After spending most of Saturday exploring ancient Athenian history we made our way to Brettos bar and distillery in the central Athens neighbourhood of Plaka. Brettos (pronounced “Vrettos” in Greek) is something of an institution, having been open since 1909.
Brettos distills dozens of their own liquors and liqueurs, and serves them in a small bar decorated by backlit walls of colourful bottles seemingly made for Instagrammers. Thankfully the drinks are as great as the decor.
We started modestly. I tried a negroni made with their own vermouth and it was perfect. Josie sampled yet another rakomelo, the warm mix of raki, honey and spices. Luckily her new prescription allergy meds let her once again have a drink now and then without suffering too many ill effects.
The deliciousness of the first round lead to a second, and this time we went with two classic Greek options. Tsipourou is an un-aged brandy, though I have to say it tasted much like raki — or grappa, or any other firewater you can name. It was a slow-sipper. Josie tried the ouzo, finding it smoother with a more prominent anise flavour.
Brettos is a comfortable place and the staff were businesslike but helpful.
After being mesmerized for several hours by the beautiful bottles, we gave in and purchased a couple small ones to go. The staff wrapped them well in bubble wrap. Assuming they survive the flights intact we’ll have some delicious Brettos-made rakomelo and limoncello to enjoy back home in Toronto next month.
