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GreekAuthentic Cuisine

Ouzo

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegetarian, Beverages

Ouzo

Ouzo finds its place in the Greek home at the hour when the sun dips low, signaling the start of aperitivo. It's a ritual that’s less about precision and more about feeling, where olive oil flows freely, salt is pinched by instinct, and a wedge of lemon is always within reach. This is not the ouzo of the bustling taverna, but the one that sits comfortably on a family table, its recipe passed down through generations without ever being written.

The sip of ouzo is a sensory journey—beginning with the crispness of its aniseed aroma, deepening as it clouds with ice and cold water, and ending in a gentle, warming glow. Its robust flavor is perfectly balanced by a simple meze plate, each bite enhancing the next sip. This is ouzo as it is meant to be: a liquid pause, a moment suspended in the evening light.

Ingredients

  • 60 mlouzo
  • ice cubes — to serve
  • cold waterto cloud the glass
  • meze plateto accompany

Method

  1. Start by selecting a narrow glass, which helps concentrate the aromas of the ouzo. If you prefer your ouzo chilled, add a few ice cubes to the glass. The ice will not only cool the drink but also help in achieving the desired cloudy appearance when water is added.
  2. Pour 60 ml of ouzo over the ice cubes in the glass. The ouzo should settle at the bottom, clear and inviting. This step is crucial as it sets the stage for the transformation that follows.
  3. Slowly add cold water to the ouzo, watching as it turns a milky white. This transformation, known as 'louching,' occurs because the essential oils in the ouzo become emulsified. Add just enough water to achieve the desired cloudiness, which enhances the aroma and flavor.
  4. Prepare a meze plate with a selection of olives, cheese, and seafood to accompany your ouzo. These flavors complement the anise notes of the ouzo and provide a balanced tasting experience. Arrange them attractively on a plate for easy sharing.
  5. Sip the ouzo slowly, taking small sips to savor the complex flavors. The combination of the anise-flavored spirit with the meze creates a traditional Greek experience. Enjoy the conversation and the leisurely pace that accompanies this ritual.
  6. Remember, ouzo is as much about the experience as it is about the drink itself. Engage in conversation, enjoy the company, and let the flavors of the ouzo and meze enhance the moment. This is a time to relax and connect, embodying the spirit of Greek hospitality.
Cover of Authentic Greek Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Greek Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Greek Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Greek volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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