The Ultimate Guide to Order Drinks in Greek

Welcome to The Ultimate Guide to Order Drinks in Greek! Whether you’re heading to Greece or just want to impress your friends, I’m here to help you order drinks like a local!

Part 1 Order in Greek - the Basics

So, let’s start with the basics. In Greece, people love their social gatherings, and knowing how to order your drink is a key part of joining in.

Basic Phrases
Γεια σου! (ΥΑsu) – Hello!
Παρακαλώ (ParakaLO) – Please
Ευχαριστώ (EfhariSTO) – Thank you

Part 2 Ordering Coffee (Hot and Cold)

Let’s start with coffee – it’s an essential part of Greek culture. If you’re ordering a hot coffee, you’ll probably want to try a ‘Greek coffee.’

Just say…
Έναν ελληνικό, παρακαλώ
Enan EliniKO, parakaLO
One Greek coffee, please.

If you want double quantity, just say..
Έναν ελληνικό διπλό, παρακαλώ
Enan EliniKO thiPLO, parakaLO
One Greek coffee double, please.

But Greece is also famous for its frappé and freddo options.
For a cold frappé, say…
Ena frappé, parakaló
Ena fraPE, parakaLO
One frappé, please.

If you want your coffee sweet, add ‘γλυκό.’ (ghliKO)
If you want it medium, say ‘μέτριο.’ (MEtrio)
And if you prefer it without sugar, just say ‘σκέτο.’ (SKEto)

And for those who love espresso or cappuccino, there’s also ‘freddo espresso’ (iced espresso) or ‘freddo cappuccino.’ (iced cappuccino)

For example
Ένα φρέντο εσπρέσο μέτριο
Ena FREdo esPREso MEtrio

For example
Ένα φρέντο καπουτσίνο σκέτο
Ena FREdo kapuCHIno SKEto

Part 3 Ordering Greek Wine and Spirits

Now, let’s talk about the drinks that really make Greek nightlife special! If you’re looking for wine, you’re in luck! Greece has an incredible selection.

To order a glass of white wine, say…
Ένα ποτήρι λευκό κρασί, παρακαλώ
Ena poTIri leFko kraSI, parakaLO
One glass of white wine, please.

And for a glass of red wine…
Ένα ποτήρι κόκκινο κρασί, παρακαλώ
Ena poTIri KOkino kraSI, parakaLO
One glass of red wine, please.

If you’re in a Greek traditional taverna, you’ll probably want to order unbottled wine, which is very common in Greece.

Just say..
μισό κιλό κόκκινο κρασί χύμα
miSO kiLO KOkino kraSI Hima
500ml unbottled red wine

But if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try some ouzo or tsipouro? These are traditional Greek spirits with a strong flavor.

Just say…
Ένα ποτήρι ούζο, παρακαλώ Ena poTIri Uzo, parakaLO
One glass of ouzo, please.

Or…
Ένα τσίπουρο χωρίς γλυκάνισο.
Ena TSIpuro hoRIS ghliKAniso.
One tsipuro without anise.

Ouzo is often served with ice and a bit of water to release its aromatic flavors, while tsipouro can be ordered with or without anise.

Part 4 Ordering Beer and Cocktails

Prefer something refreshing? Greek beers are light and perfect for a sunny day.

To order a beer, you can simply say…
Μία μπίρα, παρακαλώ
MIa Bira parakaLO
One beer, please.

For cocktails, you can just use the English names, for example
Ένα μοχίτο, παρακαλώ
Ena moHIto, parakaLO
One mohito, please.

Part 5 Toasting Like a Local

And before you take that first sip, let’s talk about the Greek way to toast! Raise your glass and say,
Γεια μας! (YAmas)
Cheers!

Or … Άντε, γεια μας! (ANde YAmas)
Cheers!

It literally means ‘to our health,’ and it’s the perfect way to show your appreciation when sharing a drink with new friends.

Part 6 Other Useful Tips

A few quick tips before we go! In Greece, coffee shops and tavernas are usually casual, so don’t worry about being too formal. And remember, tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated!

Conclusion

So, there you have it – your ultimate guide to ordering drinks in Greek! Whether it’s coffee, wine, or spirits, you’re all set to have a drink like a local.

Καλό ταξίδι! – have a great trip!

Ευχαριστώ, and until next time –yamas!

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