Posted on 06/07/2023 8:51:21 PM PDT by DoodleBob
The anise-flavored drink Ouzo is deeply connected with the nation of Greece. It is simply the spirit of Greek summer which no one can copy.
It’s probably the most social drink ever distilled. Those who share this particular flavor, come closer and speak more easily. Ouzo is the drink of companionship and confession.
Ouzo drinking is an art. Or maybe it’s a way of life, says Matt Barrett, an American who writes about Greece. However, it’s not the ouzo but rather who you drink it with that really makes the experience, he adds.
A unique Mediterranean experience
When Greeks say “Let’s go for a little ouzo,” this is not only an important social invitation but also a culinary pleasure that is rarely turned down.
Ouzo conjures up many images but the most common one is a picture of sitting at a seaside taverna as the summertime sun is glowing red and setting over the Aegean Sea.
...
But the most popular of all is definitely the island of Lesvos, with the ouzo from Plomari being the best example.
Its production demands special skills; part of it is produced by the distillation of the skins of grapes after wine is produced, but a larger part is water flavored with various aromatic herbs of which aniseed prevails.
In Greece, ouzo is popular during Lent (Sarakosti), and of course throughout the summer.
Literary scholars believe the name ouzo originated from the ancient Greek verb “to smell,” or “ozo.” However, romantics prefer to think it comes from the phrase “Ou zo,” or “Without this I can’t live.”
(Excerpt) Read more at greekreporter.com ...
If we are going to boycott Bud Light, we should switch to a drink that'll separate the wheat from the chaff.
Don't drink that swill Metaxa. Ouzo Mini is the best I ever had. The black licorice taste is deceptive - if you're not careful, this could be you.
The Lebanese make Arak, which is basically the same as Ouzo. It is very very strong. I don’t know who made it first.
It’s strange how it starts out clear but turns cloudy white when you add water or ice.
I always thought it tasted like paint stripper. Prefer bourbon
I'm with >from occupied ga<. Hate the stuff. Reminds ME of industrial floor cleaner.
I like it. The first time I had it was when some pals took me to a Greek place before my wedding. We ended the evening with some ouzo. I swear it neutralized the garlic and onions on my breath.
CC
Never heard of it
Sounds like a commercial
My brother was stationed in Greece in the mid 70s. My parents and I went to visit him. He and I and maybe my dad took a stroll in the village one evening and stopped at a store, I think. Did not look like a bar. I was offered a sip of ouzo, despite the fact that I was eleven. I liked it. But I have never had any since.
Sambuca in Italy and raki in Turkey
On my second trip, I was a member of the advance party, it was basically a free vacation.
No, I don’t remember the name of the base. He was Air Force, and it was on the Pelopenesian Penninsula. The village name was Kato Achaeia.
In retrospect, I had it made. My battalion’s mission was air base defense, so I split my time between Hahn and Spangdahlem AB’s. I was living in a small town along the Mosel River, instead of the red mud at Grafenwoehr.
Have to pick Arak, like Arak Masada over any ouzo.
Arak and coke is a big thing in South America.
They’re both anise liquors and have a similar taste, but they are not the same.
You poured it incorrectly.
That’s an oil that appears from a bad pour and makes it taste funny.
Absinthe has the same issue.
Raki was the drink of Crete:
Just west of Kato Achaeia is the joint civil airport and Greek air base of Araxos. Perhaps that’s where your brother was stationed.
Going to Greece this fall. Will have to try it.
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