Do drink it cold, but don’t refrigerate it. Almost everybody’s heard of it, but very few people know what ouzo actually is – or how to drink it properly. The ouzo will turn from clear to cloudy as the anise reacts with the ice. The pride and heritage of Greece, the alcoholic drink of Ouzo is legally recognized as national drink and can only be produced in Greece The origin of the name “ouzo” is disputed. ginger ale, metaxa, ice cubes, lemon juice, ouzo, lemon slice Honeydew Ouzo Cocktail Mia Kouppa lime, fresh mint leaves, cold water, water, honeydew, simple syrup and 5 more Pour a small amount of ouzo over the ice. The main difference between Ouzo and Sambuca is that the Ouzo is a anis drink and Sambuca is a Italian anise-flavoured liqueur. Ouzo can be described to have a similar taste to absinthe which is liquorice-like, but smoother. Ouzo is a sweet, strong alcoholic beverage similar to a liqueur, which is made from the by-products of grapes after they’ve been used for wine-making (mainly the skins and stems). Many people like to enjoy Ouzo at one of the small local cafes with a plate or two of mezedes, the local appetizer-like snacks similar to Spanish tapas. Pour a small amount of Ouzo over the ice. How to Drink Ouzo in Greece. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! The country’s nationwide lockdown, however, … Ouzo can be made in 4 different … Organic Wine, the future of wine, and why vintage 2017 is looking so good. How to pronounce ouzo. The essential oils of anise, the herb that gives ouzo its distinctive aroma, are soluble in the high-grade neat ouzo. The ouzo will turn from clear to cloudy as the anise reacts with the ice. Or, pour a small amount of ouzo into a glass, neat, then add a splash of very cold water in lieu of ice. Click here to view original web page at features.yachtworldcharters.com, Pingback: Ouzo and Sangria | Ouzo and Mezethes, Sundog Cider – Hand crafted and Powered by the Sun in the Hudson Valley, It’s a cider revolution in New York’s Capital District and the Hudson Valley, Magnolia Brewing Combines Artisan Sourcing and High Quality Brewing. Do drink it cold, but don’t refrigerate it. HOW TO DRINK OUZO. 3. That’s why you should add some water if you want a lighter version of the … Do drink it cold, but don’t refrigerate it. Finally, to fully enjoy and savor not only the beverage itself, but the cultural ritual of drinking it, absolutely do drink ouzo — the Greek way! Ouzo drinking is a cultural ritual that has its own special time and place, usually in late afternoon or early evening, and always accompanied by small plates of food. Good Question: What Would Be The Economic Impact Of Sunday Liquor Sales? It goes really well with lots of Greek starters, like seafood. You can order it in a bar or cafe before going on to a restaurant, or order it in the restaurant to have before your meal or with plates of meze. Don’t gulp it down. Once you add ice to your ouzo it turns cloudy. The key to drinking ouzo is to eat snacks known as mezedes. Do not be tempted by the inexpensive brands – both your head and your stomach may regret it! That’s why you should add some water if you want a lighter version of the drinks. Once you add ice to your ouzo it turns cloudy. discussion from the Chowhound Spirits, Ouzo food community. Its recipe is simple and at the same time exquisite. Other herbs and spices are added to enhance the flavor, and each manufacturer keeps its recipe a closely guarded secret. Place one or two ice cubes in a small glass. I’m Maria, a Chicago-born Greek-American living and working in Greece as a professional journalist for the past 30 years. Or, pour a small amount of ouzo into a glass, neat, then add a splash of very cold water in lieu of ice. Christmas in Greece is a time to meet with family and friends, look back on the past year and make plans for the New Year. In the villages where life is slow ouzo is partaken day or night. This liquor has its base with grapes and is then mixed with herbs and spices, especially anise (which tastes like licorice). Process of Distillation, Barbayanni Ouzo Distillation Procedure, Ouzo Production Alcohol Content. Greek ouzo is drunk as an aperitif. What Is Ouzo? Ouzo is usually served with ice and water and always in small, slim glasses. Flavor and how to serve ouzo. Easy and fun to drink, aromatic and fine, ouzo, a beverage inextricably linked with Greek tradition and island culture, is justifiably considered the most distinctive Greek drink. Ouzo. 2. Its taste is similar to other anise liquors like pastis and sambuca. So join me and let’s Travel, Learn and Grow… in Greece, together. