5 Lebanese-Inspired Cocktails To Try

Lebanon is a country with a rich history and a vibrant culture, and its food and drink traditions are an important part of this. Lebanese cuisine is known for its delicious mezze platters, grilled meats, and fragrant spices, and the country is also home to a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, including a number of distinctive cocktails. In this blog post, we'll explore five Lebanese-inspired cocktails that are sure to impress your taste buds and add a touch of Middle Eastern flair to your next cocktail party.

Lebanese 75

This refreshing cocktail is inspired by the classic French 75, which is made with gin, Champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup. The Lebanese 75 puts a unique twist on this classic by substituting arak, a traditional Middle Eastern spirit, for the gin. Arak is made from anise seeds and is similar in flavour to ouzo or pastis. When mixed with Champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup, it creates a light and effervescent drink that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.

Lebanese Sunrise

This colourful cocktail is a twist on the classic tequila sunrise, and it's sure to be a hit at any party. To make a Lebanese Sunrise, you'll need arak, orange juice, grenadine, and a splash of grenadine. Simply mix the arak and orange juice in a shaker with ice, then strain the mixture into a tall glass. Slowly pour the grenadine down the side of the glass, and it will sink to the bottom, creating a beautiful gradient of orange and red. The result is a sweet and fruity drink that is sure to brighten anyone's day.

Arak Martini

If you're in the mood for something a bit more sophisticated, you might want to try an "Arak Martini." This elegant cocktail is made with gin, arak, dry vermouth, and a twist of lemon. To make an Arak Martini, simply combine the gin, arak, and vermouth in a mixing glass with ice, then stir until well chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with a twist of lemon. The result is a smooth and complex drink that is sure to impress.

Lebanese Delight

For those who prefer a sweeter, fruitier cocktail, the "Lebanese Delight" is a great option. This drink is made with arak, grenadine, orange juice, and pineapple juice, and it's garnished with a slice of fresh pineapple. To make a Lebanese Delight, simply mix the arak, grenadine, orange juice, and pineapple juice in a shaker with ice, then strain the mixture into a tall glass. Garnish with a slice of fresh pineapple, and enjoy!

Lebanese Lady

This elegant cocktail is a twist on the classic gin fizz, and it's perfect for those who love a refreshing, bubbly drink. To make a Lebanese Lady, you'll need gin, arak, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. Simply mix the gin, arak, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice, then strain the mixture into a tall glass. Top off the glass with club soda, and garnish with a slice of lemon. The result is a light and refreshing drink that is sure to be a hit with your guests.

Whether you're in the mood for something light and refreshing or something a bit more sophisticated, there's a Lebanese cocktail that is sure to suit your taste. Next time you're planning a cocktail party or just want to mix things up a bit, consider trying out one of these delicious and distinctive drinks. Whether you opt for the refreshing Lebanese 75, the colourful Lebanese Sunrise, the elegant Lebanese Martini, the fruity Lebanese Delight, or the bubbly Lebanese Lady, you're sure to be pleased with the results. Why not give one of these delicious cocktails a try and add a touch of Middle Eastern flair to your next drink?

Fine Middle Eastern dining, cocktails and wine at Maha

From classy meze options to full-on mains, Maha’s dinner and lunch menu is waiting. We have wine and cocktail pairings for all our food, and we can cater your event on request. Get in touch to discuss how we can make your next event special.