Ouzo

Ouzo (ούζο) is a Greek anise-flavored liqueur that is widely consumed in Greece. The name dates back to the late 19th century, but is of uncertain origin (however, see Ouzo name below). It is similar to absinthe, but without the wormwood.

A related drink is Tsipouro.

History

The history of ouzo is somewhat murky, but some claim it may date back in one form or another to ancient times. Its precursor is raki, a drink distilled throughout the Byzantine and later Ottoman Empires, often in those days of quality approaching moonshine (similar liquors in Turkey and many Arab countries still go by that name).

Modern ouzo distillation largely took off in the 19th century following Greek independence, with much production centered on the island of Lesbos, which claims to be the originator of the drink and remains a major producer. In 1932, ouzo producers developed the method of distillation using copper stills, which is now considered the canonically proper method of production. One of the largest producers of ouzo today is Varvayiannis (Βαρβαγιάννης), located in the town of Plomari in the southeast portion of the island. (Older people in Lesvos, still refer to ouzo as "raki")

Commonly, but not at all traditional in the western world ouzo is served with cola either in premixed cans or bottles or manually mixed to the drinkee's desired taste.

Ouzo name

Perhaps the most probable origin of the name "ouzo" is discussed in a 1959 article in The Times of Thessaly ^*.

"During a visit to Thessaly in 1896, the late professor Alexander Filadelfefs delivered to us valuable information on the origins of the word 'ouzo', which has come to replace the word 'tsipouro'. According to the professor, tsipouro gradually became ouzo after the following event: Thessaly exported fine cocoons to Marseilles during the 19th century, and in order to distinguish the product, outgoing crates would be stamped with the words 'uso Massalia' - Italian for 'to be used by Marseilles'. One day, the Turkish consulate physician, named Anastas Bey, happened to be visiting the town of Tyrnavos and was asked to sample the local tsipouro. Upon tasting the drink, the physician immediately exclaimed: 'This is uso Massalia, my friends' - referring to its high quality. The term subsequently spread by word of mouth, until tsipouro gradually became known as ouzo."

How ouzo is made

Ouzo starts as a strong spirit made from pressed grapes or raisins. Other herbs and berries may also be added at the fermentation stage. The distinctive smell of ouzo comes from the addition of anise (or star anise) as a flavouring, but other ingredients, varying according to the producer, are also used; common ingredients include coriander, cloves, angelica root, liquorice, mint, wintergreen, fennel, hazelnut, cinnamon and lime blossom. The alcohol and flavourings are placed in warmed copper stills and distilled; higher-quality ouzos may be distilled several times. The resulting spirit is stored for a few months, and then diluted, usually to around 40% ABV.

Aperitif drink

In modern Greece, ouzeries (the suffix -erie is imported from French) can be found in nearly all cities, towns, and villages. These cafe-like establishments serve ouzo with mezedes -- appetizers such as octopus, salad, sardines, calamari, fried zucchini, and clams, among others. It is traditionally slowly sipped (usually mixed with water or ice) together with mezedes shared with others over a period of several hours in the early evening.

Appearance

When water or ice is added to ouzo, which is clear in color, it turns milky white; this is because the etheric oils are soluble in alcohol but not water. Diluting the spirit to less than around 40% ABV causes it to separate into an aqueous and an organic phase, whose fine droplets scatter the light.

The crystals sometimes seen in ouzo served cold are crystalline anethole, the constituent of anise aroma. That's why one should avoid serving ouzo cold. Drinking ouzo on the rocks is not preferred; it is preferable to add cold water.

External links

Ouzo Barbayanni: Production
Ouzo from GreekNet.com
Ouzo from GreekProducts.com

Greek cuisine | liqueurs