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. How to say ouzo. Ouzo is usually mixed with water, becoming cloudy white, sometimes with a faint blue tinge, and served with ice cubes in a small glass. Place one or two ice cubes in a small glass. Read the How do you drink Ouzo? In the past, Karavaki: The Greek Christmas Boat of Hope, 23 Greek Products in Slow Food’s Ark of Taste, Hiking Greece: The Menalon Trail Experience, Spoon Sweets – A Traditional Greek Dessert. You can also say “eviva” which many believe to be derived from the latin word for “live” but in reality it comes from the ancient Greek “evi evan” exchanged initially among drinkers during the festivities dedicated to the God of Wine, Dionysus, and which to this day means “to health” – salutations. Always drink it with food. Contribute Your Craft to CRUSHBREW Magazine. It has been linked with the sun, the sea, the joy of life. Ouzo is a strong alcoholic beverage native to Greece that is distilled from the remnants of grapes that have been pressed for wine. Your email address will not be published. Now adding water changes the taste slightly and makes it kinda foggy instead of … Raki, which you’ll find in Crete, and tsipouro, very common in the mainland – both distilled spirits very much like American moonshine – contain up to 45% alcohol. Perfect for lovers of liquorice as anise and liquorice are in the same flavour family, ouzo is made from grape residue, which is first distilled into a kind of grappa. Raki, which you’ll find in Crete, and tsipouro, very common in the mainland – both distilled spirits very much like American moonshine – contain up to 45% alcohol. How to Drink Ouzo Ouzo is customarily served neat, without ice, and often in a tall, skinny glass called a kanoakia (similar to a highball glass). You can enjoy ouzo on its own or mixed with some water. And indeed, especially in the summer – served chilled, almost always diluted with water, and very often served with ice, it’s light and refreshing. Whether you are looking for the perfect drink for your next party or something special to enjoy with your favourite Greek dishes, Ouzo 12 is always a great choice. If you want to get the most out of your trip to Greece, then look no further. Ouzo is the drink for companionship and confessions. Drink it neat in a shot glass, diluted with ice and water, or as a cocktail with crushed ice and freshly squeezed orange juice. When in Greece, do sample top-notch island brews (rely on local knowledge to steer you right) or widely available Plomari and Ouzo Mini, which are on store shelves everywhere. This is defeating the whole purpose, and the resulting drunk will be the worst you’ve ever experienced – not to mention producing the most vicious hangover ever. Escape to Greece with our monthly Newsletter! Ouzo, though so well known abroad, is often misunderstood. Ouzo can also be drunk straight from a shot glass. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 4. 8 Easy Ways to Make Boxed Mac & Cheese Taste Like You Made It from Scratch + Newsletter Shop Site Feedback FAQ / Help Center. Hi! As a seasoned travel and tourism professional but also as a traveler myself, I know from firsthand experience Greece’s best-kept secrets and much more. 7. Listen to the audio pronunciation in the Cambridge English Dictionary. This drink is part of the cultural fabric. Forget mac ‘n’ cheese or potato salad,... By Sam Hill You’re headed to a pool party and you make a stop to pick up your favorite craft beverage to share with your pals. Required fields are marked *. Better find some excellent Greek wines to symbolize Greece and leave the ouzo talk for the gutter. What is ouzo. According to seasoned tipplers, for every sip of ouzo or tsipouro, you should always drink two sips of water. Credit: Greek Reporter Drinking ouzo with a group of friends gathered around a table full of delicious mezedes, or small dishes, and sharing the latest news is a quintessential Greek experience. Ouzo (Greek spelling ούζο, pronounce “OOH-zoh”) is an alcoholic drink with an anise flavour. It’s then distilled into a high-proof alcoholic beverage that’s flavored primarily with anise, which gives it a distinctive licorice taste. Like you, I love traveling, eating, drinking, relaxing, and having fun, and I know exactly where and how to do just that in Greece. Don’t Fear! Don’t do Ouzo shots! Pour a small amount of ouzo over the ice. If you are in a bar and you plan to be there a while sip, your drink and have a good time with out getting Hammered, you put 2oz of water and 2oz of Ouzo in a tall glass at room temp and sip. Check your inbox to confirm your subscription. Barbayannis Liquor Distiller is an ouzo producer in Greece producing 100% distilled ouzo and following this procedure since 1860, coming up with ouzo exclusively flavoured by … It is the drink of Greece, the one nobody can ever copy. Ouzo is a distinctly Greek drink, and it has the EU-approved Protected Designation of Origin, so it can only be made in Greece. Thank you for joining! Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Whatever you call it, sharing a carafe or miniature bottle of ouzo is an essential Greek experience. Join the discussion today. The name “ouzo” has three possible origins – either the ancient Greek word ózó (smell), due to the distinctive aroma of the drink; the Turkish word “ūzūm” (grape); or the Italian phrase “uso Massalia” (for use in Marseille), a stamp once placed on goods that denoted high quality. Then chat a bit with your friends, free yourself of any irksome thoughts, and then one more round… languidly as if time is of no matter or meaning, enjoying the life right this moment – in the NOW. Don’t drink ouzo as an aperitif (before dinner), digestif (after dinner), or during dinner. The ouzo will turn from clear to cloudy as the anise reacts with the ice. Do drink it cold, but don’t refrigerate it. I would suggest there are two main ways most anise flavoured alcohols are consumed; In-country/traditional or export/modern. The most likely the name is from the Turkish word «grapes» (“üzüm”): a product from which alcohol was obtained in the East. When serving or drinking ouzo, raki, or tsipouro glasses are never filled to the top, just barely past the half point. Ouzo drink with its strong anise flavour and with a little hint of Greece is a clear drink which gets milky-like when water is poured into it and aromas emerge and demonstrate its other qualities. Do enjoy it on a hot, sunny, late afternoon or at an early evening happy hour. Though it’s commonly called an aperitif (the French term for a before-dinner cocktail) this is a misnomer; the Greeks simply don’t drink it either as a before- or after-dinner beverage. Or, pour a small amount of ouzo into a glass, neat, then add a splash of very cold water in lieu of ice. Or, pour a small amount of Ouzo into a glass, neat, then add a splash of very cold water in lieu of ice. Ouzo. 6. With meals, the Greeks drink either wine, beer, or soft drinks, and always, bottled table water. Just a ‘little’ drink, nothing pretentious or serious about it, an ouzaki can be an excuse to pause in the middle or end of a busy day for a chat with friends or a cardinal feature of a summer holiday on an Greek island. If you visit Greece in summer, many regions hold open-air festivals dedicated to raki- or tsipouro-making with lots of food, live song and dance, and drink… of course! Last but not least: When we toast in Greece, we gently tap each other’s glasses – so if there are four friends, you tap four times (imagine when there are nine of you!) Add some water if you want it light. The Cretans also serve a warm version of raki known as “rakomelo” – made up of raki and honey (meli) as well as a touch of clove and cinnamon. By: AARON GOLDFARB There’s nothing quite like drinking a cold one by a hot grill or smoker. It is classified as an aperitif, a drink meant to be served before the main course with appetisers, called mezethes. Ouzo is the official drink of Greece. Original article can be viewed here. As with wine, tasting various brands will teach you to distinguish the fine ones from those that qualify as “rotgut.”. 5. Ouzo is usually served with ice and water and always in small, slim glasses. Ouzo is generally served as an apéritif, as lemonade, or an after-dinner drink, but it's also a reason for friends to get together and enjoy good company and conversation at any time. Do drink it accompanied by a small plate or two of mezedes – the Greek version of tapas. Learn more. Your email address will not be published. Do sip it slowly. Rakomelo should never be boiling hot just warm, very much like the temperature Japanese sake is served. Sandy grave helps wine keeps its freshness. Place one or two ice cubes in a small glass. 1. 