What is Tsipouro vs Ouzo?
- Greece Media
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 22
If you have ever sat at a seaside taverna in Greece, you have likely seen glasses filled with clear spirits accompanied by small plates of meze. Two drinks in particular often spark curiosity among visitors: tsipouro and ouzo. At first glance they may look similar, but they have different origins, flavors, and traditions. This guide will help you understand the key differences between tsipouro and ouzo so you can appreciate them like a local.
What Is Tsipouro?
Tsipouro is a traditional Greek spirit distilled from the remnants of the grape after winemaking. The skins, seeds, and stems left over from pressing are fermented and distilled, creating a strong drink with deep ties to the country’s wine culture.
Tsipouro usually has an alcohol content of 40–45 percent. It can be enjoyed plain or flavored with anise, depending on the region. In areas such as Thessaly or Epirus, non-anise versions are more common, giving the drink a clean grape-driven flavor. When distilled with anise, tsipouro develops a faint licorice note, somewhat resembling ouzo but less sweet.
Tsipouro is often served in small glasses, accompanied by meze such as olives, cheese, or grilled octopus. It is considered a social drink, best enjoyed slowly with friends.
What Is Ouzo?
Ouzo is perhaps Greece’s most famous spirit and has been protected under European law as a product that must be made in Greece or Cyprus. It is distilled from a base of alcohol (often derived from grapes or grains) and flavored with anise and other botanicals like fennel, cloves, or coriander.
The hallmark of ouzo is its strong anise flavor. When water or ice is added, the drink turns milky white in a reaction called the “ouzo effect.” This makes it visually distinct and part of the ritual of drinking it.
Ouzo usually has an alcohol content of 37.5–40 percent. It is most associated with leisurely afternoons by the sea, paired with plates of seafood like fried calamari, shrimp, or sardines.
How Are Tsipouro and Ouzo Different?
While both spirits share some similarities, their differences are clear once you know what to look for:
Base ingredient: Tsipouro comes directly from grape pomace, while ouzo is made from a neutral spirit that is flavored with anise and botanicals.
Flavor profile: Tsipouro can be clean and grape-forward or mildly anise-flavored depending on the region. Ouzo always carries a strong anise taste.
Occasion: Tsipouro is more connected to the grape harvest and village tradition. Ouzo is a cultural symbol often associated with coastal life and tourism.
Appearance: Ouzo famously turns cloudy when mixed with water. Tsipouro remains clear even when diluted.
Which One Should You Try in Greece?
The answer depends on your taste. If you enjoy clean, strong grape spirits, tsipouro will feel authentic and rustic. If you prefer a sweeter, herbal profile dominated by anise, ouzo is the classic choice.
Many Greeks enjoy both, depending on the occasion. In the north, tsipouro is more common, while ouzo dominates the islands and coastal towns. Either way, both drinks are about more than alcohol, they are a celebration of conversation, food, and community.
Final Thoughts
Tsipouro and ouzo may look similar, but they tell two different stories of Greek culture. One reflects the agricultural heart of the grape harvest, and the other represents Greece’s maritime spirit. Together they capture the essence of hospitality and tradition.
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