Traveller Question

Why does Greek ouzo turn cloudy?

The ouzo effect, and the hospitality tradition behind it.

From the Library

A glass of ouzo clouding to milky white next to a water carafe on a Greek taverna table.

Why does Greek ouzo turn cloudy?July 30, 2026

Why Does Greece's Most Famous Drink Turn White?

Add water to ouzo and it turns milky white in seconds. Here's the science behind the ouzo effect, why Greek hosts once treated it as proof of quality, and how to order it well.

3 min read

From the Editions

A glass of ouzo turning cloudy white beside a carafe of water, olives and feta on a seaside taverna table in Greece.

No. 2Why does Greek ouzo turn cloudy?July 30, 2026

Why Does Greece's Most Famous Drink Turn White?

If you've ever watched someone pour water into a crystal-clear glass of ouzo, you've probably had the same reaction I did… "Wait… what just happened?"

4 min read