Metaxa is a Greek brandy with an original taste. Metaxa is cognac or brandy.

Creating a small family business for the production of Metaxas, Spyros Metaxas did not even imagine that after a few decades the alcohol he invented would become the hallmark of Greece and enter the top 100 most famous alcoholic beverages in the world. Now it is supplied to more than 120 countries. We will consider the features, history and culture of using Metaxa.

Metaxa(Greek Μεταξά) is a dark golden Greek alcoholic drink with a strength of 38%, obtained by mixing aged grape brandy with sweet nutmeg wine and herbal infusion, the secret of which is kept secret by the manufacturer. Metaxa has an aroma of dried fruits and nutmeg. On the palate there are notes of oak and vanilla.

Many consider Metaxa to be cognac or brandy, but in reality it is a unique drink that has no analogues in the world, so it is difficult to attribute it to any group of alcohol.

Metaxa is made from double distilled spirit of wine. Used wine material from three regions: Corinth, Crete and Attica. After distillation, alcohol is aged in oak barrels for 3-15 years (elite types of Metaxa can be aged up to 80 years).

Metaxa aging process

Next, the resulting brandy is mixed with Muscat wine aged 12 months, produced on the islands of Samos and Lemnos. Then add the original herbal infusion and rose petals. At the final stage, the finished Metaxa is aged in oak barrels at -6°C for at least 6 months. After filtering and bottling, the drink goes on sale.

The production of Metaxa began in 1888 in the city of Piraeus. The creator of the drink is the Greek winemaker Spyros Metaxas. As an emblem, he chose an ancient Greek coin dedicated to the victory of the Greeks over the Persians in a naval battle near the city of Salamis. This coin was found during earthworks during the construction of the plant.

Almost immediately after the start of production, Metaxa was presented to the royal houses of Greece, Serbia, Russia and Ethiopia. Noble persons highly appreciated the new alcohol, making the company of Spyros Metaxas their official supplier. Since then, Metaxa has been called "Greek silk" in Europe. The word "metaksi" is translated from Greek as "silk".

Since 1900, Metaxa has been exported to the United States, where, due to its original light taste, it was called "flying brandy". In 1968, the plant was moved to Athens, where it is still located. In 1989, the Metaxa trademark was bought by Remy Cointreau.

Types of Metaxa

This brandy is classified only by the period of aging alcohol in oak barrels. The classification itself is very similar to the labeling of domestic cognacs.

• Metaxa 3 stars - at least 3 years of exposure;
• Metaxa 5 stars - at least 5 years of exposure;
• Metaxa 7 stars - at least 7 years of exposure;
• Metaxa Grand Olympian Reserve - 12 years old;
• Metaxa Grand Fine - sold in a ceramic jug, aged from 8 to 15 years;
• Metaxa Private Reserve - comes in a crystal decanter, aged from 20 to 30 years;
• Metaxa AEN is a brandy aged from 30 to 80 years.

Metaxa AEN - the most expensive type

Ways to drink Metaxa correctly

1. In its purest form. Metaxa is drunk at room temperature in small sips from liquor glasses. It is this method that allows you to fully enjoy the taste and aroma of the drink. Already after the first sip, pleasant warmth spreads throughout the body, with each subsequent sip it intensifies. Some connoisseurs prefer to drink Metaxa with ice, but then the aroma is lost. I recommend adding ice only to Metaxa of low aging (3-5 years).

As an appetizer for Metaxa, you can serve citrus fruits (lemons, oranges), grapes, caviar sandwiches, milk chocolate, fresh lettuce, cheeses, and even baked meat.

Glasses for Metaxa

2. With other drinks. To reduce the strength, Metaxa is diluted with tonic and citrus juices in a 1: 1 ratio. This brandy is also added to tea and coffee. In Greece, Metaxa tea is considered medicinal. Metaxa is not diluted with alcoholic drinks and mineral water.

3. As part of cocktails. The bartenders have created several original recipes that have spread all over the world.

Cocktails with Metaxa

1. Greek Mojito. Unlike the classic Mojito recipe, in this version the Cuban rum is replaced by Metaxa, other ingredients are not changed.

• mint - 3-4 leaves;
• sugar - 2 teaspoons;
• lime - 1 piece;
• Metaxa - 50 ml;
• soda (sprite) - 80-100 ml;
• ice cubes.

