Arak with ice and olives – authentic Levantine anise spirit

Arak: The Sugar-Free Spirit with a Natural Levantine flavor

Oct 09, 2025Samar Daood

How to Drink Arak the Traditional Way

If you’ve ever been to a summer lunch in Lebanon, a backyard gathering in Palestine, or a slow Sunday in Syria, you’ve probably seen a curious ritual unfold: someone pulls out a tall, elegant bottle, pours a clear spirit into a glass, adds cold water, and suddenly the drink turns cloudy white. That’s Arak, the Levant’s signature anise flavored spirit and it’s so much more than just another liquor.

Why Choose Arak?

At Enab Berlin, we’re all about bringing authentic Levantine culture to Europe. Arak, It’s a drink of celebration, memory, and deep rooted tradition but it’s also incredibly pure. One of Arak’s best kept secrets? It contains no added sugar.

That’s right. While many anise based drinks like Pastis or Sambuca lean heavily on sweeteners, Arak keeps it honest. The flavor comes entirely from the ingredients used during the distillation process nothing artificial, nothing added after the fact.

The Unique Taste of Arak

It’s that combination (grape and anise) that gives Arak its bold character. It’s strong, but smooth. Herbal, but balanced. And because it doesn’t rely on sugar for flavor, it doesn’t leave you with that sticky sweetness. 

Bringing Levantine Warmth to Your Table

So next time you’re planning a mezze night or just want something truly unique in your glass, reach for Arak. Let it transport you one sip at a time to the warmth of a Levantine table.

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