Absinthe Blog

Ouzo is a clear, sweet anise flavored liquor that is popular in Greece and is similar in taste to Italian Sambuca, French Pastis and Raki which is a Turkish liquor. The actual history of this exotic Greek liquor is somewhat unclear but some researchers have traced its origins to ancient times.

It is speculated that its origins began as the result of the introduction of liquors such as Turkish Raki, which is an anise flavored drink that was carried by Arabic speaking merchant seamen as they traded throughout the Mediterranean.

The actual origin of the  name “Ouzo” is also unclear but it has been speculated that it was derived from a stamp “uzo” that was placed on crates of high grade silkworm cocoons that were exported out of Tyrnavos during the late nineteenth century.

It was Greek independence in the 19th century that gave birth to the modern Ouzo industry that is largely centered on the island of Lesbos. Still one more factor the contributed to the growth in popularity of Ouzo along with other anise flavored exotic liquors was the outlawing of absinthe in most European and all Western countries a century ago.

One of the more recent events concerning Ouzo happened on October 25, 2006 when Greece won the exclusive labeling rights to the name “Ouzo” as well as a few other Greek liquors. This means that only a liquor made in Greece can be be labeled as Ouzo which was a big victory for both the liquor makers in Greece and connoisseurs of fine authentic liquors around the globe.

Most Ouzos are between 36-40% alcohol and a popular traditional way to drink it is mixed with cola over ice. However; many people prefer to drink it straight over ice in a medium sized glass. Also there are some popular cocktail recipes that are available that call for Ouzo as an ingredient.