Ever tasted a drink that magically turns cloudy with water? That's ouzo-Greece's famous anise-flavored liqueur! To bring you the best insights, I sampled 5 popular Greek ouzo brands. Whether you've sipped it on a Greek island or are just curious about this Greek booze, we're diving into how to drink it the right way and the best foods to pair it with.
Jump to:
So, what is Ouzo?
Ouzo (pronounced "OO-zoh") is Greece's signature alcoholic drink, known for its bold anise flavor and smooth, aromatic taste. Made from distilled grape must-and sometimes other grains-this clear liqueur is infused with a blend of botanicals, including fennel, mastic, coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, mint and cardamom.
Ouzo is crafted in a way similar to Tsipouro, Greece's version of Italy's Grappa. Tsipouro, another traditional Greek spirit, is made by distilling the leftover grape skins and juice from winemaking. While ouzo starts with the same grape-based alcohol, it is stronger and distilled in copper pot stills, where it develops its signature licorice-like taste.
The island of Lesvos (Mytilini) (external link) is the heart of ouzo production, responsible for over 50% of Greece's anise flavored spirit. The region is known for its high-quality anise, which plays a key role in crafting some of the best spirit in the country.
😍 Love Greek drinks? Don't miss these must-try recipes:
Ouzo at a Glance
- Flavor: Though each brand has its own unique ouzo flavoring (a mix of herbs and spices), anise is always the star, giving it its distinct and unmistakable taste. Think black licorice, with additional herbal and spice notes for complexity. Its taste is similar to pastis and sambuca.
- Alcohol content: Typically around 40% ABV, making it a strong yet smooth ouzo liquor.
- Best way to enjoy it: Sipped slowly, mixed with lots of ice cubes and cold water.
- Calories: A standard 1 oz (30ml) serving is around 65 calories.
🥂 How to Drink Ouzo
Ouzo is meant to be enjoyed cold, with plenty of ice cubes and a splash (or more) of water. The water helps dilute the alcohol, releasing the aromas and flavors more effectively. It's a drink meant to be savored-never downed like a quick shot-and always paired with a mezze platter or ouzomezedes (small plates of food).
That said, some people insist on drinking it straight. In the end, it all comes down to personal preference.
Here's a simple guide for how to drink ouzo:
1. Pour ouzo into a tall, narrow glass until it fills about one-fourth to one-third of the glass.
2. Add a splash of cold water, then add 3-4 ice cubes. Stir with the back of a fork until the drink is well chilled.
3. Taste, and if you prefer it smoother (with less alcohol) add more cold water gradually until it suits your preference.
👉 Tip: First pour the ouzo, then the cold water and add the ice at the end. This way, the drink does not freeze suddenly and the essential oils do not crystallize (something that can deteriorate the taste).
My personal favorite for a light, refreshing drink-perfect with seafood or meze-is:
- ✅ 1 part ouzo
- ✅ 1.5 -2 parts cold water
- ✅ 3-4 ice cubes
🤩 Popular Greek Brands
If you're looking for the best ouzo, these ouzo brands are some of the most popular (and available) in Greece. Watch me taste most of them in the Tasting Popular Ouzo Brands Video ⬇️ below.
12 Ouzo
Ouzo 12 got its name from the Kalogiannis distillery in Constantinople, inspired by the famous barrel marked with the number "12." It has rich flavor and delicate aroma that blends select fruits and Eastern herbs, following the exact same old secret recipe to this day.
Tasting: Intense aroma, soft taste, sweet, with some tsipouro notes. 40% ABV. If it's your first time drinking ouzo, this is a great choice.
Plomari of Isidoros Arvanitis
One of the most famous brands with smooth and balanced taste. The ratio of ingredients and the recipe that give this ouzo its delicate and refined character remain a well-kept secret to this day. It contains soft water from the Sedountas River springs, anise from Lisvori, fennel from Northern Evia, star anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, Chios mastic extracts, various herbs from the land of Lesvos, and salt from the Kalloni salt flats of Lesvos.
Tasting: Less sweet, a bit more "aggressive" with notable the spice character (cinnamon, nutmeg). 40% ABV. If you like warm spices you'll probably like this too.
Varvayanni (Green Label)
Premium with a refined flavor profile. Varvayanni Green Label (42% ABV) is smooth with a velvety taste, made from 100% distilled anise.
