(ah-RAHK) Around the Mediterranean region practically all countries produce a version of anise flavored distillates under a range of names: Arabs call it "Arak", Turks "Raki", Greeks "Ouzo", Italians "Sambucca", French "Pastis" and Spaniards "Anisado". Raki and Ouzo are closest in style, but lighter in flavor than Arak, whereas Sambucca, Pastis, and Anisado are much different - sweeter style liqueurs.

Arak, native to Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Jordan, is commonly served in social settings and gatherings, the drink is famous for its potency and for the translucent milky-white color it turns when water is added to it (hence the nickname, "lion's milk"). Arak has a particularly high alcohol content, so water and ice are almost always added to dilute it. It is also commonly served with lemonade.