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How to Drink Ouzo Like a Greek: What Ouzo Really Is and How to Enjoy It

Ouzo is a traditional Greek spirit infused with anise, proudly woven into the country’s food culture and social life. Usually bottled at 37.5–50% alcohol, it’s not something to underestimate. Ouzo is made by distilling alcohol with anise seeds - sometimes with fennel, cardamom, or other herbs- resulting in a bold, slightly sweet flavor and a fragrance that’s unmistakably Mediterranean.

In Greece, ouzo is more than a drink. It’s a mood. A lifestyle. A symbol of hospitality and the relaxed “siga-siga” approach to life - meaning “slowly, slowly.” Greeks don’t chug ouzo. They savor it.

Why Does Ouzo Turn Milky? A Little Bit of Magic (and Science)

One of the first things you’ll notice is that ouzo turns milky white the moment you add water or ice. This isn’t a trick- it’s science. The phenomenon is called the louche effect, which happens because anise essential oils don’t dissolve in cold water. When you dilute the alcohol, those oils become visible and create a cloudy, pearly drink.

In Greece, this isn’t just normal- it’s a sign of high-quality, authentic ouzo.

How to Drink Ouzo Like a Greek: The Essentials

1. Sip, don’t shoot

Ouzo is never drunk as a shot in Greece. This is a slow-drinking spirit meant for conversation, relaxation, and admiring sea views - not a race to the bottom of the glass.

2. Always with food

Ouzo goes hand in hand with meze, the Greek tradition of small shared plates. Think olives, grilled octopus, feta cheese, fried calamari, or crusty bread with olive oil. The strong, sweet-anise flavor pairs perfectly with salty, bold snacks.

3. Dilute or not?

A classic Greek debate. Here’s the breakdown:

Drink it neat for full flavor,
Mix with cold water to mellow the taste and enjoy the cloudy effect,
Add ice, though purists argue it shocks the spirit too much.

Most Greeks go for a 1:1 or 1:2 ouzo-to-water ratio.

4. Use a tall, narrow glass

It’s not just for looks. A tall glass helps preserve the aroma and slows down dilution.

Ouzo and Greek Culture: When Do Greeks Drink It?

In Greece, ouzo shows up at:

casual gatherings with friends,
lazy seaside afternoons,
long, chatty lunches,
celebrations and simple everyday moments.

It’s a social drink - something you enjoy together. Greeks rarely drink ouzo alone. It’s all about connection.

Different Types of Ouzo: What to Look For

Ouzo varies by region, and the island of Lesbos- especially the village of Plomari- is considered the gold standard. Other notable varieties come from:

Macedonia - stronger, more herbal,
Attica - softer and slightly sweeter.

Key factors when choosing your ouzo:

alcohol content,
type of distillation,
intensity of the anise aroma.

Tips for Tourists: How Not to Look Like a Total Outsider

Don’t ask for a shot

Ordering ouzo as a shot is a guaranteed way to get a confused look—or a friendly laugh. Shots of ouzo are a tourist invention, not a Greek tradition.

Mind the pace

The Greek sun is beautiful, but it makes alcohol work overtime. Without meze, ouzo can sneak up on you, leading to an unplanned nap in a very public place.

Be cautious with homemade ouzo

Locals sometimes offer homemade ouzo, which can be amazing—or unexpectedly powerful. Smell it first, sip it slowly.

Buying a souvenir bottle? Read the label

Look for “100% distilled”- that’s the premium stuff.

How Ouzo Compares to Other Anise Spirits

Ouzo is often compared to:

raki from Crete (more intense, more rustic),
pastis from France (more herbal),
arak from the Middle East (stronger and earthier),
sambuca from Italy (sweeter and more liquor-like).

What sets ouzo apart is its clean, sweet anise flavor and smooth drinkability.

How to Store and Serve Ouzo

Serve it chilled, but not ice-cold.
Once opened, it keeps beautifully thanks to its high alcohol content.
Pour small servings and refill often- the Greek way of savoring the moment.

Ouzo isn’t just a drink - it’s a little piece of Greece in a glass. If you want to drink ouzo like a Greek, take your time, pair it with good food and good company, and enjoy the relaxed rhythm that makes Greece so irresistible. Whether you’re on a sunny island or at home dreaming of one, ouzo is best enjoyed slowly, with a smile.