It is known that the Greeks know how to enjoy food, drink, music, and life in general. Uzo and tsipouro help them in a more beautiful experience of the world and everyday life.

Uzo and tsipouro are recognized by the EU as Greek national products and are of protected geographical origin.

According to the Greeks, uzo is not just a drink, but a way of life.

Uzo

The island of Lesvos is considered the birthplace of this popular alcoholic beverage, although northern Greece also has a long tradition of production. Although there are many recipes, the basic ingredients of uzo are alcohol and aromatic herbs (seeds). The raw material is almost pure alcohol (96%) obtained by distillation of some agricultural product (grapes, cereals…), and a second distillation is performed with aromatic seeds that must include anise, and may also include cardamom, mastic, coriander. Depending on the recipe, ginger, mint, cinnamon, cloves, and even orange, tangerine, or lemon peel can be added.

Uzo officially belongs to the category of liqueurs and is usually consumed as an aperitif, before meals. Uzo is always enjoyed with salty appetizers that can vary depending on the region. In coastal areas, uzo is usually served with dry and salted fish (anchovies, sardines…), while in the continental part, it is served with meat, salty feta cheese, olives…

As a rule, uzo is served in narrow, tall glasses to which cold water or ice is added, after which uzo takes on a milky color. This color is created after the interaction of water with anise oils. It is best to constantly add water as you drink uzo, not just at the beginning. If you pair it with appetizers, you can drink it slowly and enjoy it without getting intoxicated. This is also the purpose of mixing it with water. It is said that anise relaxes, lowers blood pressure, helps with iron absorption, and regulates digestion.

Uzo is sweet, but quite strong, so it should not be consumed quickly and in large quantities.

There are now hundreds of uzo producers in Greece, but the most popular and esteemed are still the producers from the island of Lesvos, where uzo has been produced since the late 19th century. If you want to try uzo while on vacation or buy some to take back to Serbia, we recommend that you buy uzo produced on this island, in the town of Plomari. Some of the most famous brands are Barbajani (Barbayanni), Mini, Plomari.

When buying lesser-known brands, it is best to pay attention to whether it is distilled.

Tsipouro

In addition to uzo, tsipouro is very popular in Greece and is probably more popular with Greeks than uzo. While tsipouro is always made from grapes, uzo can be made from other agricultural products, such as cereals. Tsipouro is the same as “loza” in Serbia. Tsipouro was first produced by monks from Mount Athos in the 14th century, and then production and consumption spread throughout Greece. Tsipouro is distilled several times for a stronger taste. If you do not like the characteristic taste and aroma of anise (like in uzo), which gives tsipouro its sweet taste and distinctive aroma, you have the option to buy tsipouro without it, which is actually the original tsipouro. Anise is only added to tsipouro in northern Greece. You can buy good tsipouro at markets from farmers. During your vacation, it is best to ask your accommodation hosts where to get tsipouro, so if you plan to buy some, you can also buy homemade tsipouro, not from a store.

Tsipouro is also mixed with water, but if it is without anise, it will not turn white. Tsipouro is to the Greeks what “sljivovica” is to us, so it is best to buy directly from the producers rather than industrially.

Tsikoudia

In addition to tsipouro, on Crete, traditional tsikoudia is also produced, which is considered in Greece as the only real and natural brandy, as it never contains anise. Tsikoudia is served on Crete after a meal for better digestion, in small chilled glasses.

Tsipouro and uzo can have a similar taste, especially if anise is added to both, but the difference in production is significant. Tsipouro, unlike uzo, retains the aroma of the primarily distilled products due to a lower degree of distillation, while with uzo, the aromas are lost.

Tsipouro is a higher quality and more natural Greek drink, and I recommend that you make sure to buy and take it from Greece or enjoy it while on vacation.

You can find out about other famous Greek products here.

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