An introduction to Greek Ouzo, Tsipouro & Tsikoudia

Ouzo vs Tsipoouro, Tsipouro vs Ouzo. We are often asked what the difference is between these two (somewhat) similar Greek spirits. Ouzo and Tsipouro are found on most tables in Greece especially in the summer time and accompanied by a plates of 'mezedes' (small plates of different foods and tastes). But what the heck is Ouzo and Tsipouro anyway? How are they made and what is that distinct taste? Without further ado we give you a beginner's guide to Ouzo, Tsipouro and Tsikoudia!

What is Ouzo?

Wikipedia tells us that Ouzo is a dry anise-flavored aperitif that is widely consumed in Greece and that it is made from rectified spirits that have undergone a process of distillation and flavoring. Ouzo was introduced to Greece largely by the refugee populations that came from the western coast of Asia Minor and Smyrni. The eastern islands of Lesvos and Chios are the homelands of ouzo, but Northern Greece also has a long tradition in ouzo production and consumption. Since 1989 ouzo has been recognized by the European Union as a national product. The name 'ouzo' is not allowed to be used for any other European product.

How is Ouzo made?

Although there are many 'recipes' - which is why there is ouzo with many different aromas and flavours - the basic ingredients for ouzo production are two: alcohol and aromatic seeds. The raw material is almost pure alcohol (96% vol.) from distillation of agricultural origin (eg from cereal, raisins and molasses in particular). The alcohol is distilled again with the aromatic seeds that are added to the distillation cauldron called the amvyx. Seeds include anise (necessarily) but star anise as well, fennel, mastiha, coriander and cardamom. Depending on the recipe more herbs may be added including cinnamon, mint, ginger, angelica root, clove, lime and even orange, mandarin and lemon peels. The final distillate is called '100% ouzo distillate' and can be consumed only if diluted with water until it reaches 38-42% alcoholic degrees.

What is the percentage of alcohol in Ouzo? How to read an ouzo label

'By 100% distillation' is a pure ouzo distillate which should be diluted with water according to the procedure described above. These kinds of ouzo are considered highly aromatic and qualitative. 'Simple' ouzo if 'by 100% distillation' is not written on the label means that the ouzo contains at least 20% pure ouzo distillate (the lowest limit allowed by law). The remaining 80% of the drink consists of alcohol, water and aromas with anethole (anise's essential oil) being the prevailing ingredient and sometimes sugar. This kind of ouzo is therefore, a pre blended product. Most bottled Ouzos are in the 40-45% alcohol range.

Must you drink Ouzo with ice?

“You drink a lot, you wake up well” they say in Chios. But if you want to follow the most common instructions to enjoy ouzo, then you should follow what they do in Mytilini (Lesvos). A few drops of water will help Ouzo's aromatic richness to unfold and these drops are the only intervention that the drinkers of Lesvos allow.

If you insist, you can add ice as well. The purpose is to enjoy it, so you should prefer a long and narrow glass which highlights the best features of ouzo. The characteristic whitening of the ouzo after adding water is due to to the interaction with the anise oil.

Ouzo before or after eating?

Ouzo is an aperitif, therefore is usually consumed before eating so that it will 'open' the appetite. Anise which gives ouzo its distinctive taste is considered to help in iron absorption in foods. It also helps appeasing the intestine and has mild antiparasitic action. In addition, ouzo causes vasolidation and lowers blood pressure.

What needs to be emphasized is the alcohol content of the ouzo you choose. Ouzo with a low degree of alcohol is better to enjoy with food, especially if you eat next to the sea and under the sun. Ouzo with a higher degree of alcohol is better as an aperitif. They can also be one of the ingredients of a cocktail. Suggestion: If you are a fan of gin & tonic, try it with a twist, with a few drops of ouzo - just for the flavor and give it a Greek summer feeling.

What do you eat as an appetizer with ouzo?

Ouzo is sweet but also quite strong! It goes well with salty, spicy and subacid tastes even though the choice of every appetizer depends on each drinker's personal taste. In seaside areas, fish and seafood such as fried anchovies, tsiros, sardines and other seafoods are dominant, while in mountain areas appetizers are usually heavier, such as pickles, sausages, spicy cheeses etc. No matter where you are though, the classic Greek appetizer served with ouzo is some olives, a slice of bread, a piece of cheese, a tomato cut in four and a slice of cucumber.

