If you have ever travelled around the eastern Mediterranean countries of Greece and Cyprus, you may have tasted the regional spirit known as Ouzo. The best Ouzo brands have now become synonymous with the region and are growing in popularity.
Now that there are so many options, I’ve done my homework and created this thorough review to help you discover the ten best Ouzo brands. Don‘t forget to check out my list of the 12 best Ouzo cocktails too!
Top 10 Best Ouzo Brands
The sun is shining, the sky is deep blue, and the sea breeze is perfect. Here are our picks for the top 10 best Ouzo brands to complete the traditional Greek holiday experience. Enjoy!
1. Ouzo 12
General Info
- Distiller – Koutsikos Distilleries
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – 38%
- Country – Greece
The Brand
Whether you are looking for the perfect drink for your next party or something special to enjoy with your favourite Greek dishes, Ouzo 12 is always a great choice.
Established in 1880 at a distillery founded by the Kayolannis brothers, Ouzo 12 is actually the first bottled Ouzo in history and continues its reign as the bestselling brand of this distinguished spirit across the globe.
The Taste
The flavour of this particular brand of Ouzo is a strong liquorice overtone that has been expertly combined with the peppery notes of fennel and the warmth of cinnamon.
Ingredients
Anise, fennel, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom come together to produce this exceptionally delicious Ouzo.
2. Ouzo 7
General Info
- Distiller – Winery Of Thrace
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – 37.5%
- Country – Greece
The Brand
Never judge a book by its cover, as this simply presented ouzo in its discreet clear glass bottle with a Greek fishing boat has tradition written all over it.
This is of the purest forms of ouzo that can be enjoyed with orange juice, or sipped neat and paired with typical greek plates of olives and feta. Also, you may want to check out my review on Turkish raki.
The Taste
The dominating flavour of anise used in this Ouzo will hypnotize your palate and transport you to the Mediterranean coast as hints of coriander and fennel seed provide the perfect background notes.
Ingredients
Anise, coriander and fennel seed.
3. Metaxa Ouzo
General Info
- Distiller – Metaxa
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – 38%
- Country – Greece
The Brand
When you take an age-old aperitif like Ouzo and enhance it with a rare, expensive ingredient like mastic from the island of Chios, the bouquet of the final product is elevated into the stratosphere of fine spirits.
That is exactly what the producers of Metaxa Ouzo have done to create this Greek masterpiece. Perfect for savouring over ice or blending with your favourite tonic, this Ouzo, which is packaged in a gorgeous light blue glass bottle, is definitely one that any connoisseur can appreciate.
The Taste
The anise liquorice flavuor of this divine Ouzo is subtly enhanced by the oaky Aegean Masticha that has been artfully added to it.
Ingredients
Anise, Masticha, cardamom, coriander, and fennel.
4. Ouzo Of Plomari
General Info
- Distiller – Plomari
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – 40%
- Country – Greece
The Brand
Ouzo of Plomari Isidoros Arvanitis is another exceptional example of this traditional Greek spirit. By using naturally soft water from the River Sedounta during the dilution process, they have been able to produce an Ouzo that is distinctly smooth and refined.
Additionally, all of the typical Ouzo essences and ingredients are regionally sourced, adding to the authenticity and complexity of this impeccable aperitif.
The Taste
The taste of Ouzo of Plomari Isisdoros Arvanitis begins with a clean liquorice flavour, courtesy of Anis Lisvori, and is supported by dashes of mastic gum extract from the island of Chios, Kallonian salt, and natural river water.
Ingredients
Anis Lisvori, star anise, mastic gum extract, fennel, Kallonian salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a proprietary blend of regional herbs.
5. Think Green Organic Ouzo
General Info
- Distiller – Think Green Natural Goods
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – 38%
- Country – Greece
The Brand
Imagine what would happen if you took an ancient Greek spirit recipe and replaced all of the traditional ingredients with organic ones. Well, that is exactly what the creators of Thinkgreen Ouzu From Organic Ingredients did with their 100% double-distilled product.
They begin by distilling ethyl alcohol from organic whole wheat before adding organic versions of the standard aromatics that are typically used to make Ouzo. The resulting aperitif is not only delicious but also pure and clean.
The Taste
The taste of Thinkgreen’s organic Ouzo is very similar to the most established brands, with dominating liquorice notes that are further enhanced by the addition of warm spices and herbs.
Ingredients
Anise, fennel, coriander, wild fruits, and mastic.
6. Babatzim Ouzo
General Info
- Distiller – Babatzim Distilleries
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – 40%
- Country – Greece
The Brand
Established all the way back in 1875, Babatzim is one of the pioneers of traditional Macedonian Ouzo. The alcohol base has been distilled from grapes that grow at a staggering altitude of around 600 meters.
After infusing their product with a perfect blend of aromatics and spices, the end result is excellent as a stand-alone drink as well as a complement to your favourite Greek snacks.
The Taste
The taste of Babatzim Ouzo can be best described as fresh and clean. Of course, your standard notes of anise and fennel are present, along with a touch of fruity sweetness.
Ingredients
Anise, fennel, additional aromatic seeds, fruits, and plants.
7. Thalassa Ouzo
General Info
- Distiller – E. Tsantali distillery
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – 37.5%
- Country – Greece
The Brand
Thalassa Ouzu is a beautifully crafted beverage that fully expresses the tradition of Greece from the moment you open the bottle. The design of the glass which encapsulates this lovely aperitif is quite simple, save for the label.
The depiction of a sailboat floating about in the blue waters of the Meditteranean sea, which is printed on the label of this bottle of Ouzo, will definitely transport you to the relaxing shores of Greece.
