What Is Ouzo? The Greek Drink, Its Flavour and How to Serve It
Searching for ouzo greek drink? Ouzo is the Greek drink flavoured with aniseed, a clear spirit that turns milky white when water is added. This guide explains what ouzo is, what its liquorice-like flavour is made from, why it clouds, how to serve it the Greek way and how it compares with sambuca, absinthe and other anise spirits.
What is ouzo?
Ouzo is a Greek spirit flavoured mainly with aniseed. It is clear in the bottle, with a sweet, liquorice-like aroma, and it is one of the most recognisable drinks of Greek and Cypriot hospitality.
Many producers add other botanicals such as fennel, coriander or mastic, which shape each brand’s character. It is typically bottled at around 37.5 to 50 percent ABV.
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What does ouzo taste like?
The dominant flavour is aniseed, similar to black liquorice or fennel, with a soft sweetness and a warming finish. Other botanicals add herbal or floral notes.
People who dislike liquorice may find it strong, but diluted with water and eaten with food, the flavour is more refreshing and less intense.
Why does ouzo turn cloudy with water?
Anise oils dissolve in strong alcohol but not in water. When water or ice is added, the oils come out of solution as tiny droplets and the clear spirit turns milky white. This is called the louche effect.
It is a sign of a genuine anise spirit rather than a flaw, and the same thing happens with pastis and absinthe.
How do you drink ouzo?
The Greek way is to pour a small measure into a tall glass and add cold water and ice, to taste. Sip it slowly over a long meal, rather than drinking it as a shot.
Start with roughly one part ouzo to one or two parts water, and adjust. The more water you add, the lighter and more aromatic the drink becomes.
What food goes with ouzo?
Ouzo is traditionally served with meze: grilled octopus, fried calamari, olives, feta, tzatziki, grilled fish and salty snacks. The anise freshens the palate between bites.
It also pairs well with seafood and with Mediterranean salads. Light, salty, savoury dishes work best.
How is ouzo different from sambuca?
Both are anise spirits, but ouzo is Greek and usually drier and more herbal, while sambuca is Italian, sweeter and traditionally served with coffee beans. Explore our sambuca range to compare.
Pastis from France, raki from Turkey and arak from the Levant are close relatives. All share the cloudy appearance when diluted.
Can you use ouzo in cooking and cocktails?
Yes. Ouzo is used in Greek cooking to flame prawns or flavour seafood sauces, and a splash adds depth to fennel dishes. In cocktails, a small amount can replace absinthe in rinses and long drinks.
Use it sparingly, because the anise flavour is assertive.
How should you store ouzo?
Keep the bottle upright, sealed and out of direct sunlight, at room temperature. Because the spirit is high in alcohol and low in sugar relative to liqueurs, it keeps well once opened.
Chill the water and glasses rather than the bottle, since very cold ouzo can cloud before you add water.
How do you choose an ouzo?
Check the ABV, the size and the producer, and consider whether you prefer a drier herbal style or a sweeter one. A smaller bottle is a good way to try the category.
See the current bottles in our ouzo collection. We deliver insured across Australia, and an adult (18+) must sign for every delivery.
What mistakes should you avoid when drinking ouzo?
Do not drink ouzo as a shot, because the strong aniseed flavour is meant to be sipped. Add the water slowly and taste as you go so that the drink does not become too weak or too strong.
Avoid freezing the bottle, which can make the spirit cloudy and dull the aroma. Serve it with food so that the salt and acidity of the meze balance the anise.
How do you buy online from Doctors of Whisky?
Doctors of Whisky is a Sydney-based online bottle shop. Browse the collection, add bottles to your cart and choose PayID, bank transfer, Bitcoin or USDT at checkout; paying with Bitcoin or USDT takes 12% off.
The minimum order is $300 AUD. Orders of $1,500 AUD or more ship free by express courier, and a flat $75 AUD fee applies below that. Delivery is insured, and an adult (18+) must sign for every parcel.
How can you drink responsibly in Australia?
The Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol recommend no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than four standard drinks on any one day. A standard drink contains 10 grams of alcohol, and the label on every bottle shows the number of standard drinks.
Pace yourself, eat before and while you drink, alternate with water, and never drive after drinking. You must be 18 or over to buy alcohol.
Buy Ouzo online in Australia
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Ouzo 12 Liqueur
Ouzo 12 Liqueur (700ml) is a liqueur from Ouzo 12, made in Greece. Buy it online from Doctors of Whisky with insured delivery across Australia.
Ouzo Mini
Ouzo Mini (700ml) is a liqueur from Mini Of Mytilene, made in Greece. Buy it online from Doctors of Whisky with insured delivery across Australia.
Frequently asked questions
What is ouzo made from?
Ouzo is a spirit flavoured mainly with aniseed, and often other botanicals such as fennel, coriander or mastic.
Why does ouzo turn white?
Anise oils come out of solution when water is added, which clouds the spirit. This is called the louche effect and is normal for anise spirits.
How do you drink ouzo?
Dilute it with cold water and ice and sip it slowly with meze or seafood.
Is ouzo the same as sambuca?
No. Both are anise spirits, but ouzo is Greek and usually drier and more herbal, while sambuca is Italian and sweeter.
How strong is ouzo?
It is typically around 37.5 to 50 percent ABV, so check the label of the bottle you buy.
Where can I buy ouzo online in Australia?
You can buy ouzo online from Doctors of Whisky with insured delivery across Australia. An adult (18+) must sign for every delivery.