Do drink it cold, but don’t refrigerate it. Or, pour a small amount of ouzo into a glass, neat, then add a splash of very cold water in lieu of ice. Organic Wine, the future of wine, and why vintage 2017 is looking so good. Your email address will not be published. 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. The country’s nationwide lockdown, however, … In the villages where life is slow ouzo is partaken day or night. Original article can be viewed here. It’s then distilled into a high-proof alcoholic beverage that’s flavored primarily with anise, which gives it a distinctive licorice taste. 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. Ouzo is usually mixed with water, becoming cloudy white, sometimes with a faint blue tinge, and served with ice cubes in a small glass. The […] 2. 4. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Ouzo is the official drink of Greece. Ouzo, though so well known abroad, is often misunderstood. Add some water if you want it light. Now adding water changes the taste slightly and makes it kinda foggy instead of … It has high alcohol content and most people will water it down as they drink it. Do drink it cold, but don’t refrigerate it. 3. Hi! 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).. Or, pour a small amount of ouzo into a glass, neat, then add a splash of very cold water in lieu of ice. Read the How do you drink Ouzo? 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. This liquor has its base with grapes and is then mixed with herbs and spices, especially anise (which tastes like licorice). Greek ouzo is drunk as an aperitif. 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! 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. Ouzo (Greek: ούζο, IPA: [ˈuzo]) is a dry anise-flavoured aperitif that is widely consumed in Greece, Cyprus and Lebanon. 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. And indeed, especially in the summer – served chilled, almost always diluted with water, and very often served with ice, it’s light and refreshing. How to say ouzo. 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! Greeks may add iced water to dilute the strength, which causes the liquid to turn an opaque, milky white. 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. With Nikos Kalogiannis, president of the Aegean water if you want a lighter version tapas... 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