Enjoy and learn about Greece’s most famous alcoholic beverage

Photography: Konstantinos Papadopoulos

“Drinking Ouzo is a cultural ritual in Greece with its own special time and place, usually in late afternoon or early evening, usually accompanied by small plates of food and good company.”

It’s a sweet, strong alcoholic drink similar to a liqueur, made from the by-products of grapes after they’ve been used for wine-making. It’s distilled into a high-proof alcoholic beverage that’s flavoured primarily with anise which gives it a distinctive licorice taste.

Some say drinking Ouzo is a form of art, while others call it a lifestyle, but there is a recommended do’s and don’ts list to ensure you enjoy each sip while on your Greek vacation:

Enjoy it on a hot, sunny, late afternoon or in the early evening.

Drink it cold, but don’t refrigerate it. Place one or two ice cubes in a small glass, pour a small amount over the ice. The Ouzo will turn from clear to cloudy as the anise meets the ice. If there is no ice available, pour a small amount of Ouzo into a glass, then add just a dash of very cold water.
Drink ouzo accompanied by one or two small plates of mezedes (Greek version of tapas).Ouzo is very strong so drinking it with food is highly recommended. Greeks take pride in pairing and serving specific types of mezedes with ouzo e.g., grilled octopus, prawns, or squid; cheese and meat platters.
Do sip it slowly. Ouzo is meant to be savoured; the ritual of Ouzo and mezedes is meant to be relaxing. The process should be enjoyed over two hours or more.
Don’t do Ouzo shots! This not only defeats the whole purpose of it being a casual, social drink, but it will give you an especially bad ‘day after’.
Don’t drink Ouzo as an aperitif (before dinner), digestif (after dinner), or with dinner. Ouzo doesn’t complement traditional Greek entrees. Greeks drink either wine, beer, or soft drinks, and always, bottled table water with meals. Ouzo is perfect for small plates and the gift of time!

When in Greece, try Ouzo and other local brews at the many cafes and bars. You can ask the locals for recommendations or you can learn to drink like a Greek while in Athens on a private tour with just a few friends.