Aragh Sagi facts for kids

Aragh sagi (Persian: عرق سگی, romanized: araq-e sagi) is a traditional Iranian distilled drink. It is made from raisins. This clear drink is sometimes called "Persian vodka" by people in Western countries. A well-made aragh sagi can taste similar to grappa, which is another type of distilled drink.

What Does the Name Mean?

The word Aragh (عرق) in Persian means "sweat" or "distilled liquid." It refers to special liquids made by heating herbs or seeds, like mint or anise, and collecting the steam. When it comes to drinks, aragh can be made from fruits like raisins or dates.

Aragh sagi literally means "doggy distilled drink." The word sag (سگ) means "dog" in Persian. In this name, "doggy" is used to mean something very strong or intense.

The story behind the name is interesting! In the 1960s, a company called Meikadeh made this drink. They put a picture of a dog, a beagle, on their bottle as a logo. Because of this, people started calling it aragh sagi, or "doggy aragh," and the name became very popular.

A Look Back in Time

Aragh sagi has a long history in Iran. Before the 1979 revolution, this drink was made in homes and small workshops in many cities, like Yazd. It was a traditional part of some local cultures.

After the 1979 revolution, rules about alcoholic drinks changed in Iran. This meant that aragh sagi was no longer made openly. However, people continued to make it in private settings, keeping the tradition alive. Today, it is still known as a traditional drink, often made at home from fermented raisins.