Comedian Jackie Mason once made a funny point about the concept of "an acquired taste." He says that's usually a polite way of saying that something tastes terrible. He point out that no one ever uses "acquired taste" to describe potato chips or ice cream. Why? <BR>Because they taste good! <BR>I was just repeating a joke folks, I'm not casting aspersions on foods or cultures.

lindi -- to each his or her own:) When my first sip of something nearly causes my breakfast to separate from me, it's not likely I'm going to give it a second chance. I'll take my chances on missing the apparent health benefits!

I agree with Ariel on the social function of many of these drinks. As a frequent visitor to Macedonia I have spent many pleasant hours with a couple glasses of rakija, various items to eat and good friends. [I prefer the "jolta" or yellow version - it's slightly tastier and less inebriating than the clear kind.]Fortunately these events in Macedonia are often followed by the afternoon nap:)

Being Croatian i've grown up with Rakija and still wouldn't drink it. <BR> <BR>There is a white stain on my parents coffee table when a guest spilled a shot of rakija and burned the varnish off the wood table. <BR> <BR>Another time my cousin had just returned from Croatia which meant that my aunt sent bottles of Rakija back to Canada for her brothers. The bottle we got was a heavy duty plastic bottle nothing like a Coke bottle much thicker and you couldn't see through it. I was holding it by the neck of the bottle and walking into the kitchen when the Rakija ate through the bottom of the bottle and spilled all over the linoleum kitchen floor. It completely discoloured the floor and was very obvious to see the area where the spill occured

It tastes exactly like cough syrop,which my Momforce feed me, when I was sick

I agree that a little rakija goes a long way. The best I ever had though was a homemade jolta by our Macedonian family's Bulgarian relatives.

Regarding Ouzo -- When I was on the island of Poros the locals drank it mixed with water rather than straight. I don't know if this is common all over Greece or if it was a local thing. Interesting chemistry to watch -- clear water + clear ouzo = cloudy beverage. I didn't care for it straight or with water.

I was 18 in Crete and we had already been out on the town for some hours when I Persuaded the local bar man to give me some free Ouzo... <BR> <BR>After downing more than half a bottle straight from the bottle I remember little other than talking to the trees on the way back to the appt and feeling ill for about 1000 days... <BR> <BR>Suffice to say I cant stand the smell of liquorice anymore... shme as i used to love it as a child... <BR> <BR>In Crete it was often served in a tall glass with water.... <BR> <BR>eeeeuuugh, my brain hurts just thinking about it

To the top for Pauline.

for an interesting experience try egyptian wine, doesn't matter what you order red or white it tastes the same...sulpurous is probably the best description.!!! and lets not even mention egyptian beer......I actually switched to vodka and I am Australian !!! An Aussie without beer is a sin against nature *S*