The Blue Label (46% ABV) version is known for its more robust flavor.
Tasting (green label): More savory than the rest, soft and easy to drink. With notes that remind thyme and even onion. You'll either love it or hate it.
Mini
Lighter, slightly sweet-perfect for beginners. Ouzo Mini of Mytilini is a smooth and easy-to-drink spirit, made with 100% anise from Lisvori, a region famous for producing the best anise in the world.
Tasting: Lighter than the rest and very easy to drink. 40% ABV. Try this if you're a light drinker.
Mytilini
Ouzo Mytilini by the Greek Distillation Company, 40% Vol. Smooth, traditional and light, with distillate from copper stills. The secret recipe with anise from Lisvori of Lesvos and other aromatic seeds of the Aeolian land, the gentle and slow boiling of the distillation process, is the exquisite heritage of the past.
Tasting: Very aromatic, soft and easy to drink. 40% ABV. A solid example of Greek ouzo.
Babatzim Classic
Uniquely aromatic. With its distinctive distillation process, the combination of anise, fennel, and select herbs makes it one of the most complete and authentic spirits.
Tasting: Couldn't find a small bottle, I will try to update this article as soon as I can. 40% ABV
Tsantali
A classic choice with a bold anise kick. It includes aromatic herbs and seeds such as fennel, star anise, coriander, angelica root, linden, and cardamom.
Tasting: Couldn't find a small bottle, I will try to update this article as soon as I can. 40% ABV
What Do You Drink Ouzo With?
This Greek booze pairs beautifully with salty, savory, and seafood-based dishes. Here are some classic Greek food pairing ideas to enjoy with your ouzo drink:
- Easy Mediterranean baked octopus recipe (in foil)
- Taramasalata (Traditional Fish Roe Dip)
- Mediterranean style Salmon salad
- Drunken Pork Stew (Bekri Meze)
- Baked Feta cheese (Bouyiourdi)
- Fried zucchini chips
- Falafel (chickpea fritters)
- Traditional Greek salad (Horiatiki)
- Dolmades - Greek stuffed grape leaves
- Kalamata olives - A simple yet perfect match for ouzo's bold flavor.
Cooking With Ouzo
Ouzo can be used in many recipes, especially when we want a hint of anise flavor. I often use it instead of wine to deglaze sauces, in salad dressings and even to wet my hands when I make patties and meatballs. Here are some suggestions:
✏️ Did you know?
The European Union now recognizes ouzo, as well as tsipouro and tsikoudia, as products with a Protected Designation of Origin (external link), which prohibits European makers other than Greece and Cyprus from using the name.
How Do Greeks Serve Ouzo?
In Greece, ouzo liquor is never drunk alone-it's a social drink. It's served in tall, narrow glasses, often alongside a variety of appetizers (called mezedes). The idea is to sip, nibble, and enjoy good company.
🍳 More Drinks
Ready to Drink Like a Greek?
Now that you know what ouzo is and how to drink it, why not bring a little bit of Greece to your next gathering? Grab a bottle, pour a glass, and toast with a hearty "Yamas!". And please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
🎥Video
📖 Recipe
What is Ouzo and How to Drink It
Ingredients
- 1 oz (30 ml) ouzo
- 1 oz (30 ml) cold water
- 3 ice cubes
Instructions
- Pour ouzo into a tall, narrow glass.
- Add a splash of cold water.
- Add 3-4 ice cubes and stir with the back of a fork until the drink is well chilled.Taste, and if you prefer it smoother (with less alcohol) add more cold water gradually until it suits your preference.
Notes
- 1 part ouzo + 0.5 parts water ≈ 27% ABV
- 1 part ouzo + 1 part water ≈ 20% ABV
- 1 part ouzo + 2 parts water ≈ 13.3% ABV
Konstantina (Connie) says
Makos, your culinary expertise never ceases to amaze me. I found this info on your Ouzo and the other topics fascinating. You gave me delicious recipes and brilliant ideas for catering parties. Your recipes are top rated for me; they never disappoint me❣️
Makos says
Thank you so much Connie, you’re too kind! I’m very happy you found this post useful (another post with delicious ouzo cocktails is coming soon!) ❤️
Maria says
This was such a great read! I love how you covered not just what is ouzo, but also the best way to prepare it. Thanks for the great tips!
Makos says
Thank you so much Maria, you’re very kind 😊