Definition

Noun: 1. A Greek anise-flavored liquor: Ouzo is a clear, strong alcoholic spirit from Greece. Its primary and defining flavor comes from anise. It is typically consumed as an aperitif, often mixed with water or served over ice, which causes it to turn a milky, opaque white.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We enjoyed a glass of ouzo with some meze before dinner.
  • The traditional way to drink ouzo is to dilute it with a little water.
  • The distinctive licorice taste of ouzo comes from aniseed.

Advanced Usage

• Cultural Context: Ouzo is deeply associated with Greek culture and socializing. Drinking ouzo is often a leisurely activity, accompanied by small dishes of food known as "meze."
• Serving Ritual: The act of diluting ouzo with water is a key part of the experience. The resulting cloudy appearance is called the "ouzo effect" or "louching," caused by the anethole (the aromatic compound in anise) becoming insoluble in the diluted alcohol.

Variants and Related Words

• There are no common variants for the word "ouzo" itself. It is a specific noun for the beverage.
• Related Concept: Meze (n.): A selection of small dishes served as appetizers, commonly eaten with ouzo or other drinks in Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Synonyms

• Anise liquor: A general term for spirits flavored with anise. (Note: This is a descriptive phrase, not a single-word synonym. Other specific anise liquors include pastis from France, rakı from Turkey, and sambuca from Italy.)

Idioms and Phrases

• There are no common English idioms or phrasal verbs that specifically use the word "ouzo." Its usage is primarily literal, referring to the drink itself.

Noun

1. a Greek liquor flavored with anise