Ouzo is Greece's national drink, an anise-flavored aperitif produced in Greece under EU Protected Designations of Origin rules, with a minimum alcohol content of 37.5% ABV.
The precursor to Ouzo is believed to be Tsipouro, a grape-based liquor dating back to the 14th century. Both share the same base of grape skins previously used for wine production, but Ouzo has a distinct licorice smell and taste. The first distillery opened in 1856, and there is an Ouzo museum on the island of Lesbos (also spelled Lesvos).
In 2006, Greece received a Protected Designations of Origin Certification for Ouzo from the European Union. This limits production to Greece. If you see Ouzo that states it was manufactured elsewhere, it is not authentic.
Why Is It So Popular?
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Ouzo is classified as an aperitif, served before the main course with appetisers called mezethes. The flavors pair well with traditional Greek appetisers like calamari, feta cheese, and olives. Due to its high alcohol content, it is not recommended to drink it without food. Alcohol content on some brands can be 37.5% or more.
It is also thought by some to have healing properties stemming from the volume of spices used to flavor the liquor.
What Does It Taste Like?
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This drink has a robust taste. The first notes are licorice and anise, but after your first drink, the flavors can subtly change on your tongue. Ouzo has a subtle sweetness. Depending upon the brand, you can also notice hints of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and fennel. Companies can add other things like fruits, but most stick to the classic flavor profile.
How Much Is Ouzo?
Overall Ouzo is not an expensive spirit. Based on the size of the bottle and the brand, prices vary from around $14-$50 USD.
How to Drink Ouzo?
There are two primary ways to drink it. Ouzo should be drunk cold. How you get the liquor cold is your decision. Some say to pour it into a glass and add ice cubes. The liquor will go from clear to cloudy, which is normal—this is the reaction the anise has to ice. Others say the appropriate way is to pour it into a glass and then add cold water, because pouring Ouzo directly over ice may lead to crystallization in your glass.
Recipe to Make Ouzo
Ouzo produced in Greek distilleries is made in copper stills. While each distillery may have very similar methods, those will be closely guarded secrets. If you search the internet, you can find homemade versions that can fill the void but aren't the same as the authentic Greek version. Below is an example of a homemade recipe.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/8 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp chopped and dried angelica root
- Pinch freshly grated mace
- 3 1/2 tsp anise extract
- 2 cups pure grain alcohol, like vodka
- 1 cup of water
Directions
- Make a simple syrup with water and sugar. Add angelica root and mace.
- Allow to cool, then add alcohol, anise extract, and water. Give it a good shake.
- Age for one week and then strain into clean bottles. Allow an additional month for aging.
Ouzo Cocktails
In Greece, Ouzo is not traditionally added into cocktails. Its use in a cocktail is a trend outside of the country. A common one is a pairing with lemonade, which can help cut down on the strong licorice flavor. Here is an example you could try.
Ouzo Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of ouzo at standard room temperature
- 1 1/2 ounces of lemon juice (you can add more if desired)
- 3 leaves of mint
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 3 ounces of iced water (you can add more or less according to your personal preference)
Directions
- Pour ouzo into a glass.
- Add mint leaves and lemon juice. Mix so the mint leaves can release their flavor.
- Add honey and mix until dissolved.
- Pour water in and mix. You can also add more water to weaken the ouzo taste.
Where To Buy Ouzo In The US
Where you can buy Ouzo will depend on the laws of each state. Some states allow grocery stores to sell alcohol alongside beer and wine. Others require you to purchase it from a store owned by that state. Check the laws before you go to buy.
Most of the highly regarded brands are not for sale outside of Europe. However, some brands have made it to the US and are worth tasting.
Ouzo 12 is a premium ouzo from Greece with a silky texture infused with cinnamon and nutmeg. Barbayanni Ouzo has been in business since 1860. Enjoy this 92 proof alcohol with the appetisers of your choice. Metaxa is a Greek brandy, not an ouzo.
Final Thoughts
This drink is something you should try when you're on vacation in Greece. Aside from learning Greek food culture, you will be able to try new things.
*This article was contributed by Akshay Sharma.
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