Preparation: add mint and sugar to a tall glass, then squeeze the juice of one lime into the same place and mix well. Pour Metaxa, add a few ice cubes. Fill the remaining space in the glass with soda or sprite.

Greek mojito

2. Metaxa sour(Metaxa Sour). The recipe for this cocktail was invented by Spyros Metaxas himself.

• orange juice - 30 ml;
• lemon juice - 20 ml;
• Metaxa - 50 ml;
• soda - 100 ml;
• ice cubes.

Preparation: fill the shaker halfway with ice, add juices and Metaxa. Mix for at least 60 seconds. Pour the mixture into a tall glass with a volume of 230-300 ml, fill the remaining space with soda.

Greece is one of the first countries where people began to consciously produce alcoholic beverages. Alcohol has always been present in overripe berries and fruits. The ancient Greeks learned how to cultivate grapes to make wine.

Wine and grapes were under the auspices of the god Dionysus. He was often depicted during a copious libation, surrounded by satyrs and nymphs.

Metaxa - the most famous Greek brandy

The most famous Greek alcoholic drink. Metaxa is famous all over the world, but it is produced only in Greece. Its recipe is very complicated and secret, so buying a bottle of the original drink outside of Greece can be risky and expensive.

The financial benefit is obvious. A 7-year-old metaxa in Greece is sold for 16-20 euros for a 0.7 liter bottle. In Moscow, you are unlikely to be able to buy it cheaper than 30 euros.

Metaxa is often called cognac in our country. However, we like to call any brandy cognac. Citizens of the USSR were not very spoiled by imported alcoholic beverages, and such a tradition took root in our language.

Metaxa belongs to the class of brandy, by the way, like cognac itself. Cognacs are simply called varieties of brandy produced in France in the province of Cognac.

The history of metaxa began with a fish, no matter how paradoxical it may sound. The Greek Spyros Metaksas was born into a family of fishermen, and his parents dreamed that he would continue the family business. But Spiros did not connect his future with fish and moved to the city, where he founded a company for the production of spirits.

He experimented a lot with different ingredients. Even cocoa and mastic fell into his field of vision. He tried mixing different drinks, including vermouth, absinthe, wines and liqueurs. As a result of the search, he received the recipe for the drink, which is now called “metaxa”. This event is believed to have taken place in 1888.

The drink became popular in Greece, and later in other countries. Especially actively they began to buy it for import to the United States, where at that time there was another economic boom.

Spyros was assisted by his brothers Elias and George. The Metaxa company is still a “family-owned” company, which made it possible to keep the secret of the drink recipe.

It is known for sure that the drink is a mixture of grape wine from three grape varieties and brandy made from grapes and black currants. Herbs are added to the mixture, which ones are not exactly known, but there is information that rose petals are definitely used.

The drink is infused in special barrels that the company buys in Italy. You can see them in the photo on the right. Depending on the exposure time, metaxa receives its “stars”.

Metaxa 3 stars is considered the lowest quality. Many Greeks say that this drink is only suitable for culinary purposes.

Metaxa 5 and 7 stars tastes great and we recommend this option for buying during a trip to Greece.

Metaxa 12 stars already belongs to the elite varieties of alcohol. Of course, it is worth trying such a drink, but the prices are already “biting”.

Some alcohol lovers enroll Metaxa in the category of either cognac or brandy. In reality, it is an independent drink produced exclusively in Greece. The color of Metaxa is unequivocally defined as dark golden, the fortress is 38% (in some sources 40%). This "ambrosia of Hellas" is poured into bottles of the original form. In Greece itself, you can see the most exotic types of containers and varieties of contents (not exported).

Source of success

Metaxa was first bottled in 1888. A small family business (founded by Spyros Metax) soon began to generate significant income. The drink is becoming popular outside of the producing country. The new-fangled alcohol was also liked by people of royal blood. In the century before last, "Greek cognac" was supplied to the royal courts of Greece and Serbia, the Russian Emperor and the ruler of Ethiopia. In 1900, winemakers from the Balkan Peninsula delivered to the New World. Today, bottles with the coat of arms in the form of a coin on the label can be purchased at liquor stores around the world.

