Traditional pomace spirit from the Greek region of Macedonia, similar to ouzo (but distilled from wine ). Tsipouro is double distilled from the press residues of the white grape varieties Assyrtiko, Athiri Aspro and Roditis. Especially on the island of Thasos it is considered the national drink. After the first distillation, it is partly flavoured with aniseed, but this is not obligatory. As with all aniseed spirits, a characteristic milky discolouration - the louche effect (also known as ouzo effect) - occurs when water is added or when very cool. Tsipouro is also used for spriting, e.g. on Santorini for Vinsanto. On the island of Crete, the liquor is called tsikoudia or raki.
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