The Ouzo Martini, an anise-flavored martini spin-off makes an intriguing drink that does not disappoint.

Ouzo is a dry anise-flavored aperitif that is widely consumed in Greece. No other beverage is as uniquely Greek as ouzo.

It is produced from grape musk—the remnants of making wine. And, on its own, it has a powerful anis flavor (think black licorice). We love it i this recipe where it is mixed with vodka, pineapple, and lime juice for a balanced flavor.

Ouzo was first commercially distilled in 1856. It is exclusively a product of Greece and Cyprus. The Greek government won the exclusive rights to use the product name ouzo. Its taste is similar to other anise liquors such as sambuca, and arak. Ouzo is traditionally gently mixed with water, where it becomes cloudy and white. It is then served with ice cubes in a small glass. Ouzo can also be sipped straight from a shot glass.

Ouzo can also be used in cooking to add a distinct anise flavor to almost any dish. Greeks will use ouzo in recipes that range from seafood marinades to cookies.

Ouzo Martini Recipe
Yields one cocktail

Ingredients
2 ounces pineapple juice
1 ounce ouzu
1 ounce vodka
1/2 ounce lime juice

Directions
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the pineapple juice, ouzo, vodka, and lime juice to the shaker and shake until it becomes frosty. Strain the liquid into a chilled martini glass, garnish with a twist of lime, and serve.