Ouzo And Arak: Here's What You Need To Know

If you're a fan of Greek and Turkish cuisine, chances are you've heard of ouzo and arak. But what is ouzo? And how do you drink it? Discover the difference between these two liquors and more in this article!

The Types of Ouzo and Arak

There are two main types of ouzo: the anise-flavoured variety and the less common, anisette-flavoured ouzo. Anise-flavoured ouzo is made with star anise, a spice that gives the liquor its distinct liquorice flavour. Anisette-flavoured ouzo, on the other hand, is made with anise seeds and has a sweeter flavour.

Arak, on the other hand, is a type of spirit that is made with grapes and flavoured with anise. It is popular in the Middle East and has a high alcohol content.

When choosing between the two, it really depends on your personal preference. If you like the taste of liquorice, then go for the anise-flavoured ouzo. If you prefer something sweeter, then go for the anisette-flavoured ouzo. And if you want something with high alcohol content, then go for the arak.

How to Drink Arak

If you want to try arak, the anise-flavoured national drink of Lebanon, you should know a few things first. Arak is usually around 40% alcohol, so it's not for the faint of heart. It's traditionally served with water and ice, which helps to take away some of the heat. When the water is added, the drink will turn cloudy. Some people like to add a squeeze of lemon or lime, but this is up to personal preference.

Arak can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a mixed drink. If you're feeling adventurous, try it in a Beirut Sunrise (arak, grenadine, and orange juice) or an Arak Attack (arak, whisky, and lemonade). Just be careful not to overdo it - a little goes a long way with this potent spirit!

How to Drink Ouzo

Ouzo is a Greek anise-flavoured liqueur that is traditionally served as an aperitif. It can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but it is typically diluted with water, which turns it milky white. Ouzo can also be used in cocktails and mixed drinks.

If you're new to ouzo, start by sipping it neat or on the rocks. Ouzo is typically diluted with water before being served, which turns it milky white. If you find the flavour of ouzo too strong, add more water until it's to your liking. You can also try ouzo in cocktails and mixed drinks.

Here are a few tips on how to enjoy ouzo:

-Sip ouzo slowly to enjoy its flavour.

-Pair ouzo with food to help balance its strong taste.

-Add ice cubes or cold water to dilute the alcohol content and make it more refreshing.

-If you want to get creative, try making an ouzo cocktail!

What Do You Mix With Ouzo

When it comes to ouzo, there are a few things you need to know. First, it's important to understand what ouzo is. Ouzo is a distilled spirit that originates from Greece. It's made from a variety of different herbs and spices, including anise, fennel, and coriander. It has a strong, distinct flavour that some people love and others find to be acquired. 

If you're new to ouzo, you may be wondering what to mix it with. The most popular mixer for ouzo is water. This dilutes the drink and makes it more palatable for those who find the flavour to be too strong. You can also mix ouzo with lemonade or soda for a refreshing drink. 

Another popular way to enjoy ouzo is by pairing it with food. Meze, which is a selection of small plates, is often served with ouzo in Greece. Olives, cheese, bread, and various seafood dishes are all common choices. If you're looking for something heartier, try pairing ouzo with grilled meats or stews. 

What Do You Mix With Arak?

When it comes to anise-flavoured liquor, there are two that usually come to mind: ouzo and arak. Both are clear spirits that turn milky white when diluted with water, and both are enjoyed in Greece and Lebanon. But what exactly is the difference between these two drinks?

For one, arak is usually made with grape juice, while ouzo is made with grain. Additionally, arak is typically distilled multiple times, which gives it a higher alcohol content (usually around 40% ABV). Ouzo, on the other hand, is only distilled once and has an alcohol content of around 38% ABV.

Another difference between the two lies in how they're traditionally served. Arak is often served neat or with a splash of water, while ouzo is typically served with ice and water. And when it comes to mixers, arak can be mixed with just about anything - from fruit juices to carbonated beverages. Ouzo, on the other hand, is usually only mixed with water or lemonade.

So whether you're looking for a strong drink to sip on neat or a versatile mixer for your next cocktail party, make sure you know the difference

Typical Drinks Made with Ouzo/Arak

If you're looking for a traditional Greek drink to enjoy, then you can't go wrong with ouzo or arak. Both of these drinks are made with aniseed, which gives them their characteristic liquorice flavour. Ouzo is usually served neat, while arak is often diluted with water.

There are many different brands of ouzo and arak available, so it's worth trying out a few to see which you prefer. Some of the most popular brands include Barbayanni, Metaxa, and Tsipouro.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try making your own ouzo or arak at home. All you need is some aniseed (you can buy this online or from your local spice store), alcohol (vodka or moonshine will work), and water. Simply mix everything together and enjoy!

How to enjoy them

As any experienced drinker knows, not all drinks are created equal. You can't just pour any old drink into a glass and hope for the best - it won't taste good, and you'll probably end up with a headache. Instead, it's important to choose drinks that compliment each other, and this is especially true when it comes to hard alcohols.

There are two classic Mediterranean spirits that are often enjoyed together: ouzo and arak. Ouzo is a Greek anise-flavoured spirit, while arak is a Levantine anise-flavoured spirit. Both of these drinks pack a punch, so they're not for the faint of heart. But if you're looking for a truly unique drinking experience, then ouzo and arak are the way to go.

These two spirits are usually enjoyed as mixed drinks. The most popular way to enjoy them is in the 'ouzo effect', which is when you mix equal parts ouzo and water. This creates a milky white drink that's both smooth and potent. 

Another popular way to enjoy these spirits is in the 'arak effect', which is when you mix equal parts arak and lemon juice. This creates a yellow drink that's not nearly as potent as the ouzo effect, but it has a pleasant taste. If you want to try an arak cocktail, then visit Thailand, where this drink is incredibly popular. If you want to get your hands on one or both of these spirits, then your best bet is to visit Greece or Lebanon. You can also order them online at CellarsMarket. Greece is also a fantastic vacation destination if you've never experienced these spirits before - and it's much safer than Lebanon! Yassoo!!