Instructions
- Pour ouzo into a small rocks glass.
- Add ice cubes if desired.
- Slowly pour ice-cold water over the ouzo.
- Watch as the clear spirit transforms to milky white (the louche effect).
- Serve alongside meze (small plates of olives, cheese, seafood).
📜 History
Ouzo has been Greece's national spirit since 1932, when production became regulated. The tradition of diluting ouzo with water originated in kafeneia (coffeehouses) throughout Greece. Adding water not only softens the intense anise flavor but triggers the "louche" effect, where essential oils precipitate and cloud the drink. This simple serve is inseparable from Greek meze culture.
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