If you ask any Greek, any real Greek, for a true taste of Greece, they will probably sit you down in a cozy seaside taverna, order some of the finest seafood you’ve ever had (without even looking at the menu) and fill your glass with a generous pour of Ouzo.
And this is what Greece by Travelive’s Director of Sales (and Greek native) Kostas Sourvanos is inviting you and your travelers to do with a new series of weekly bite-sized videos that reveal the essence of Greece one delicious minute at a time.
So, let’s join him at the table for the first episode and learn how to start that meal by toasting it with Ouzo!
With its distinctive anise aroma, Ouzo actually has its origins in yet another Greek favorite, tsipouro: a distilled spirit once crafted by monks who, it seems, really knew how to have a good time.
By the 19th century, Ouzo emerged as Greece’s signature aperitif and has since grown into a symbol of slow living, fresh seafood, and shared moments by the sea, making it far more than a drink, but a ritual. And Kostas is about to show us how it’s meant to be enjoyed.
Tips from Kostas
- Add Ice
Many Greeks enjoy Ouzo with a couple of ice cubes, creating a crisp, refreshing sip, especially on a warm seaside afternoon. - Add a Splash of Water
And watch as Ouzo turns from crystal clear to a soft, milky white in a signature transformation that releases its full aroma. - Say “Cheers” the Greek Way
Before your first sip, raise your glass, make eye contact, and say “gia mas” (pronounced “yia mas”), meaning “to our health.”
