Arak is the anise spirit of the Levant and the soul of a long mezze table. In short: pour one part arak, add two parts cold water so it turns milky white, then add ice – never the other way round. Most araks are strong, typically 50–55% ABV, so they’re always diluted.
The ritual, step by step
- Arak first: pour about a third of the glass.
- Cold water next: add two thirds water and watch it turn cloudy – the famous “louche”.
- Ice last: add one or two cubes. If ice touches neat arak, the anise oil can crystallise into an unappealing film.
- Fresh glass: locals often use a new glass for each round to keep it clean and crisp.
Why does arak turn white?
Arak’s anise flavour comes from anethole, an oil that dissolves in alcohol but not in water. When water brings the strength below roughly 30%, the anethole forms tiny droplets that scatter light – so the clear spirit turns milky. It’s the same effect you see with ouzo and pastis.
Arak brands and prices
| المنتج | الحجم | نسبة الكحول | السعر (د.أ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARAK TOUMA - عرق توما | 500 ML, 270 ML, 140 ML | — | 8–17 |
| ARAK TOUMA Extra - عرق توما اكسترا | 750 ML | — | 32 |
| ARAK FAKRA 70 cl - عرق فقرا | 700 ML | 55% | 38 |
| Arak Fakra XO Supreme 700ML | 1000 ML | — | 78 |
| Chateau Ksara Ksarak Arak 70cl | 700 ML | 53% | 43 |
| Arak Layali Libnan _ عرق ليالي لبنان | 750 ML, 375 ML, 180 ML | 50% | 8–21 |
| Arak Haddad Gold - عرق حداد الذهبي | 1000 ML, 750 ML, 375 ML, 187 ML | — | 5–18.5 |
| Arak Zumot - عرق زعمط | 1000 ML, 500 ML, 375 ML, 200 ML | — | 7–20 |
| Arak Abu Nawas - عرق ابو نواس | 1750 ML, 1000 ML, 750 ML, 375 ML, 180 ML | — | 5–30 |
| Arak Ramallah 750ml | 750 ML | — | 22 |
| Arak Al Jouzour – Triple Distilled Lebanese Arak | 700 ML | 55% | 23 |
| Arak Brun Special Reserve 5 Years 750ml | 750 ML | — | 75 |
| Ouzo 12 | 1000 ML, 750 ML, 200 ML | — | 11–44 |
| OUZO OF PLOMARI ISIDOROS ARVANITIS | 1000 ML, 700 ML | — | 27–35 |
الأسعار والتوفر محدّثة تلقائياً من متجر خمارة 5mara بتاريخ 2026-10-08. Prices in JOD, updated automatically.
- Lebanese classics: Touma (aged in clay jars), Fakra, Ksarak from Château Ksara, Layali Lebnan and Massaya.
- Jordanian favourites: Haddad, Zumot and Abu Nawas – compared in our Arabic arak comparison.
- Palestinian: Arak Ramallah.
Arak vs ouzo vs raki vs sambuca
| Drink | From | Base and style | Typical strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arak | Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Palestine | Grape spirit distilled with aniseed, unsweetened | About 50–55% |
| Ouzo | Greece, Cyprus | Anise-flavoured spirit, sometimes with other spices | Usually around 38–45% |
| Rakı | Turkey | Grape spirit with aniseed | Usually 40–50% |
| Sambuca | Italy | Sweetened anise liqueur | About 38–40% |
What to eat with arak
Arak was made for mezze: hummus, moutabal, tabbouleh, fattoush, labneh with olive oil, raw kibbeh, olives and grilled meats. The anise refreshes your palate between bites. Read our food pairing guide for more.
More: Jordanian arak traditions. Prefer Arabic? اقرأ دليل العرق اللبناني بالعربية.
Sources: Difford’s Guide – Arak, Wein.plus – Louche effect.
Arak FAQ
How do you drink arak?
Pour one part arak, add two parts cold water so it turns milky white, then add ice, and enjoy it slowly with mezze.
Why do you add ice to arak last?
Ice touching neat arak can make the anise oil (anethole) crystallise into a film; adding water first prevents this.
What alcohol percentage is arak?
Most araks are 50–55% ABV – for example Fakra is 55% and Ksarak 53% – which is why it is always diluted with water.
What is the difference between arak and ouzo?
Both are anise spirits that turn white with water, but arak is a Levantine grape spirit usually around 50–55%, while Greek ouzo is usually lower in alcohol and may include other spices.
How much is arak in Jordan?
At 5mara arak costs 2.75–78 JOD; Arak Touma is 8–17 JOD and Haddad Gold 5–18.5 JOD depending on size.
Order now from our arak collection – and don’t forget the ice.
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