Introduction
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2004 was the year of Greece. It began with “Troy” (Illiad for dummies), moved on to their stunning triumph at Euro 2004 and culminated in the Olympic Games. What better time than to talk of Ouzo, the national drink of Greece.
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Ouzo is an aniseed spirit, which will remind Indians of "saunf". It turns cloudy when water is added, for reasons too complex to explain unless you have a degree in chemistry.
Ouzo is made from a combination of pressed grapes and herbs and berries. It begins as alcohol made from grape skins or other local produce. It is then brought together with herbs and other ingredients, including star anise, coriander, cloves, angelica root, licorice, mint, wintergreen, fennel, hazelnut and even cinnamon and lime blossom.
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It is usually served as an aperitif, but is also used in some mixed drinks and cocktails. In Greek cafés ouzo is served with mezedes (Greek term for appetizers). The mezedes can be anything from a salad, stewed meat and vegetables, sardeles pastes (really fresh sardines), koukia (beans), sweetbreads, meatballs, cheese, sausage or fried fish.
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The island of Lesvos in Greece is believed to be the origin point for ouzo. Famous brands include Ouzo Giannatsi from Plomari, Plomari by Arvanitis, Ouzo Mini, Ouzo Veto, Ouzo Kefi & Ouzo No 12.
Viva Ouzo!
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