Ouzo originates in Greece and is made from a precise combination of pressed grapes, herbs and berries. It begins as alcohol made from grape skins or other local produce. It is then brought together with herbs and other ingredients, including star anise, coriander, cloves, angelica root, licorice, mint, wintergreen, fennel, hazelnut and even cinnamon and lime blossom. The mixture is boiled in a copper still.

The resulting liquid is cooled and stored for several months before it is diluted to about 80% proof, or 40% alcohol.