Why Is Tsipouro Never Just a Drink?
Tsipouro in thessaloniki is much more than a beverage. As I wrote in some previous articles, the food in the city of Thessaloniki is famous all over Greece and even beyond. But it is not only about the food itself. It is also about the alcohol that goes with the food. Like in every country, city, or region, tsipouro in thessaloniki is the main drink.However, people usually drink it with small plates to share (mezedes), rather than with a large main dish.
Tsipouro is a traditional spirit made from grapes. It is a very popular Greek alcoholic drink. You should not confuse it with ouzo, which is another famous Greek drink made in a different way. I will not give technical details about how tsipouro is made, because that needs a whole new article. Instead, I will describe the culture and tradition behind the famous phrase: Shall we go for tsipouro?
The Culture of Tsipouro in Thessaloniki and Meze
Tsipouro and the word meze are like twin brothers. These two words always go together. The origins of the word meze come from the Persian word mazē or mazag, which means taste or pleasure of taste. In Greek, it means appetizer or tasty bite. For us in Greece, and especially when enjoying tsipouro in thessaloniki, mezedes are small dishes placed in the middle of the table for everyone to share.
So, when a friend says Shall we go for tsipouro?, two main thoughts come to your mind: who is coming and where are we going? First, who is coming, because this is usually for groups of four or five people. These are usually friends who have known each other for many years and have a great time together. They joke with each other and try to meet once a week. People who do this every week say, half jokingly, that drinking tsipouro in thessaloniki with good friends is like a therapy session with a psychologist. That is why they ask who is coming. They really want everyone to be there and no one to be missing.
What about where are we going? Here is what happens. Because tsipouro always goes with mezedes, it is hard to choose just one place what we call a tsipouradiko. The mezedes usually change depending on the season, and there is always a new place in town with something new to offer. However, in my opinion, everyone has their favorite main tsipouradiko for three reasons: quality, good service, and the personal relationship you build with the owners over time. Usually, these places are small and family owned. For us, the word hospitality (filoxenia) is very important, and we want to feel comfortable in these spaces. That is why we prefer these small, warm spots.
Why Tsipouro in Thessaloniki Is a Unique Experience
So, going for tsipouro in thessaloniki is not just about the delicious flavors on your palate, both from the drink and the mezedes because that literally happens! It is something much more. I hope I managed to describe this experience and take you on a journey through our culture, without focusing on specific recipes or types of tsipouro. That is definitely something I will write about in the future!
If you want to explore more about the history of spirits, you can read more about Greek gastronomy traditions Also, make sure to check out our previous blog post about Thessaloniki Street Food Highlights
If you are in Thessaloniki and want information on where to go for tsipouro, I would be happy to share my recommendations with you! Also, if you want to experience the food culture of our city in the best way, you can join a local food tour. It is a great way to taste traditional mezedes and learn all the secrets of tsipouro in thessaloniki.
Thessaloniki Private Guide
For more information about availability and rates, please call Dimitris at +30 694 294 9459 or email us at info@thessalonikiprivateguide.com.
Until our next story from Thessaloniki.