Ouzo – The Spirit of Greece

Ouzo – The Spirit of Greece

No Greek table is truly complete without it: ouzo. The anise-flavored spirit has been a fixture of Greek drinking culture for centuries and was even officially protected as a traditional Greek product in 2006 — much like champagne in France, only anise spirit from Greece is allowed to call itself "ouzo."

The most fascinating thing about ouzo is its little chemical miracle: on its own it's as clear as water, yet the moment you add water or ice, it turns into a milky-white liquid. This phenomenon is called the "louche effect" — the essential oils of anise dissolve in the alcohol but precipitate out when diluted with water, clouding the drink. That exact moment, when the clear ouzo turns cloudy before the guests' eyes, is part of the ritual for many Greeks.

Traditionally, ouzo is sipped slowly, in small sips, and never without food alongside it — which is exactly what mezedes like ours are made for. Whether octopus, fava, or a handful of olives: ouzo and mezedes belong together like sirtaki and bouzouki music.

Next time you're at Mastiha, see for yourself how your ouzo clouds up — ideally over a plate of fresh mezedes and good company.

Mastiha Mezedopolio – Taverna Restaurant, Arndtstr. 12, 10965 Berlin-Kreuzberg