Content recipe

Nothing complicated, except for one family secret of the creators. Muscat wine and herbal infusion are added to high-quality grape brandy. The composition of the last ingredient is a mystery. It is known that the tincture is supplemented with rose petals.

national technology

Metaxa is a true national product. The basis of the alcohol fortress (brandy) is made from grapes harvested in Corinth, Attica (Greek provinces) and on the island of Crete. For blending, wine from a variety grown in Samos and Lemos (Aegean islands) is used. The product is kept for at least a year. Herbal infusion is added to the blend. The finish line before bottling is a six-month aging in oak barrels in the cold (-6°C).

Stars about endurance and the best for yourself

The number of stars on the label will tell the buyer about different types of Metaxa. Here everything is like in Russia - the duration of aging of grape alcohol is indicated by stars:

• There are 3 stars on the label - the minimum aging period is 36 months;
• 5 stars - correspond to an exposure of 5 years;
• 7 stars - seven-year content in oak barrels.

Bottles with stars (3-7) can be bought outside of Greece. More "old" and elite varieties are not exported abroad.

In the domestic market

There are 2 species with the designation Reserve:

• Grand Olympian- twelve years of exposure;
• Private- special container (crystal decanter) + 20-30 years in barrels.

Another type of Grand Fine, aged 8-15 years, is poured into ceramic jugs. AEN is the most exotic and expensive type of drink. The term of barrel "imprisonment" is 30-80 years.

Consume wisely

Connoisseurs of the "pride of Greece" prefer to use a pure product in small sips (savoring) from liquor glasses. With this method, the bouquet of taste is most fully revealed. With the first sip, the body will feel a surge of warmth spreading in a gentle wave. Sometimes a little ice is put in the glass, but it is not recommended to abuse it.

Dilute and add

How to drink Metaxa to be less strong? Citrus juices and a regular tonic will come to the rescue (the optimal ratio is 1: 1). It is not forbidden to use the product as a flavoring for coffee or tea (the latter option is considered medicinal in Greece). To dilute with mineral water and other alcohol is a bad form.

cocktail set

You can come up with a combination for a cocktail yourself, but a true connoisseur must know a few classic recipes with strong alcohol from Greece.

Metaxa sour- they believe that Spyros Metax himself had a hand in the recipe. In a shaker, mix ice, orange juice (30 ml) and lemon (20 ml), brandy (50 ml). The mixture is poured into a tall glass and filled with sparkling water.

Alexandra- the name of the British queen (reigned 1902-1910). For lovers of sweet alcohol. Cream is mixed (can be replaced with Baileys), chocolate liqueur and brandy in equal proportions. Ice is not needed here.

Metaxa with tea- it's a cocktail! The base - chilled black tea (60 ml) is added to a glass with mixed brandy (25 ml), orange juice (50 ml), lemon syrup (20 ml) and ice. Served with a straw.

Greek mojito- the main and only difference is in strong alcohol (we change Cuban rum for brandy from Hellas). The remaining ingredients and method of preparation remain unchanged.

About taste and snack

A powerful first taste note is the aroma of dried fruits. It is explained by the drying of grape berries before dressing the main material - brandy. The nuances of the aftertaste - halftones of oak, vanilla note and nutmeg - are signs of blending with wine, long-term aging in oak containers and additives in the form of herbal infusion.

Metaxa is a very popular strong Greek alcoholic drink.

This noble drink is based on distillates, that is, grape spirits and muscat grape wine, as well as various natural extracts.

Many people ask what is Metaxa is cognac or brandy.. It can be said that Metaxa – it's cognac and brandy, since distillers are at the heart of the manufacture of alcohol. Metaxa cognac is produced in several different stages.

At the first stage, an alcoholic drink is made using the same technology as brandy. For this, distillates of various grape varieties are taken.

After that, the drink is infused for a certain time, and then mixed with a small amount of muscat wine, which is made on islands such as Samos and Lemnos. The islands are in the Aegean Sea. After mixing distillates with muscat wine, a variety of Mediterranean herbs and spices are added, which manufacturers keep secret.

Brandy Metaxa is a very soft drink and softness is provided by muscat wine in its composition. Distillates can be stored in French barrels, which are made of Limousin oak, or in cellars. French barrels have fewer pores, which is why they are considered more suitable for storing distillates than North American barrels.

The history of the origin of the drink

Alcohol brand named after the first founder of the Metaxa plant. The founder of the plant is the Greek entrepreneur and trader Spears Metaxa. Spears was born on the island of Euboea.

