Lebanon's rich culinary traditions extend far beyond its renowned cuisine, encompassing a vibrant heritage of spirit production that dates back centuries. At FLY Cocktails, we draw deep inspiration from these traditions, infusing our modern creations with the soul of Lebanese craftsmanship.
Arak: The Spirit of Lebanon
No exploration of Lebanese spirits would be complete without discussing Arak, the anise-flavored distillate that has been called Lebanon's national drink. Traditionally made from local grapes and aniseed, this spirit transforms from clear to milky white when water is added – a phenomenon that has earned it the nickname "the milk of lions."
The production of Arak is a meticulous process passed down through generations. Grapes are fermented, then double or triple distilled in copper alembics. Aniseed is added during the final distillation, infusing the spirit with its distinctive flavor. The resulting liquid is then aged in clay jars, allowing it to develop complexity and smoothness.
Beyond Arak: Lebanon's Diverse Spirit Landscape
While Arak may be the most recognized Lebanese spirit internationally, the country's spirit-making tradition encompasses much more:
- Lebanese Wine: With a winemaking history stretching back 6,000 years to Phoenician times, Lebanon's wine culture provides a foundation for various wine-based spirits and fortified creations.
- Jallab: Though not alcoholic in its traditional form, this date, grape molasses, and rosewater syrup has inspired numerous contemporary cocktail interpretations.
- Herbal Infusions: Drawing from Lebanon's rich botanical landscape, traditional herb-infused spirits feature indigenous plants like za'atar, sage, and thyme.
From Tradition to Innovation
At FLY Cocktails, we honor these traditions while pushing the boundaries of what they can become. Our approach balances respect for heritage with the excitement of innovation:
We source ingredients that reflect Lebanese terroir, working with producers who maintain traditional methods while meeting modern quality standards. Our development process often begins with classic Lebanese flavor combinations that we then reimagine through contemporary mixology techniques.
The Flavor Palette of Lebanon
The distinctive character of Lebanese spirits and our cocktails derives from a unique palette of flavors:
- Floral notes from orange blossom, rose, and jasmine
- Warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and clove
- Resinous pine notes from mastic
- Bright citrus from local lemons and bergamot
- Earthy sweetness from dates, figs, and grape molasses
These flavors form the building blocks of our cocktail creations, offering a taste experience that is simultaneously nostalgic and novel.
As we continue to explore and celebrate Lebanon's spirit heritage, we invite you to join us on this journey of discovery – one bottle, one sip, at a time.