The Taste
The taste of Thalassa Ouzo is simple and elegant, keeping with the traditional sharpness of liquorice that is followed by warm aromatics from various herbs and spices.
Ingredients
Anise, cardamom, and fennel.
8. Ouzo Jivaeri
General Info
- Distiller – Jivaeri distillery
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – 40%
- Country – Greece
The Brand
Produced with Olympian water, Ouzo Jivaeri is certainly worthy of a gold medal. This particular brand of Ouzo benefits greatly from an expert blend of botanicals that combine to create a well-balanced Ouzo.
Thanks to a triple distillation process, Ouzo Jivaeri is a clean aperitif that can be paired perfectly with fish, octopus, and all of the other fruits of the sea.
The Taste
The taste of Ouzo Jivaeri provides a sampling of the classic flavours of liquorice and warm spice that have been subtly refined to elevate it a few steps above the traditional Ouzo that the world has grown to love.
Ingredients
Anise, fennel, cardamom, and Olympian water.
9. Ouzo Tirnavos
General Info
- Distiller – Katsaros Distillery
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – 40%
- Country – Greece
The Brand
Ouzo Tirnavos is another timeless rendition of the storied liquor that utilizes grapes as the vessel from which its alcohol is distilled. Produced at the Katsaros Distillery, which was actually the first officially registered distillery in Greece, this Ouzo borrows its name from the scenic Tirnavos mountain range that it calls home.
Another advantage of the distillery’s location is that there is a constant stream of pure mountain spring water that is implemented in the production of this fine Ouzo.
The Taste
Ouzo Turnavos has an ultra-clean taste that comes courtesy of the grapes and mountain water used in the distillation process. Of course, anise and liquorice flavours work to offer classic Greek flavours that complement meze small plates and appetizers.
Ingredients
Anise, fennel, and a proprietary blend of botanicals.
10. Ouzo Kazanisto
General Info
- Distiller – Stoupakis Distillery
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – 40%
- Country – Greece
The Brand
Rounding out our list of the top 10 best Ouzo brands is Ouzo Kazanisto. In case you have any doubts about the origin of this delicious aperitif, the copper label with Greek lettering and an artists rendering of the country itself should be reassuring.
The appearance of Ouzo Kazastino also transforms into a milky white colour as it interacts with cold ice and oxygen, providing a visual experience to go along with your taste journey.
The Taste
The taste of Ouzo Kazastino is simple and conservative, allowing the essence of the liquorice and fennel to produce classic Ouzo flavours that may provide some nostalgia for anyone who has ever visited Athens or Santorini.
Ingredients
Anise, fennel, herbs, and traditional spices.
Ouzo Cocktail Ideas
Here are a few cocktails to expand your Ouzo appreciation. Also, you may want to check out my full article: 12 Best Ouzo Cocktails: Modern Mixology
| No. | Cocktail Name | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ouzo Lemonade | 2 parts ouzo, 4 parts lemonade, 1 part lemon juice, ice, and mint leaves |
| 2 | Ouzo Martini | 2 parts ouzo, 1 part dry vermouth, ice, and an olive |
| 3 | Ouzo Negroni | 1 part ouzo, 1 part Campari, 1 part sweet vermouth, ice, and an orange slice |
| 4 | Ouzo Mojito | 2 parts ouzo, 4 parts club soda, 2 parts mint leaves, 1 part lime juice, and sugar |
| 5 | Mediterranean Sunset | 2 parts ouzo, 4 parts grapefruit juice, 1 part grenadine, ice |
Conclusion
If you have ever wanted to travel to Greece, or even been to a local Greek restaurant in your area, trying one of my selections of the top 10 best Ouzo brands should certainly excite your palate and transport you to the Mediterranean.
Also Read: History Of Ouzo: Greek National Anise-Treasure
Although this regional liquor is made the traditional way, it is as authentic to Greece as olives and feta cheese. Ouzo is a classic aperitif that can surely add some variety and culture to your spirits collection and makes the perfect beverage for any gathering or celebration!
Sambuca is the Italian cousin of Ouzo, and you may be interested in checking out Ingrid’s review of the 7 Best Sambuca Brands Full Of Italian Flair.
Ouzo Q&A
What Is Ouzo?
Ouzo is a spirit that is immensely popular in the countries of Greece and Cyprus, where it originated, and it has a flavour that is mostly derived from anise. In addition to the main flavouring ingredient of star anise, other herbs and spices that are typically added to the distilled rectified spirit base may include cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, fennel, and coriander.
How Is Ouzo Made?
A variety of flavoursome botanicals, including anise, are mixed with a base spirit made of grape which then goes through a double distillation process to further refine the taste of the liquor.
Although this part of the process can raise the alcohol content past 80%, a bit of dilution ultimately takes the edge off to create a much more palatable drink that can be perfectly paired with various small plates such as olives, fries, or feta cheese.
Because different distilleries employ their own unique techniques and recipes in the production of Ouzo, the taste can vary a bit from one brand to the next. Here, we will guide you through the best Ouzo brands to make your decision a bit easier when you are planning for your next Greek dinner.
References
| wikipedia.org/wiki/Ouzo |
| discovergreece.com//ouzo |
| greekcitytimes.com/dos-and-donts-of-drinking-ouzo/ |
| acs.org/how-diluting-ouzo-liquor-could-lead-to-better-emulsions |
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from The Drinks Geek blog. We write articles on several fascinating areas of drinks, including different brands, drink types, cocktail recipes and more.
