Metaxa is Greece’s oldest and most prestigious spirit. It is a unique blend of fine wine distillates, brandy, and Muscat wines, aged in oak casks for at least five years. Metaxa is a smooth, mellow drink that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other beverages.
Metaxa can be served neat, over ice, or mixed with other drinks. If you’re drinking Metaxa neat, it’s best to use a brandy snifter or tulip glass. This will help concentrate the drink’s aroma and make it more enjoyable. Fill the glass with Metaxa and swirl it around before taking a sip. Add a splash of water to open up the flavors.
This article will explore some of the different ways to drink Metaxa. We’ll also provide tips on getting the most out of your drinking experience.
The Different Types of Metaxa
Several types of Metaxa are available on the market, each with its unique flavor profile.
Here are a few of the most popular types.
Metaxa 5 Star: Metaxa 5 Star is the flagship product of the Metaxa brand. It is a smooth, mellow spirit made from a blend of fine wine distillates, brandy, and muscat wines. Metaxa 5 Star is aged in oak casks for at least five years, and it has a mellow flavor that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other drinks.
Metaxa 7 Star: Metaxa 7 Star is a premium spirit bottling made from the same blend of fine wine distillates, brandy, and muscat wines as Metaxa 5 Star. However, Metaxa 7 Star is aged in oak casks for at least seven years, which gives it a richer flavor and a smoother finish.
Metaxa 12 Star: Metaxa 12 Star is the most premium product in the Metaxa lineup. It is made from the same blend of fine wine distillates, brandy, and muscat wines as the other two expressions, but it is aged in oak casks for at least twelve years. Metaxa 12 Star has a complex flavor profile with leather, tobacco, and spice notes.
Metaxa should be stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, Metaxa will last for up to two years. Be sure to keep the bottle tightly sealed when not in use to prevent the spirit from evaporating.
How To Drink Metaxa
Drinking Metaxa can be an enjoyable experience, whether sipped neat, over ice or mixed with other drinks.
Below we will show you how to best enjoy Metaxa and provide tips on pairing it with food and mixing it with other drinks to make delicious cocktails.
Neat
If you’re drinking Metaxa neat, it is best to use a brandy snifter or a tulip glass. This will help concentrate the drink’s aroma and make it more enjoyable.
Fill the glass halfway with Metaxa and swirl it around before taking a sip. You can also add a splash of water to help open up the flavors of the drink.
On the Rocks
If you want to enjoy Metaxa on a hot day, try serving it over ice. This will help to cool the drink and make it more refreshing.
Simply pour Metaxa into a glass with ice and enjoy.
Cocktails
Metaxa is a popular ingredient in cocktails. There are many different ways to mix Metaxa, so there’s sure to be a drink that suits your taste.
Try mixing Metaxa with lemonade or soda for a refreshing summer beverage. Or, for a warming winter cocktail, mix Metaxa with ginger ale and cinnamon.
Below you will also find some of my personal cocktail recipes.
What Foods To Pair With Metaxa
Metaxa also pairs well with food. Here are a few of the best food pairings for Metaxa:
Pork
Pork is a rich, fatty meat that pairs well with the smooth flavor of Metaxa. Try serving pork chops with mashed potatoes and gravy, and top it all off with a glass of Metaxa.
Cheese
Cheese is a versatile food that pairs well with many different spirits. Try serving some sliced cheese and grapes alongside a glass of Metaxa for an easy appetizer.
Salad
A light salad is a perfect companion to a smooth spirit like Metaxa. Try pairing a simple green salad with some roasted cherry tomatoes and balsamic dressing for a delicious meal.
Dessert
Metaxa pairs well with sweet dessert dishes. Try serving a slice of lemon cake or apple pie with a glass of Metaxa.
Metaxa Cocktail Recipes
Yum! Now that you know the basics of how to drink Metaxa, let’s move on to some delicious cocktail recipes.
Here are three of my personal favorite Metaxa cocktails to try.
Metaxa Margarita
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Metaxa
- 1 oz Tequila
- 1 oz Lime juice
- Salt rim
Directions:
Combine Metaxa, tequila, and lime juice in an ice-filled shaker. Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. Enjoy!
Metaxa Sour
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Metaxa
- 1 oz Lemon juice
- 1 oz Simple syrup
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass. Serve immediately.
Metaxa Mule
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Metaxa
- 2 oz Ginger beer
- 1 oz Lime juice
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass. Serve immediately.
Metaxa Manhattan
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Metaxa
- 1 oz Sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass. Serve immediately.
Conclusion
Metaxa is a unique and flavorful spirit that can be enjoyed neat or mixed into delicious cocktails. With the right food pairings, it’s easy to make an amazing evening with Metaxa.
Hopefully, we have given you some inspiration to get creative with your Metaxa drinks. Cheers!