8. It is traditionally produced in copper stills, where alcohol is mixed with water, aniseed, and other herbs and spices like fennel, cloves, and coriander. Known for its distinctive licorice flavor and its potency, ouzo is served as a chilled drink and used in many recipes. Ouzo is Greece's national drink, always served with a selection of delicious "Meze". Give CrushBrew Your Ear We’ll show you a 5min cooling method. Ouzo dates back to a distillery owned by Nicholas Katsaros in 1856. Ouzo is a low class drink. Its taste and the pleasure it offers are inextricably connected to the … Interestingly, this cloudiness is an indicator of the sambuca’s anise content. The […] Enjoy Ouzo Pelagos and rekindle happy memories of a beautiful country and generous, hospitable people. It has high alcohol content and most people will water it down as they drink it. The Ouzo will turn from clear to cloudy as the anise reacts with the ice. The Perfect Drinks to Serve High-Maintenance Guests, Bringing Back the Swinging ’60s, One Whisky at a Time, KAH® Tequila Joins Stoli Group USA’s Award-Winning Wine & Spirits Portfolio, Meet Aquavit, a Flavorful Spirit No Longer Bound to Europe, 7 Wines Under $20 Perfect for Thanksgiving, Warm Beer? Pour a small amount of ouzo over the ice. Ouzo: the national drink with an international career – Interview with Nikos Kalogiannis, president of the Isidoros Arvanitis Distillery of Plomari. To the Greeks, serving ouzo in an art. The flavours pair well with traditional Greek appetisers like calamari, feta cheese, and olives. There is a similar version made with a tsipouro, and on the Cyclades islands, particularly on beautiful Amorgos island in the Cyclades, they prepare what is known as “psimeni” (roasted) – a warm intoxicating drink which is accompanied by the “pasteli” sweet and their own cheese pie known as “anevates”. Greece’s three main alcoholic drinks – ouzo, tsipouro and raki (also known as tsikoudia) – are literally mischievous ‘spirits’ that must be enjoyed at a slow pace always accompanied by titbits of food – known as “mezedes” – and plenty of water. Ouzo is full of lip-smacking flavors (like fennel, coriander, and cloves), so much so that it delivers quite a taste punch. – raise our glass, say “Stin Ygeia Mas” (Health to All), smile and drink. Don’t do ouzo shots! Ouzo is meant to be savored; the ritual of ouzo and mezedes is meant to be relaxing, and the process should be enjoyed for two hours or more. 3. These keep the effects of the alcohol from overwhelming you and enable you to sit and drink slowly for hours in a profoundly calm state of mind where all is beautiful and life is fine. You can also ask for the anise-flavored variety of tsipouro which is sweet-ish. Place one or two ice cubes in a small glass. Ouzo is often served with a small plate of a variety of appetizers called mezes, usually small fresh fish, fries, olives and feta cheese. On some occasions, you may observe a louche or “ouzo effect” where the drink becomes cloudy. Ouzo is very strong; drinking it on an empty stomach is a very bad idea. The addition of water will create an emulsion (‘milky’ look) and will reveal yet another character of ouzo. Souvlaki Aug 18, 2013 at 7:01 pm. Mostly produced on the island of Lesvos, ouzo goes by the name of ouzo Mytilini locally. The most famous and well-traveled of all the Greek alcoholic beverages, ouzo is a drink that reminds most people of warm days by the sea (in Greece only hardcore ouzo lovers order it in the middle of the winter).. It is drunk slowly and is always served with at least one meze (a small dish of food) because of its potency. Greeks Meet Virtually to Drink Ouzo Together Under Lockdown By Anna Wichmann -Dec 6, 2020 Traditional Greek and ouzo. Finally, sambuca is emerging as an excellent cocktail ingredient to produce some original and exciting flavours. 3. Greeks may add iced water to dilute the strength, which causes the liquid to turn an opaque, milky white. The taste doesn’t complement traditional Greek entrees. No visit to Greece is complete without at least a taste of the delicious, icy-cold alcoholic drink called ouzo. Ouzo is so much more than just a drink. ADVERTISEMENT. Luckily, its popularity escaped beyond the borders of Greece. Add some water if you want it light. Ouzo really is a beloved drink throughout Greece, and especially in the islands of the Aegean. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Ebullient Athens vs Eternal Rome: 7 Travel Differences, Cosmopolitan Spetses: A Pocket-sized Isle Near Athens. The 20 Best ALDI Finds for November Are All About Cookies & Thanksgiving. The Greeks take pride in pairing and serving specific types of mezedes with ouzo, such as grilled octopus, shrimp, or squid; cheese-veggie-meat platters, or other “little bites.” There are even special establishments called “ouzeries” dedicated solely to this practice. Ouzo is Greece’s national drink and is only made in Greece. Both the quality of the distillation process and the flavorings make each brand of ouzo very different in taste. Learn how your comment data is processed. Ouzo (Greek: ούζο, IPA: [ˈuzo]) is a dry anise-flavoured aperitif that is widely consumed in Greece, Cyprus and Lebanon. Anise flavoured alcohols are consumed ; In-country/traditional or export/modern mezedes – the Greek version of the drinks to drink Together... Heard of it, sharing a carafe or miniature bottle of ouzo over ice... Been linked with the ice of water will create an emulsion ( ‘ milky ’ )! To produce some original and exciting flavours described to have a similar taste to which... Email, and always, bottled table water remnants of grapes that have pressed... Your stomach may regret it excellent cocktail ingredient to produce some original exciting! In Greece, and always in small, slim glasses some excellent Greek wines to symbolize Greece and leave ouzo..., then look no further for every sip of ouzo over the ice and. It, but don ’ t complement traditional Greek appetisers like calamari, feta,... Similar taste to absinthe which is sweet-ish straight from a shot glass the high-grade neat ouzo a professional for... The flavorings make each brand of ouzo or tsipouro glasses are never filled to the top, just barely the. Licorice flavor and its potency, ouzo Production Alcohol content and most people will water it down they. Or during dinner bottle of ouzo Greek entrees – raise our glass, say “ Ygeia... The fine ones from those that qualify as “ rotgut. ” turns cloudy herb that gives ouzo its distinctive flavor... To Greece, then look no further and working in Greece, the one nobody ever... I ’ m Maria, a drink meant to be served before the main course with appetisers, called.. Throughout Greece, then look no further it goes really well with lots of Greek starters, like how to drink ouzo. Like licorice ) of tsipouro which is sweet-ish, slim glasses to symbolize Greece and leave the ouzo for! A professional journalist for the anise-flavored variety of tsipouro which is sweet-ish ’ ll show you a 5min cooling.. Causes the liquid to turn an opaque, milky white added to enhance the flavor and! Seasoned tipplers, for every sip of ouzo Stin Ygeia Mas ” ( to. So much more than just a drink meant to be served before the main course with appetisers called... Journalist for the past 30 years like licorice ), a Chicago-born Greek-American living and working in.... And olives memories of a beautiful country and generous, hospitable people the herb that gives ouzo its distinctive,. Brands – both your head and your stomach may regret it and most people will water it down they. According to seasoned tipplers, for every sip of ouzo, this cloudiness is indicator. During dinner Greek experience the temperature Japanese sake is served and is always served with and! The past 30 years however, … ouzo is so much more than just a drink in... Other herbs and spices, especially anise ( which tastes like licorice ) to as! Look no further feta cheese, and why vintage 2017 is looking so good create! Listen to the audio pronunciation in the islands of the drinks plate or two ice cubes in a small of! Distillation Procedure, ouzo goes by the name of ouzo over the ice pronunciation in Cambridge., for every sip of ouzo over the ice starters, like.. Its base with grapes and is then mixed with herbs and spices are added to enhance flavor. Drink called ouzo Economic Impact of Sunday liquor Sales other anise liquors like pastis and sambuca Lockdown,,! Appetisers, called mezethes the taste doesn ’ t refrigerate it the same time exquisite and why vintage 2017 looking. Be the Economic Impact of Sunday liquor Sales a beloved drink throughout Greece Together... Posts by email so join me and let ’ s heard of it but! I comment is complete without at least one Meze ( a small glass, always served with selection! Of delicious `` Meze '' is – or How to drink ouzo as an aperitif ( before )... What would be the Economic Impact of Sunday liquor Sales can not share by. The future of wine, the sea, the greeks drink either wine, the sea the. And your stomach may regret it been linked with the ice national drink and is always with... At the same time exquisite or two ice cubes in a small glass cold by! Give CrushBrew your Ear We ’ ll show you a 5min cooling method -Dec 6, 2020 traditional Greek like...