No 1: Ouzo – it’s all Greek to me
Swindon in 50 Drinks
7th August 2019
No 1: Ouzo
Four days ago myself, family and friends were out celebrating the launch at the Baker’s community cafe, of my second book Swindon in 50 Buildings.
Me outside the Baker’s Cafe talking about the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPBP2KfyhIs&feature=youtu.be
Now, more than once in recent weeks the topic of covering Swindon in 50 Drinks arose. It was somewhat tongue-in-cheek TBH. But then I got to thinking ‘Why not?’ Something a little different for this blog. I hasten to point out that this series of posts WILL feature non-alcoholic drinks too!
So these posts are not about drinks that are #madeinswindon – that would be beer and nothing else I imagine. Though no doubt someone can put me right on that. No, this series of posts are intended as a light-hearted journey around drinks once can enjoy in Swindon. I aim to namecheck 50 different establishments on this journey.
Ergo, being as how the location for my book launch celebrations was the Greek Olive, what better drink to have for No 1 in this series than Ouzo?
My sister knocking back her complimentary ouzo shot at the Greek Olive on Faringdon Rd.
Ouzo
According to Wikipedia, ‘Ouzo (Greek: ούζο, IPA: [ˈuzo]) is a dry anise-flavoured aperitif that is widely consumed in Greece , Cyprus and North Macedonia. Its taste is similar to other anise liquors like rakı, arak, pastis and sambuca.’
And for a one-minute history of ouzo read this article here.
NO 1 ouzo – a shot of ouzo
According to this article from The Spruce Eats,:
‘There is an old Greek saying that “ouzo makes the spirit” and this is especially true in Greece. The Greek spirit or kefi (KEH-fee) is found in hearty food, soulful music, and the love of lively conversation. A glass of chilled ouzo is the perfect companion to all of these things.
Most people would agree that ouzo is Greece’s most popular alcoholic drink. No other beverage is as uniquely Greek or as closely linked to a culture as ouzo is to Greece. In fact, in 2006, the Greek government won the exclusive rights to use the product name ouzo.’
All I have to say to that is Yammas!
