Any ouzo drinkers on B&B?

**rm71** · 08-08-2010, 03:59 AM

I want to try ouzo, but want a recommendation on a good brand. Also what is the best way to drink it? (straight?on the rocks?mixed with water/Coke?)

Thanks

**Edcculus** · 08-08-2010, 07:41 AM

Don't ever have it regularly, but when I've had it, its been served straight in a small shot type glass really cold. I wouldn't be inclined to mix it with anything.

**dklaiman** · 08-08-2010, 08:40 AM

It's good straight. Think of it as Greek Sambuca. Also--and I know it sounds gross-- a shot of half Ouzo and half tequila is great.

**breadstick** · 08-08-2010, 03:01 PM

Had it once years ago and it was not for me. Tasted like licorice, which is not good for me.

**rm71** · 08-08-2010, 04:32 PM

Thanks for the replies.

**Hairy Callahan** · 08-08-2010, 05:27 PM

There's only one brand of Ouzo available in Virginia (and even IT'S not available in all stores). I usually drink it with either a little splash of water or a couple of ice cubes. Gotta be real careful with it however. It sneaks up on a guy. Enjoy in moderation.

**clubman** · 08-09-2010, 07:31 AM

Originally Posted by rm71

I want to try ouzo, but want a recommendation on a good brand. Also what is the best way to drink it? (straight?on the rocks?mixed with water/Coke?)

Thanks

Unless you're in Greece, you're probably going to be limited by what your importer/distributor carries. The Metaxa and #12 brands are ubiquitous here in the US and are probably as good as any, though I've had others (on one that comes to mind, the label had some gold coins/medals on it, anyone? Bueller?) that were better. Also look for Raki, which is the Turkish analogue to Ouzo, you might have more of a selection there.

As I've always understood, taking it with ice and water is the traditional way - refreshing, and you get the cool milky white ouzo effect to boot!

**Seraphim** · 08-09-2010, 07:57 AM

Metaxa and #12 are ubiquitous, but so is Budweiser. And likewise perhaps not the best indicator of what a high quality product should tast like.

I can highly recommend this stuff

Great taste, and much smoother than the Metaxa or #12 stuff.

Drink it staright, mixed with water, or over ice. NOT as a mixed drink.

In related news, but not about Ouzo, I present for your viewing pleasure this:
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=652liMry1qE&feature=related[/YOUTUBE]

**Confuzius** · 08-09-2010, 08:03 AM

With ice water, it should louche (turn milky white) like absinthe.

**svarog** · 08-09-2010, 08:35 AM

I mix 40% of Ouzo (or Raki in Turkey, Mastika in Macedonia) with 60% of water in long glass, and add 1 ice cube. It looks something like this:

Last year I worked with group of people from Turkey, they brought 2 sorts of Raki branded "Efe"; one was green labeled with grapes on it, and other was blue. It was excellent - my recommendation. I had also some Ouzo from Greece (don't remember the brand) which was pretty good, and home made Mastika from Macedonia - that one was way to strong.

**joelietz** · 08-09-2010, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by Confuzius

With ice water, it should louche (turn milky white) like absinthe.

Yeah that's the way it should come out, just like svarog's picture.

Milk for big boys. ;)

**wolffie** · 08-09-2010, 10:45 AM

My landlord is Greek and comes back from his visits with bottles of the stuff. I guess it's kind of like microbrewed ouzo.

Personally I can't stand the stuff, it tastes like licorice flavored lighter fluid. He typically serves it with ice and water, so it turns cloudy white like the above pictures.

**ackvil** · 08-09-2010, 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by Seraphim

Metaxa and #12 are ubiquitous, but so is Budweiser. And likewise perhaps not the best indicator of what a high quality product should tast like.

I can highly recommend this stuff

Great taste, and much smoother than the Metaxa or #12 stuff.

Drink it staright, mixed with water, or over ice. NOT as a mixed drink.

In related news, but not about Ouzo, I present for your viewing pleasure this:
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=652liMry1qE&feature=related[/YOUTUBE]

One funny video. Just loved it.

**NBT** · 08-09-2010, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by Hairy Callahan

There's only one brand of Ouzo available in Virginia (and even IT'S not available in all stores). I usually drink it with either a little splash of water or a couple of ice cubes. Gotta be real careful with it however. It sneaks up on a guy. Enjoy in moderation.

Last time I had Ouzo was in College, and it will sneak up on you...it's on my "no no list".

If you happen to like Black Licorice... give it a "shot".

**mikromicke** · 08-09-2010, 11:44 AM

Last time I had ouzo it was a "flaming ouzo". You pour the shot glass in your mouth, don't swallow and then light it on fire with a match. You extinguish the fire by closing your mouth. I can't recommend that particular way of drinking it but as the other said, if you like licorice go ahead and try

**Luc** · 08-09-2010, 01:48 PM

I never really had it but I will need to go down to the Greek market (down the street) and check what they have.

I saw #12 and a few others that are in Greek only. From memory, a bottle was going around $20-$25 AUD / 700ml.

My advice Rocco is to hunt a small 1 shot bottle to try it. The small bottle might set you back $5 but at least, you won't be stuck with a full bottle if you don't like it.

**Muscles** · 08-09-2010, 02:16 PM

Keep your bottle and shot glasses in the freezer until ready to drink. Fill Shot glasses and sip while eating some Grape Molasses or Tahini with bread, at least that's how my Grandfather taught me. Goes down a treat on a hot summer night. As for brand, try to find some home-brew for the good stuff!

TIP: It is also really good at getting teething babies to stop crying, simply soak their dummies in it for a few seconds then put straight in their mouths. Don't be too alarmed if they fall asleep...

**taffy** · 08-09-2010, 02:37 PM

Always have a glass or two when in greece, with water, back home in wales its sambuka, drunk as a shot, very similar, and both will give you a good slap across the head if you drink too much!