A TOAST TO CYPRIOT OUZO
WHAT IS OUZO?
Ouzo is an aniseed flavored spirit derived from the by products of the winemaking process. This refreshing alcoholic drink originates from Greece, but it has had a strong presence in Cyprus for at least 500 years or so. Recipes for Ouzo may vary, but it will always include distilled anise as well as a number of other botanical spices. It must contain no less than 20 percent of the original Ouzo yeast and the alcohol volume should measure aat least 37.5 percent alcohol by volume. Ouzo can only be processed in Greece and Cyprus and has achieved a protected status. Ouzo currently holds Protected Geographical Indication in Europe (PGI) and a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) which has granted the product exclusive rights to the name Ouzo.
THE MONKS OF PATMOS
The origins of Ouzo date back to the 14th century when the monks of Mount Athos on the island of Patmos in Greece first produced it. The monks of Patmos decided to use anise seeds to distil alcohol and then used a variety of herbs and spices to create the unique flavour we know well today. After becoming the drink of choice on Patmos, Ouzo soon spread to the rest of Greece and other regions soon began their own production of the popular new spirit. Ouzo is thought to have reached the shores of Cyprus by the 15th century buy way of merchant shipping and production of the spirit soon began thereafter on the island where the drink has become a staple ever since.
CYPRIOT OUZO
Whilst Ouzo is most commonly associated with Greece, it has been produced in Cyprus for hundreds years and the differences between the Greek and Cypriot versions of the drink are slight, but make all the difference in taste. Cyprus Ouzo, like its Greek contemporary, is served chilled and is taken as either a shot or drunk neat. Adding ice causes the drink’s surface to crystallise so instead of ice, it is often mixed with ice-cold water. The aniseed based drink is clear so has no colour and it turns a cloudy white with the addition of water and this has come to be known as the ‘Ouzo effect.’ Ouzo is also combined with flavoured mixers to create various cocktails of choice. The Cypriot version of the drink tends to be smoother and slightly sweeter and maintains a stronger aniseed flavour throughout. The drink remains as a popular choice amongst locals, who often enjoy the drink all year round with seasonal fruit or alongside a Cyprus meze or as an after dinner aperitif.
OUZO COCKTAILS
The dry anise flavoured aperitif that is widely enjoyed all over the island gained international recognition with the advent of tourism. Tourists from all over the world visiting both Greece and Cyprus were introduced to the unique taste of the drink and as a result, a number of new refreshing cocktails have been created using Ouzo as its main ingredient making the drink even more popular. The popularity of Ouzo has also spread into the kitchen and it is often used as an ingredient in cooking, adding a distinctive aniseed flavour to certain Mediterranean dishes.
CYPRIOT CUTURE
Ouzo as a drink easily connects to Cypriot culture and traditional taverns and bars across the island often stock different types of Ouzo, which compliment a wide variety of meze appetizers. The infamous Cyprus meze is an integral part of the Cypriot cultural experience and enjoying a glass of Ouzo with friends around a table helps to strengthen these relationships.
THE BENEFITS OF DRINKING OUZO
Studies completed by various institutions over the years have identified that Ouzo offers distinctive health benefits if taken in moderation. Here are some of the documented benefits of drinking ouzo.
1. Digestive Aid: The strong aniseed qualities of the drink settle the stomach and aids digestion.
2. Relaxation: Properties in the strong alcoholic beverage helps to relax the body and mind.
3. Inflammation: Ouzo is rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation in the body and protect against oxidative stress.
4. Heart Health: Ouzo is rich in antioxidants that also reduce the risk of heart disease and improves overall cardiovascular health.
5. Neurological diseases: Ouzo is rich in antioxidants that protect cells from neurological diseases.
6. Liver Disease: Ouzo is rich in antioxidants that protect cells from liver diseases.
7. Blood Pressure: Ouzo in moderation dilates blood vessels, which in turn lowers blood pressure.