From the bar
Arak & Syrian wine
The drinks culture of the Levant, at your table.
What is arak?
Arak is a traditional anise spirit from the Levant, from Syria and Lebanon, made from grapes and flavoured with aniseed. You do not drink it neat: you mix arak with cold water, and the clear spirit turns milky white. Then you add ice. It is the classic companion to mezze: fresh, aromatic and made to enjoy slowly.
How do you drink arak?
One third arak, two thirds water
Pour the arak first, then the water, and it turns milky white ("the milk of lions").
Ice last
Add the ice only after the water, for the purest taste.
Small glass, slow sips
Arak accompanies the whole meal; you sip, you share, you take your time.
With mezze
Aniseed and fresh mezze lift each other, a pairing centuries old.
Wine from Syria and Lebanon
The Levant has made wine for thousands of years. On our list you will find Bargylus, "Grand Vin de Syrie", from the hills near the Syrian coast, in white and red. From Lebanon we pour Château Ksara and Château Musar, among others. Surprising, refined and a story in itself.
Mezze & Kibbeh
Château Ksara Blanc de Blancs · Bargylus Blanc · Sunset Rosé
Grill & Lamb
Réserve du Couvent · Bargylus Rouge · Château Musar Red
The Mosaic Spritz
Our house pour
Built around fresh pomegranate: prosecco, pomegranate juice, rose cordial and soda. Bright, floral and sparkling, made to become the signature glass of Mosaic. Prefer alcohol-free? Try the Pomegranate Rose Fizz.
Frequently asked questions
What is arak?
Arak is a traditional anise spirit from Syria and Lebanon, made from grapes. You mix it with cold water, which turns it milky white, and drink it with ice, usually alongside mezze.
How do you drink arak?
Mix roughly one part arak with two parts cold water, then add ice. Drink it slowly from a small glass, ideally with mezze.
Does Mosaic serve Syrian wine?
Yes. We pour Bargylus (Grand Vin de Syrie) in white and red, plus Lebanese wines such as Château Ksara and Château Musar.
What is the Mosaic Spritz?
The Mosaic Spritz is our house cocktail built around fresh pomegranate: prosecco, pomegranate juice, rose cordial and soda. There is also an alcohol-free version, the Pomegranate Rose Fizz.
New to mezze? Read what mezze is →