic drinks like vodka or whisky.

This invention was used to produce cometics like perfumes and eye shadows (Kohl).

The Europeans turned from producing Kohl to alcohol and this is where the word Al Kohl came from= Alcohol.

The Lebanese and Syrians were the first to use Karkeh, a set-up for the production of Arak

The vines should be very mature and of a golden color. Instead of being irrigated, the vines are left to the care of the Mediterranean climate and the natural rain and sun. The grapes are harvested in late September and October are crushed and put in barrels along with their juice (in Arabic El Romeli) and are left to ferment for 3 weeks. Occasionally the whole mix is stirred to release the CO2. Arak is fermented in stills. Many stills exist including stainless steel, copper, pot and column stills. These do affect the final taste and specificity of the product After 3 weeks of fermentation, the grape juice is turned to alcohol and is ready for the next step. A distillation is performed and alcohol is recollected. A second distillation is done but this time the alcohol is mixed with aniseed. The final finished product is made during this second