A TOAST TO CYPRIOT OUZO
WHAT IS OUZO?
Ouzo is an aniseed-flavoured spirit that is derived from the by-products of the winemaking process. Originating from Greece, this refreshing alcoholic drink has had a strong presence in Cyprus for at least 500 years. Whilst recipes for Ouzo may vary, it will always include distilled anise, as well as several other botanical spices. It must contain no less than 20% of the original Ouzo yeast, and the alcohol volume should measure at least 37.5% by volume.
THE MONKS OF PATMOS
The origins of Ouzo date back to the 14th century. The isolated monks of Mount Athos, on the island of Patmos in Greece, first produced it for medicinal reasons. These monks used anise seeds to distil alcohol and then mixed it with a variety of herbs and spices. This created a unique alcoholic drink that is revered throughout the world today. The drink soon spread throughout Greece, becoming the local drink of choice.
THE MONKS OF PATMOS
The origins of Ouzo date back to the 14th century. The isolated monks of Mount Athos, on the island of Patmos in Greece, first produced it for medicinal reasons. These monks used anise seeds to distil alcohol and then mixed it with a variety of herbs and spices. This created a unique alcoholic drink that is revered throughout the world today. The drink soon spread throughout Greece, becoming the local drink of choice.
EMBRACED BY CYPRIOTS
Ouzo would eventually become popular throughout Greece, and it is thought to have reached the shores of Cyprus by the 15th century, by the way of merchant shipping. The drink was immediately embraced by Cypriots, and production of a Cypriot version soon began. The drink has become a Cypriot staple ever since.
CYPRUS OUZO
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, but the Cypriot version tends to be smoother and slightly sweeter, maintaining a stronger aniseed flavour throughout. The drink remains a popular choice all over the island. The drink is taken all year round and is often served with seasonal fruit or alongside a hearty Cyprus meze. In some circles, it is also taken as a pre-dinner aperitif or an after-dinner digestif. Ouzo has also spread into the kitchen and is often used to add a distinctive aniseed flavour to certain Mediterranean and Cypriot dishes.
COCKTAILS OF CHOICE
The dry anise-flavoured spirit gained international recognition with the advent of tourism. Tourists from all over the world embraced the unique tasting drink, and as a result, several new refreshing cocktails were created using Ouzo as the main ingredient.
NO ICE FOR THIS DRINK
Adding ice to Ouzo causes its surface to crystallise, so it is often mixed with ice-cold water instead to avoid this. The clear colourless drink turns cloudy white with the addition of the water, and this has come to be known as the ‘Ouzo effect’.
A PROTECTED STATUS
The drink enjoys protected status, meaning that it can only be processed in Greece or Cyprus. It currently holds a PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION IN EUROPE (PGI) and a PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN (PDO). Both accreditations grant the product exclusive rights to the name Ouzo.
CYPRIOT CULTURE
Traditional taverns and most bars, across the island, often stock different types of Ouzo. Several of the offerings have different alcohol strengths and slightly different tastes. Ouzo easily connects to mainstream Cypriot culture and goes hand in hand with the infamous Cyprus meze. The drink is said to compliment the wide variety of meze appetizers and enjoying a glass or two of the drink, with friends around a table, is a proven social experiment that has helped to strengthen bonds across the island.
THE MONKS OF PATMOS
THE OUZO EFFECT
A DRINK OF CHOICE
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.
