Ouzo & Arak

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 food pairing with these very popular Mediterranean and middle eastern drinks.

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.

Both pair ideally well with marinated olives and marinated goat's cheese in olive oil with zaatar ( middle eastern herb). It's the best!

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.

23rd Street Distillery Matthew & Jim's Classic Ouzo 700mL -10%
In stock
700mL @ 37% abv Massively aromatic with sweet, clean fennel notes deepening to caraway and star anise. Palate is round and full, with just enough sweetness. Refreshing and assertive spice and herbal flavours are followed by pleasantly lingering liquorice warmth.
In stock
Weight: 1.500 kg
Aroma & Palate Anise, cardamom. spices, & almond Type Ouzo Style Pleasant & slightly sweet From the Distiller Akropolis Oyzo is perfect for those looking for an authentic Greek-style Oyzo that will delight the palate with its typical liquorice-like flavours. Pleasant anise and liquorice taste with a hint of cardamom. A variety of spices such as caraway, coriander seeds and almond essence are noted in the finish. ABV (%): 37.3 Size: 700ml Country: Australia
Akropolis Ouzo 700mL -10%
In stock
700mL @ 37.3% abv Spices such as anise, mastic and badiane are combined in a unique mix with gives this Ouzo its distinctive rich aroma.
Akropolis Ouzo 700mL -10%
In stock
700mL @ 37.3% abv Spices such as anise, mastic and badiane are combined in a unique mix with gives this Ouzo its distinctive rich aroma.
Golden Wattle Arak 700mL -10%
In stock
700mL @ 43% abv
Golden Wattle Arak 700mL -10%
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700mL @ 43% abv
In stock
Weight: 1.500 kg
Aroma & Palate Black licorice, herbs, & aniseed Type Ouzo Style Crisp & slightly sweet From the Distiller Ouzo by the House of METAXA, the leading spirits House of Greece, is made with ten fine botanicals, including those found in Ouzo and some rarer ones. Sweet and heavy aromas of black liquorice and aniseed (a natural digestive), mastic, fennel, badiane and coriander. Clear and silky Metaxa Ouzo Liqueur, with a distinct complex licorice flavour, ouzo is a Greek liqueur that is cool and crisp, and semi-sweet on the palate with intense anise flavour throughout the silky texture....
Metaxa Ouzo 700ML -10%
Metaxa Ouzo 700ML
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Metaxa Ouzo 700ML ABV : 38% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :Greece Brand :Metaxa Style : Ouzo
In stock
Weight: 1.500 kg
Aroma & Palate Hints of anise & aromatic herbs Type Ouzo Style Smooth & mellow From the Distiller Enjoy the classic Ouzo Mini from Mytilene, using 17 secret recipes that have remained unchanged through the decades. The infusion of aromatic herbs native to Lesvos and aniseed sourced from Lisborio contribute to the creation of this renowned ouzo, making it truly unique. ABV (%): 40.0 Size: 700ml Country: Greece
In stock
Weight: 2.000 kg
Aroma & Palate Hints of anise & aromatic herbs Type Ouzo Style Smooth & mellow From the Distiller Enjoy the classic Ouzo Mini from Mytilene, using 17 secret recipes that have remained unchanged through the decades. The infusion of aromatic herbs native to Lesvos and aniseed sourced from Lisborio contribute to the creation of this renowned ouzo, making it truly unique. ABV (%): 40.0 Size: 700ml Country: Greece
In stock
Weight: 1.500 kg
750ml 40% alcohol   KOSHER FOR PASSOVER
Ouzo 12 Nupk 700ML -10%
Ouzo 12 Nupk 700ML
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Ouzo 12 Nupk 700ML ABV : 38% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :Greece Brand :Ouzo Style : Ouzo
-10%
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750mL @ 40% abv + 2 Limited Edition Shot Glasses Persian Empire's Arak Saggi has been aged in oak barrels for 18 months. This aging process makes the drink special, extraordinarily smooth, and unique in its class. Taking Persian typical drink to the next level is what we have done here with this drink.
$14759 $16399
Rockland Ceylon Arrack 700mL -10%
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Distilled from the sap of the coconut flower and aged in Halmilla Wood, Ceylon Arrack is one of Sri Lanka's finest Arracks. A rare handcrafted Arrack to this day every batch of Arrack receives the personal attention of the Rocklands Family Master Blender. Awarded a medal of commendation by the International Wine and Spirits Association as well as a bronze medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020. Drink Tips: Excellent poured over ice and topped up with ginger-beer, ginger-ale or cola  
-10%
In stock
Distilled from the sap of the coconut flower and aged in Halmilla Wood, Ceylon Arrack is one of Sri Lanka's finest Arracks. A rare handcrafted Arrack to this day every batch of Arrack receives the personal attention of the Rocklands Family Master Blender. Awarded a medal of commendation by the International Wine and Spirits Association as well as a bronze medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020. Drink Tips: Excellent poured over ice and topped up with ginger-beer, ginger-ale or cola  
Simply Arak 700mL -10%
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700mL @ 50% abv | Product of Australia EST. 1997 "A family tradition lives on…following in my grandfathers footsteps…we are continuing to distill quality spirits."
Simply Arak 700mL -10%
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700mL @ 50% abv | Product of Australia EST. 1997 "A family tradition lives on…following in my grandfathers footsteps…we are continuing to distill quality spirits."
-10%
In stock
700mL @ 45% abv
Tekirdag Raki 700mL -10%
In stock
700mL @ 45% abv
Yeni Raki 700mL -10%
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700mL @ 45% abv The world’s most produced and most popular Raki, Yeni Raki achieves perfection by adding high-quality aniseed to suma obtained from a well-balanced mixture of dried and fresh grapes.