Ouzo

An aniseed flavoured alcoholic drink from Greece

Ouzo is the national drink of Greece, and is a strong spirit distilled from grape residues and flavoured with aniseed, fennel seed and other aromatic spices to give the distinctive anise taste.

Unlike other similar spirits such as the French pastis, ouzo is a totally clear, colourless spirit when drunk undiluted. However, just as with pastis or the Turkish raki, it is usually drunk diluted with water or ice, when it will turn a cloudy, milky colour.

The origins of Ouzo are unknown, with some experts claiming the drink was known in ancient Greece, while others say it is a much more recent invention.