Al Rayan Arak
Al Rayan Arak is a 750mL bottle of traditional Levantine arak, distilled from grapes and flavoured with natural aniseeds — the standard producer description carried by US retailers describes it as prepared following the traditions of choice araks in Syria. It is an unsweetened anise spirit in the classic Levantine style, made to be lengthened with water at the mezze table, where it turns its signature milky white. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- Size: 750mL
- Base: Distilled from grapes
- Flavouring: Natural aniseeds
- Style: Traditional Levantine arak — unsweetened anise spirit, louches milky white with water
A Traditional Arak in the Levantine Style
Arak is the Levant's table spirit — a grape distillate flavoured with aniseed, poured long with water and ice and worked through a spread of mezze. Al Rayan is presented by its sellers as a traditional example of the style: distilled from grapes, flavoured with natural aniseeds, and prepared following the traditions of choice araks in Syria, per the producer description carried by US retailers. Australian specialist retailer Nick's Wine Merchants, tasting its bottling, found a nose dominated by star anise with liquorice strap and menthol hints, a palate of juicy, semi-sweet anise and fresh liquorice, and a long-lingering aniseed finish. Browse more arak on the Al Rayan Arak vendor page and across our spirits collection.
Tasting Notes
No producer tasting sheet exists for Al Rayan in sources found. The most detailed independent notes — from Australian specialist Nick's Wine Merchants, for its "Special Blend" bottling — describe star anise leading the nose with liquorice strap and a menthol edge; a juicy, semi-sweet palate of anise and fresh liquorice with a kick from the alcohol; and a long aniseed finish. The spirit louches with water, as traditional arak does.
How to Enjoy
The Levantine way: pour the arak first, add roughly two parts cold water to one part arak, then ice — the spirit clouds to an opalescent white — and serve with mezze, grilled meats and pickles. Find more anise spirits in our liqueurs collection and the wider range in our spirits collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Al Rayan Arak made from?
Grapes and natural aniseeds, per the standard producer description carried by US retailers — a grape distillate flavoured with aniseed, in the traditional Levantine arak style.
Why does arak turn white with water?
The anise oils dissolved in the spirit come out of solution when water is added, forming the fine emulsion drinkers call the louche — the milky "milk of the lions" effect that signals a traditionally made arak.
How should Al Rayan Arak be served?
Lengthened with cold water (about two parts water to one part arak) and then ice, alongside mezze — the classic Levantine serve.
For the mezze table, the traditional way — order Al Rayan Arak online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
