Athens: Liqueur Tasting

If you’re looking for a fun, quick, and tasty way to get a taste of Athens’ local spirit scene, the Liqueur Tasting experience at Brettos Plaka might just be your cup of… well, liqueur. This short session offers a chance to sample a wide variety of crafted Greek liqueurs in a cozy, historic setting, making it a nice little cultural break amid your sightseeing.

What caught our eye about this experience? First, it’s held at Athens’ oldest distillery, dating back to 1909. That kind of history adds a layer of authenticity you won’t find at newer spots. Second, the fact that you get to choose five flavors from over 30 options means it’s tailored to your personal taste. And with all of them homemade based on traditional recipes, it’s a genuine taste of Greece’s spirit-making heritage.

That said, one consideration is the short duration—just 30 minutes—which makes it more of a quick snapshot than a deep dive. If you’re a hardcore spirits enthusiast, you might wish for a longer, more detailed tasting. Still, if you’re after a relaxed, flavorful experience and a chance to explore Greek liqueurs in a friendly group, this tour fits the bill well.

This experience is perfect for curious travelers wanting a fun and authentic taste of Greece’s liqueur offerings without committing hours or dollars to a larger tasting tour. It’s especially suited for those interested in local traditions and looking for a casual, informative break in their Athens itinerary.

Key Points

• Historic Setting: Located at Athens’ oldest distillery since 1909, adding authenticity.
• Flexible Tasting: Choose 5 from over 30 homemade liqueurs, including traditional and popular flavors.
• Small Group: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personal and interactive experience.
• Short & Sweet: 30-minute duration, perfect for a quick cultural boost.
• Language & Accessibility: Conducted in English, making it accessible for most travelers.
• Reservation & Flexibility: Book now, pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An inside look at what you can expect from this liqueur tasting

Walking into Brettos Plaka, you’ll immediately feel a sense of stepping back in time. With its history dating over a century, this family-run hotel is a cornerstone of Athens’ local scene. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and just a little old-world charm—think vintage bottles on shelves and a space that feels both authentic and welcoming.

Once the tasting begins, your guide (or host) will introduce you to the wide array of liqueurs available. Since the flavors are all based on traditional recipes, you’re sampling a genuine slice of Greek spirit culture. From the resin-based Mastic to the internationally recognized Coconut Batida, the choices are diverse enough to suit different palates.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the homemade nature of the liqueurs. They’re crafted on-site using recipes that have been passed down for over a century, which adds a layer of authenticity and flavor complexity. Second, the ability to select five flavors allows you to customize your tasting—whether you prefer sweet, herbal, or fruity spirits.

The flavors you’ll encounter

The list of available liqueurs features more than 30 options, including some traditional favorites and modern twists. For example, the Honey & Cinnamon blend is popular among young people, offering a sweet and spicy kick, while the Cherry, Banana, and Apple flavors bring a fruity vibrancy. You might also find Limoncello, which adds a citrusy zing, and other tropical or berry-infused spirits.

Guests have appreciated the variety—one reviewer noted, “I loved the way I could choose my favorites and sample them all in a relaxed setting.” Another mentioned that the host was friendly and informative, making the experience both fun and educational.

The tasting process

During the session, you’ll be offered five small glasses of your selected liqueurs. Each sip offers a glimpse into Greece’s rich craft traditions. The host explains the ingredients and story behind each flavor, making it more than just a tasting; it’s a mini-lesson in Greek spirits.

The tasting is designed to be casual and social—perfect for groups or individuals wanting a quick cultural highlight. Because it lasts only about 30 minutes, it fits easily into a busy sightseeing day, or as a relaxing break in your itinerary.

The practical details

The booking process is straightforward. You can reserve your spot in advance with the option to pay later, which is handy if plans change. Cancellation is flexible, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours beforehand.

The experience is conducted in English, and groups are kept small (up to 10 participants), ensuring attentive service and plenty of opportunity to ask questions. Price-wise, it’s a fair offering considering the quality and authenticity of the spirits you get to sample.

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What’s included?

• Five liqueurs of your choice, based on your preferences from over 30 flavors.

This setup offers good value, especially considering you’re tasting homemade, traditional spirits—a part of Greek culinary tradition that many travelers find memorable.

Who will love this experience?

If you’re a curious traveler eager to taste authentic Greek flavors, this tour is a nice, low-pressure way to do just that. It’s also a good fit if you enjoy small, intimate groups and want to learn a bit about local spirits without a lengthy commitment. Not ideal if you’re after a longer, more in-depth tasting — but perfect for a quick cultural hit.

Travelers interested in history and tradition, or those simply looking for a relaxed social activity, will find this experience satisfying. It’s especially suitable if you’re exploring Athens and want a flavorful, authentic story to take home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tasting experience is approximately 30 minutes long, making it an easy addition to your day.

Can I choose which liqueurs I want to taste?
Yes, you select five flavors from over 30 options, including traditional and popular choices.

Is this experience suitable for children?
The tour involves tasting spirits, so it’s generally aimed at adults. It’s best suited for travelers of legal drinking age.

Do I need to pay fully upfront?
No, you can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled time.

What language is the guide in?
The experience is conducted in English, accessible for most visitors.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Since the activity involves alcohol tasting, it’s not geared toward children, but families with adult members will find it educational and enjoyable.

Where does the experience take place?
At Brettos Plaka, Athens’ oldest distillery, located in a charming part of the city known for its historic ambiance.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel your reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Final thoughts

This liqueur tasting at Brettos Plaka offers a low-key yet authentic way to connect with Greek cultural traditions. It’s a quick, approachable experience that’s perfect for curious travelers wanting a taste of local spirits and history. The fact that the liqueurs are homemade and based on recipes from 1909 lends a sense of heritage and craftsmanship, which many guests find charming.

While the duration is brief, the opportunity to select your favorite flavors and learn about their origins makes it worthwhile. It’s a relaxed activity that pairs well with other sightseeing or a leisurely afternoon in Athens.

This experience is best suited for those who enjoy small-group interactions and want to explore a lesser-known aspect of Greek culture without a big time or financial investment. If you’re after a quick, flavorful, and authentic taste of Athens, this is a solid choice.

Overall, if you’re looking for an engaging, authentic, and tasty way to add a splash of local tradition to your trip, the Athens Liqueur Tasting at Brettos Plaka deserves a spot on your list. Just be ready to enjoy some sweet, spirited sips and take home a story of Greek craftsmanship.

Note: Always check availability and current details before booking, as times and offerings can change.

You can check availability for your dates here: