One of the most pleasant drinks, which you can drink in front of the fire place during the cold winter nights, is the famous Greek brandy, Metaxa. We remember this drink during the holidays because it is a stylish present even for friends who do not drink alcohol that often. The brandy can be found in a 3, 5, and 7 star versions. Special aged selections are sold in elegant porcelain bottles (on the photo), which are honorable guests of every drink collection.

This year the Metaxa became120 years old. For the first time, it is distilled during 1888 by the Athens silk trader Spiros Metaxas. Its recipe has long roots in history, which can take us to the ancient Greek cellars from 5000 years ago. For the first time, the Greek brandy appeared on an international exhibition during 1895 in the German city Bremen and won an excellent prize right away.

During 1900 the Metaxa is exported for the first time to the US and during 1915 wins a Grand Prix on the international San Francisco exhibition. The won medal can still be seen on the packaging of the bottle. During 1970 the Metaxa is exported to over 110 countries worldwide and today it is a part of the Remy Cointrean Group, which includes the 50 most established liquor brands in the world.

The famous Greek brandy is produced from a type of white grape without seeds in Soultanina. The region is named after the Soultani province in Iran from where it comes. Except in Iran and Greece, the grape is grown in Turkey, Australia, and California (USA) as well. In Greece, it is grown in the Northern parts of the Peloponnese peninsula and on Crete island. It matures at the end of July and during August. The grapes are mixed with double distilled white Mouskat wine from Samos. The white Mouskat is the most famous grape, from which many sweet wines are made. 98% of the Samos vines are from this type. The mixture is again distilled and then left to age in oak barrels under special biological environment in order for the drink to become Metaxa.

Usually the famous Greek brandy is a winter drink and is recommended to be drunk on the rocks. Its fans thought of many summer cocktails, which are very attractive. Grreporter.info chose the Greek mohito: put lemon, sugar, and mint in a cocktail glass. Add 7 star Metaxa with soda water, the proportion is up to you. Add more lemon juice and stir with long cocktail spoon. Serve the cocktail with ice and an olive.

Cheers and Happy Holidays!