Ouzo is a traditional Greek alcoholic drink made primarily from distilled grape or grain alcohol and flavored with anise, which gives it its distinctive licorice-like taste. Other herbs and spices, such as coriander, fennel, cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves, are sometimes added to create unique variations of flavor, depending on the producer.
The production process involves:
- Distillation: Base alcohol is distilled with anise and other botanicals.
- Dilution: The resulting high-proof spirit is diluted with water to the desired strength, usually around 40% ABV (alcohol by volume).
- Resting: Some ouzos are left to rest for a short period to develop flavors before bottling.
When mixed with water or ice, ouzo turns cloudy white due to the emulsification of anise oil—a phenomenon called the ouzo effect or louche effect.