In the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", what do you call the wine they were drinking during the family gathering? Ian's father said it's licorice.
2007-06-15 01:15:29 · 6 answers · asked by Buddy Hodor 7 in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Greece
Its called ouzo and its not a wine its an aperitif.
Ouzo is the de facto Greek national liqueur and no other drink is more closely associated with Greece than this clear, anise-flavored spirit.
In Greece, Ouzo is consumed as an aperitif, an after-dinner drink, at celebrations, and as an after-work pick-me-up. It’s frequently used in cooking as well as to toast a new bridal couple, a new baby, or a special anniversary.
What is Ouzo?
Ouzo is made from distilling pressed fruit, usually grapes, raisins, or figs, and flavoring the resulting liquid with anise seeds, and sometimes, a touch of fennel or aromatic herbs. Ouzo has a distinct licorice-like flavor and is deceptively strong, usually about 35 – 45 percent alcohol. It is a relatively recent concoction. Ouzo was first produced in the late 19th century. Ouzo’s roots, however, are deep-seated in Greek history. The Greek physician, Hippocrates (of Hippocratic oath fame) writes about a similar drink, anisum, and its medicinal properties.
Ouzo is traditionally served neat (without ice) accompanied by a glass of water or ice on the side. The drink is clear until it is mixed with the water or ice, as is traditional, when it turns a milky opaque color. Ouzo is traditionally consumed as a mixture of one part ouzo and two parts water. Ouzo is served is most every Greek restaurant and also in ouzeria, Greek ouzo bars, which are similar to France's wine bars. These are convivial gathering places for men and women alike, and even the smallest villages have them.
Becareful if you drink tooo much it give you a terrible "hangover". In Greece ouzo is not served on its own it is served with a variety of snacks.
2007-06-15 04:19:27 · answer #1 · answered by Jonathan M 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It is Ouzo, a Greek anise-flavored liqueur that is widely consumed in Greece. It is similar to French pastis, or Italian Anice and Turkish rakı, but a little sweeter and smoother, and can be drunk either "straight" or, less often, mixed with water.
cheers!
2007-06-15 10:26:21 · answer #2 · answered by Frank B 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Ouzo!!
I would only suggest no more than 2 a night. They can mess with your mind and make you very drunk. The greeks water theirs down a little and the Turks drink it streight. It is a great drink and should be consumed with greek appitizers!
2007-06-15 10:28:10 · answer #3 · answered by bugjjo 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is, indeed, a Greek anise-flavoured liqueur.
You'll find all the information needed in these sites.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ouzo
http://www.greecefoods.com/ouzo/
PS: Isn't that a great movie? I think it is so funny! "Tell me any word you want and I'll show you it has Greek roots".
2007-06-15 12:56:37 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
OUZO ;-)
Its not a wine, its made of licorice, true. I love ouzo especially with seafood, during summer at a beach taverna..... You get dizzy and everything seems so great and peaceful..... I invite you in Greece to taste it with me...
2007-06-15 08:20:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
lol lol lol thts funny!!!!! i dnt even remember tht scene!! was it really ouzo? rotf!! well a star for u!!
2007-06-15 12:06:11 · answer #6 · answered by *~£fi~* 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