297512 Thu Jun 17 14:07:12 -0700 2004 2 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1642060 Raki, Arrack, Ouzo... What are some of the better types of these clear annisette liqours? I really enjoy an inch or two poured over ice in a tall glass and then filled with cold water. Also the white cloudy color it turns is mildly amusing... I have tried a few, most recently I enjoyed Yeni Raki from Istanbul Turkey... and last night I tried Razzouk Arak from Lebanon which was not very good, sort of a bad bitter taste and it gave me the worst hangover I have had in 20 years... and I rarely get hangovers. Thu Jun 17 14:07:12 -0700 2004 0 The Rogue 1 1642083 Maybe we need proper definitions here, but the raki(sp?) I got from Crete was made with the remnants from making wine, a second go around for the grapes. It was then distilled like brandy. It's not Ouzo. Thu Jun 17 15:29:32 -0700 2004 1642060 0 muD 2 1642092 I had the same impression -- the "Raki" I've had, also known as Tsikoudia, is not anise based, but is more akin to grappa. I was curious, so did a search. Apparantly there are two different kinds of "Raki" -- one from Turkey that is anise based, and the Greek one you and I are familiar with. Link: http://www.sfakia-crete.com/sfakia-crete/raki.html Thu Jun 17 15:53:29 -0700 2004 1642083 0 DanaB