Ouzo liquor is a Greek spirit that is made of anise, pomace brandy, and other herbs and spices. It’s typically served mixed with water or as a shot straight up. It’s also often mixed with ice, which turns it into a refreshing summer cocktail that goes great with seafood or cheese plates.
What is Ouzo
Ouzo is a Greek liqueur that’s been around for centuries. It’s made from distilled grapes and has a unique caraway-flavored taste.
It’s traditionally served chilled and diluted with water, but can also be enjoyed straight up or on the rocks.
In Greece, people typically drink ouzo with mezedes (appetizers) such as olives, cheese, or other small bites. Or they might order a traditional ouzo cocktail called an Ouzini—which is made with ouzo, ice cubes, and sparkling water.
Ouzo is anise-flavored and has a licorice-like aroma. Its taste is strong at first, but it mellows into a sweet flavor with notes of vanilla and citrus. The alcohol content in ouzo ranges from 38% to 55% ABV (alcohol by volume).
Ouzo is also available in many varieties, including lemon ouzo and honey ouzo.
The origins of Ouzo Liquor
Ouzo liquor has been produced in Greece for over 2,000 years. It was originally used as a medicine and later became associated with social gatherings. In present day Greece, ouzo is popular at weddings and baptisms—when it is served in small glasses as part of the ceremony.
The origins of ouzo are shrouded in mystery, but there are two theories: one says that it was invented during the Ottoman Empire, while another says that it came from Medieval Armenia.
In the Ottoman stories, the word “ouzo” comes from the Turkish “uyuz,” which means “bridegroom.” The Greeks used to call ouzo the “bridegroom of grapes,” because they thought it developed during the second fermentation process—much like an engaged man might develop into his best self after getting married.
In Greece today there are many different types of ouzo made from different ingredients and processes—some are clear and others are cloudy! Today, ouzo is most popular in Greece, but it’s also historically been produced in Turkey and Lebanon as well.
Why we love Ouzo
We find it delicious—the sweet licorice flavor goes well with most foods and can be enjoyed straight up or mixed with water or ice
It’s versatile—you can enjoy ouzo in many different ways, including shots, cocktails (like an ouzo spritz), and even desserts (like baklava)
It’s affordable—one bottle of ouzo will last you for weeks if not months, making your wallet happy.
Read more about our other Greek Liquors.
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