Ούζο is a traditional Greek anise-flavored spirit, typically distilled from grapes and flavored with various herbs and spices, primarily anise. It has a strong, aromatic taste and is usually served chilled in small glasses. Ouzo is often enjoyed as an aperitif and is commonly accompanied by meze, which are small dishes of food. The drink is deeply rooted in Greek culture and is often associated with social gatherings and celebrations. It is recognized for its distinctive cloudy appearance when mixed with water, a phenomenon known as the "ouzo effect." Ouzo is also protected by European Union regulations, ensuring that only spirits produced in Greece can be labeled as such.