Spears is not only the creator of the first Greek cognac, but he also founded the first distillery in 1888.

When Metaxa fell in love with a large number of connoisseurs of alcohol and became popular, Spears decided to open new factories in cities such as Istanbul and Odessa. Since 1990, Greek brandy has been exported to the US under the name Flying Brandy.

After Spears died, his family continued to manufacture Metaxa and did it quite successfully. In 1968, a new plant was opened in Kifisia, a suburb of Athens. The plant where Metaxa was made was awarded many different awards.

Range

Today, the Metaxa brandy plant produces the following types of alcoholic beverages:

1. Metaxa 7 stars.
2. Metaxa 5 stars.
3. Metaxa 12 stars.
4. Metaxa honey shot.
5. Metaxa private reserve.

Let's analyze the characteristics of each type:

Many people wonder with what they drink metaxa and how? There are several ways to consume Greek cognac. The first way is to take Metaxa in its pure form without adding any other ingredients and drinks. The second method of consumption is the intake of alcohol with other drinks. The third way is to use Metaxa in various cocktails.

Let's consider these methods in more detail.

First way. The drink is poured and drunk from liqueur glasses. Cooling alcohol in advance is not recommended, but it should be consumed at room temperature. This method is considered the most optimal, as it reveals the taste and aroma of brandy. With each sip, it seems that more and more heat spreads through the body. Many connoisseurs of the drink prefer to drink alcohol with ice, but with this combination, the aroma is practically not felt and this is important to consider. If Metaxa is aged for 4-5 years, then ice can be added to the drink.

As for snacks, such an appetizer as citruses and grapes is suitable for eating Metaxa in its pure form. The drink goes very well with milk chocolate and lettuce, as well as baked meat and various cheeses.

Second way. In order to reduce the strength of the drink, Metaxa is often mixed with tonic and citrus juice in a 1: 1 ratio. This type of Greek brandy is added to tea or coffee by many people. In Greece, the use of Metaxa with black tea is very popular and is considered medicinal. It is worth remembering that it is impossible to dilute Metaxa with carbonated drinks or alcohol in any case.

Third way. Very often, Metaxa is used as part of various cocktails. Bartenders from all over the world have come up with some very original cocktails in which Greek cognac plays an important role. Such cocktails are common throughout the globe.

Greek cognac Metaxa is a part of many cocktails. Cocktails that contain Metaxa as an ingredient are:

1. Greek mojito.
2. Metaxa sour.
3. Alexandra.
4. Metaxa with tea.

Greek mojito cocktail

To make a Greek Mojito, you will need the following ingredients:

• mint - 3 leaves;
• sugar - 2 teaspoons;
• lime - 1 piece;
• Metaxa - 50 milliliters;
• sprite - 80 milliliters;

The first step in making a Greek mojito is to add mint and sugar to a tall glass. After that, it is necessary to squeeze lime juice into a glass and mix everything gently. The next step is to add Metaxa itself and ice cubes. The final step is to fill the remaining space with the sprite.

Metaxa sour

This cocktail recipe was invented by Spyros Metaxa. The composition of the drink includes the following ingredients:

• orange juice - 30 milliliters;
• lemon juice - 20 milliliters;
• Metaxa - 50 milliliters;
• carbonated water - 100 milliliters;
• ice - 4 cubes.

In a shaker, mix ice, orange juice, lemon juice and Metaxa. The shaker should be half filled. Mix the ingredients in a shaker for 1 minute. After that, you need to pour the liquid from the shaker into a tall glass and add sparkling water to fill the remaining space.

Alexandra

This cocktail is considered to be created in honor of the English Queen Alexandra of Denmark. The Queen ruled the British Empire from 1902-1910. The ingredients in the drink are:

• Metaxa brandy - 30 milliliters;
• chocolate liqueur - 30 milliliters;
• Baileys liqueur - 30 milliliters.

Preparing an Alexander cocktail is very easy and will not take more than 5 minutes to prepare. All the ingredients that make up the drink must be mixed in a shaker, and then this mixture is poured into a glass. Since ice is not included in the cocktail, it must be served without ice.

Metaxa with tea

This drink is considered refreshing, although the name does not show it. The composition of the cocktail includes such components as:

• orange juice - 50 milliliters;
• lemon juice - 20 milliliters;
• Metaxa - 25 milliliters;
• cold black tea - 60 milliliters;

First you need to put ice in a glass, and then pour orange juice and lemon juice, as well as Metaxa. The next step is to add cold black tea to a tall glass. It is necessary to drink a drink through a straw.

