Ouzo is Greece’s national drink, but what do you really know about it? Often confused with other Mediterranean spirits like sambuca, raki, or even pastis, it’s known for its high-proof and bold, herbal flavors.
In my decades of writing about alcohol, I’ve tried many different, unique styles of booze, including ouzo. And, if you’ve never tried this licorice-flavored liqueur, you’re really missing out on something special.
What is ouzo?
Before we go any further, it’s important to get a little background on what exactly ouzo is. While many liqueurs tend to lean lower in alcohol, ouzo goes the opposite direction. It’s higher in ABV, with some even sitting at or near 100-proof. And, while gin is known for its juniper base, ouzo is all about the aniseed.
At its essence, ouzo is an herbal, spiced liqueur made by distilling a neutral grain spirit from grapes or other grains. Its flavors vary depending on the brand, but it’s generally flavored with anise, fennel, cinnamon, coriander, and other spices. If you like black licorice, you’re going to like ouzo, as it has a very licorice-forward flavor profile.
It’s most often served as an aperitif, neat or with ice or a splash of water in a small, narrow glass called a kanonaki. It’s well-known for what drinkers refer to as the “ouzo effect”. This is when the drink turns cloudy or milky when water or ice is added.
Ouzo regulations
As you might have already suspected, to be considered an ouzo, the spirit must be made in Greece or Cyprus. It must be flavored with anise (as well as other spices and ingredients). But there are other rules as well. It must be produced in copper stills and have a minimum of 20% of its alcohol from the distillation process. It must have a minimum alcohol content of 37.5% (but many go beyond this range).
The best ouzo brands to get started
Now that you’ve learned a little about what ouzo is and its appeal, it’s time to find some to add to your home bar cart. Below, you’ll find some of our favorite ouzos available at most retailers. Keep scrolling to see them all.
Katsaros Legendary Ouzo
With a name like “Legendary”, you should have a pretty good idea about what you’re in for when you crack open a bottle of this ouzo. This 100% Greek-made spirit is distilled in copper stills. It’s bottled at 80-proof and, while the ingredients are a closely guarded secret, it’s flavored with a variety of herbs and spices, including anise, fennel, coriander, and more. It’s well-known for its spiced, licorice, and lightly sweet flavor profile thanks to the addition of sugar.
$23.99
Plomari Ouzo
This traditional ouzo is produced on the island of Lesbos and has been since 1894. Bottled at 80-proof, its recipe is kept secret, but it’s believed to include myriad ingredients like water from the Sedountas River as well as aniseed, fennel, star anise, nutmeg, mastic, and cinnamon. The result is an aromatic, licorice-forward liqueur that’s best enjoyed with a splash of water.
$18.99
Mini Ouzo
The name might make you think that this is a small bottle of ouzo, but it’s just its name. Produced by EPOM distillery, Mini Ouzo is produced in traditional copper stills. Another brand that keeps its recipe a secret, it’s believed to feature both anise seed from lesbos and mastic from Chios (among other herbs and spices). Bottled at 80-proof, it’s known for its flavors of anise, cardamom, and black licorice, with a sweet, herbal, warm finish.
$25.99
Ouzo 12
Ouzo 12 is as traditional as this spirit gets. This 80-proof expression begins with a neutral spirit made by double-distilling grapes. It’s flavored with a blend of herbs and spices, including aniseed, star anise, nutmeg, fennel, cardamom, and more. The result is a multi-layered liqueur filled with flavors like black licorice, anise, cinnamon, and a warm, clean, herbal finish that leaves you craving more.
$21.99
Barbayanni Ouzo Blue
One of the higher ABV ouzos on the market, Barbayanni Ouzo comes in a robust 92-proof. Distilled on Lesbos, it’s made with mountain water, 100% pure distilled aniseed, a selection of spices and herbs, and just a hint of sugar. The result is an aromatic liqueur loaded with flavors like anise, licorice, and spices. It’s warming, memorable, and perfect for a drink to whet your appetite before a big meal.
$19.99
Bottom line
We hope that by now you’re more than willing to get on the ouzo bandwagon. If you already enjoy herbal liqueurs and you like the aroma and flavor of licorice, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t add a bottle of ouzo to your home bar cart. It is perfectly paired with good friends, family, laughter, and heavy meals. Make this anise-centered liqueur a part of your life, and you’ll never want to be without it again. We promise you that.
