Tsikoudia (τσικουδιά) –or also commonly raki (ρακή) in the eastern part of Crete – is an alcoholic beverage, a fragrant, grape-based pomace brandy of Cretan origin that contains 40%–65% alcohol by volume. Tsikoudia is made by distilling of pomace, i.e., the pieces of grapes (sometimes including the stems and seeds) that were pressed for the winemaking process.
The pomace is kept for about six weeks after the grapes have been pressed, in a tightly-sealed barrel, and then the fermented mush is distilled. The Oriental name raki is used, from which the term “rakizio” is derived, used to refer to the drink’s distillation process, which usually turns into a huge celebration among family, friends and neighbours. Is a traditional Cretan liquer made with natural extract from fresh Cretan Strawberry and raki .
The Pitarokilis Family bottles raki (tsikoudia) in round shaped glass bottles of 200ml, and in unique shaped small glass bottles of and 50ml