How many calories are there in Ouzo?

A glass of ouzo (and tsipouro) has 120-150 calories. The difference depends on the alcoholic content of the distillate. Higher alcohol grades result in more calories.

What is Tsipouro, Tsikoudia and Raki

The first thing we must clarify is that raki, tsipouro and tsikoudia are the same spirit. A grape distillate, whose production is said to have started in Agio Oros in the 14th century and gradually spread to Macedonia, Epiros, Thrace, Thessaly and Crete. Distillation was always done at 'home' or at the 'kazanemata' that began right after the grape harvest in late October and had a festive kind of character.

How is Tsipouro made?

Tsipouro is made exclusively with grape distillation in contrast to ouzo which may use the distillation of various agricultural products and not necessarily grapes. The base for tsipouro is the grape's mashed peels that are left to ferment for a month so that their sugar becomes alcohol. The grapes are then distilled in cauldrons (rakokazano). Most tsipouro is distilled once, however its flavour and taste may be higher when distilled twice. In order for tsipouro to be consumed it must first be diluted with water until its alcoholic grades reach 40-45%. In recent years, many producers will leave the product in barrels to age for a few years or more, a process that will provide a wonderful result with aromas of honey, nuts and tobacco, which can stand worthy next to corresponding international products.

Tsipouro with or without anise?

Tsipouro as it is commonly thought of does not have anise and does not have a particularly strong taste. Tsipouro with anise is more common in some areas of Northern Greece (e.g. Volos, Larisa, Karditsa). The addition of anise gives a more sweet and aromatic taste in comparison to non flavoured tsipouro and when ice or water is added the tsipouro becomes whiteish just like ouzo.

How much alcohol is in Tsipouso? How to read a tsipouro label

A bottle's label is allowed to include the 'Tsipouro' or 'Tsikoudia' designation but not 'raki'. Raki, which is common in many areas of Crete, and the greek islands, today is a patented Turkish name. The indications 'Cretan Tsikoudia', 'Macedonian Tsipouro', 'Tsipouro Tyrnavou' and 'Thessalic Tsipouro' are also allowed to indicate specific areas of origin since tsipouro is produced in these regions. Most bottled tsipouro is between 38% and 42% alcohol by volume.

Tsipouro with or without ice?

Tsipouro is usually served neat and cool - but not ice cold - in small glasses. In epirotic Greece it is served in a tall glass with ice. Tsipouro with anise is usually served with water and ice just like ouzo.

Tsipouro before or after eating?

Tsipouro is drunk as an appetizer, before the meal accompanied by appetizers. Unlike ouzo, tsipouro (without anise) can be consumed after the meal as a digestive.

What appetizers go with Tsipouro?

Tsipouro is mainly produced in mountainous areas, and that's why it is combined with 'earthy' and heavy dishes such as fried bread, salted pork, sausages, cheeses, spicy peppers etc. In the tsipouradika (restaurants that mainly serve tsipouro) in Volos, on the other hand, seafood is dominating. It is obvious that each area has its peculiarities, but every drinker has his tastes as well. Since tsipouro is not sweet, unlike ouzo, it is considered to be better combined with 'stronger' and more spicy dishes.

Which is stronger Ouzo or Tsipouro?

Tsipouro's alcoholic grades are traditionally considered higher than ouzo, so tsipouro is considered 'stronger' although bottled varieties of both drinks tend to be approximately 40% alcohol by volume. Ouzo has a reputation of 'pounding the head'. The truth is that both spirits are highly alcoholic and can easily cause drunkenness. The fame that accompanies ouzo and its reputation for being a 'dangerous' drink has often been attributed to added sugars - the combination of sugar and alcohol causes faster intoxications. The potential ouzo headache can be due to the synapostakta (or fuels like methanol) that can be contained in the alcohol that the distillator supplies. Finally, the headache has also been attributed to the fact that simple ouzo is not an entirely pure distillate, but a result of a product mixture. As in all things in life, moderation is the key to proper enjoyment!

One last tip:

Avoid bulk, unsealed versions of any distilled liquor at all costs. The chances that the producer has a product without chemical control and does not have the experience that will give him only alcohol and not the by-product of methanol are very high. The latter is a substance that can not be eliminated from our body and, cumulatively over time, has been blamed for many serious health problems.