Attention, only TODAY!

Metaxa is a Greek alcoholic drink. It is distinguished by a rich gold color, an exquisite taste, in which vanilla tones are guessed, as well as a deep aroma of nutmeg and dried fruits. Fortress Metaksy 38 degrees.

This drink is unique. Thanks to the unique production technology, the output is alcohol that goes beyond the boundaries of generally recognized standards and classifications.

Greek Cognac or Metaxa Brandy?

When Spyros Metaksas in 1888 was just starting the production of his now famous brainchild, he positioned it precisely as cognac. After the end of World War II, French alcohol producers from the Cognac region received exclusive rights to use this name.

Metax had to be renamed. After all, now its producers did not have the right to use the former name. The question arose: “What should the Greek cognac Metaxa be renamed into?”. This was a known issue. Indeed, because of all the same production features, the name of brandy also did not fit.

In the end, we decided not to reinvent the wheel. And the drink began to be called simply Metaxa.

How is it produced?

Metaxa is produced from wine alcohol, which has twice gone through the distillation procedure. For its manufacture, grapes grown in Corinth, Attica or Crete are used.

When both distillations are left behind, the resulting alcohol is infused in wooden oak barrels. The term of such exposure varies from 3 to 80 years, depending on what kind of Metaxa they want to get in the end.

After a set period of time, alcohol is diluted with Muscat wine, which has been aged for one year. The correct proportions of breeding are kept in strict confidence.

After that, an infusion of herbs and rose petals is added to Metaxa. After that, it is re-infused in the same wooden barrels at a temperature of -5 to -6 degrees. The minimum holding period is 180 days. The drink is then bottled and sold.

Accepted classification

The main indicator that determines the classification is the time of the initial exposure of alcohol. There are such types of drink:

• Metaxa 3 stars - exposure 3 years;
• Metaxa 5 stars - exposure 5 years;
• Metaxa 7 stars - exposure 7 years;
• Metaxa Olympian Grand Reserve - 12 years old;
• Metaxa Fine Grand - 8-15;
• Metaxa Reserve Private - 20-30;
• Metaxa AEN - 30-80 years old.

According to the reviews of alcohol lovers, the most popular in our country are:

• Metaxa 5 stars;
• Metaxa 7 stars.

This is explained very simply. It is these varieties of it that are considered optimal in terms of price-quality ratio. The following varieties are much more expensive. And a drink labeled 3 stars is harsh according to the same reviews.

How to drink?

There are two generally accepted ways to drink Metaxa.

First, it can be consumed undiluted. The use of ice is not recommended. It is believed that this adversely affects its aroma.

Pour Metaxa into liquor glasses or small shots and drink in small sips. Only in this way you will be able to experience the rich unique taste. If you do not plan to spend a significant amount on a purchase, then Metaxa 7 stars will be optimal for such a tasting.

If you need a snack, then you have a wide choice. You can serve oranges, grapes, chocolate, a cheese plate or well-done meat.

Secondly, Metaxa can be diluted with orange juice or tonic. The optimal proportion is 50:50. This method is often used by the fair sex, who are not accustomed to drinking strong alcohol, but who also want to join the Greek legend.

You can also add Metaxa to freshly brewed coffee or black tea to taste.

Popular cocktails

Metaxa sour. Its recipe was invented by Spyros Metaxos himself.

• orange juice - 35 ml;
• lemon juice 25 ml;
• Metaxa - 60 ml;
• Carbonated water - 120 ml;
• crushed ice.

Fill half of a shaker with crushed ice. Pour in citrus juices and alcohol. Shake for a minute. Then pour into a tall glass. Top up with sparkling water.

Alexandra. This cocktail was dedicated by its creator to the British Queen Alexandra of Denmark.

For cooking you will need the following ingredients:

• Metaxa - 35 ml;
• chocolate liqueur - 35 ml;
• whipped cream - 35 ml.

Proper preparation steps.

Everything here is extremely simple and fast. Mix all ingredients. Pour into a tall glass.

Also, all fans of Mojito can enjoy its Greek version. The drink is prepared in exactly the same way, it is only necessary to replace the traditional rum for it with Metaxa.