Ouzo / Oύζο PDO
This clear alcoholic beverage from Cyprus and Greece is similar in taste to other anise liqueurs like pastis, sambuca, and raki.
Though it can be drunk on its own, Ouzo PDO is usually diluted with water, which makes the drink turn cloudy white, and served with ice cubes in a small glass. In Cyrpus and Greece, Ouzo PDO is often served with ‘mazedes’ – small appetizers such as clams, calamari, salad or fried courgette. It is traditionally sipped slowly and enjoyed over time in the early evening.
When absinthe, a highly alcoholic green anise-flavoured drink, fell out of fashion in the early 20th century, Ouzo PDO was one of the products whose popularity rose to fill the gap. The origins of the name are disputed but it is thought to come from the Turkish word üzüm, meaning 'grape'.
