Never heard of Ouzo?  It’s Greece’s pride and joy…and not for the faint of heart.

WHAT IS OUZO

Ouzo is distilled from the remnants of grapes pressed for wine. It can be flavored with spices like anise, mint, mastic, and coriander.  Ouzo is about 40% alcohol and has a black licorice taste, mostly due to the anise.

HOW TO SERVE

Ouzo is usually served as an aperitif (drink before a meal) and can also be incorporated into a number of mixed drinks.  It’s mostly served neat and if it’s too strong, it can be cut with water, causing it to turn a milky white color.  Hardcore ouzo drinkers will shoot it straight, but don’t worry…they won’t turn their nose up at you if you add a little water.  Since I try all new things alcohol, I tried ouzo straight and it’s really not as bad as people make it out to be.  It has a strong licorice flavor, so I can understand why people are able to sip and enjoy this Greek spirit.

WHERE TO DRINK

Ouzo is usually served as an aperitif (drink before a meal) and can also be incorporated into a number of mixed drinks.  It’s mostly served neat and if it’s too strong, it can be cut with water, causing it to turn a milky white color.  Hardcore ouzo drinkers will shoot it straight, but don’t worry…they won’t turn their nose up at you if you add a little water.  Since I try all new things alcohol, I tried ouzo straight and it’s really not as bad as people make it out to be.  It has a strong licorice flavor, so I can understand why people are able to sip and enjoy this Greek spirit.

WHERE TO DRINK

There are ouzo bars across Greece called ouzeries, which are places that specialize in many different types of ouzo.  In addition to ouzo, ouzeries also serve mezedes — snacks that usually include salads, seafood, fried cheese, stewed meats, and vegetables.  These small plates of food are a must when drinking ouzo. Because Ouzo’s alcohol content is high, you’re supposed to eat food while you’re drinking so you aren’t over-served (read: get sloppy drunk).

COOKING

Ouzo can be used in cooking to add a distinct licorice flavor to any dish. Greeks will use ouzo in many recipes from seafood marinades to desserts.  Sounds like my type of party!

HOW TO DRINK

As I mentioned before, you can drink it neat but you can also use Ouzo to make a cocktail.  Try the Tropical Dream below:

• 1/2 ounce banana flavored rum
• 1/2 ounce coconut rum
• 1/2 ounce ouzo
• 1/3 ounce blue curacao
• 2 cherries for garnish

I can attest to the Tropical Dream being absolutely delicious.  If you enjoy sambuca or absinthe, then you will love ouzo.  Give it a try! Opa!

By the way, isn’t this picture of Greece stunning?

Cheers!
Ashlee

Photo Credit: charterworld.com