Ouzo Lemonada

Ouzo Lemonada is bright, crisp, and aromatic, balancing the licorice notes of ouzo with sharp fresh lemon and lively sparkling water. Served over plenty of ice with mint, it is an easy, refreshing aperitif for hot days.

Nutrition · per serving

160kcal

0.2gProtein

10.8gCarbs

0.1gFat

0.2gFiber

2 servings

Ingredients

7 items

For the drink

ouzo120 ml

fresh lemon juice80 ml

sugar syrup40 ml

sparkling water, well chilled240 ml

ice cubes300 g

fresh mint8 leaves

lemon slices4 thin slices

Tips

•For the best flavor, chill the ouzo, lemon juice, sparkling water, and glasses in advance so the ice melts more slowly.
•A standard 1:1 sugar syrup works well here; dissolve equal weights of sugar and hot water, then cool before using.
•If you prefer a drier aperitif-style drink, reduce the sugar syrup to 20 ml total.
•This drink will turn slightly cloudy when mixed with water and ice; this is normal and characteristic of ouzo.

Steps

1
Fill 2 tall glasses with the ice cubes. Lightly clap the mint leaves between your hands to release their aroma without bruising them too harshly, then divide the mint and lemon slices between the glasses.
300 g ice cubes8 leaves fresh mint4 thin slices lemon slices
2
In a small jug, combine the ouzo, fresh lemon juice, and sugar syrup. Stir briefly until evenly mixed. Taste and adjust with a little more syrup if your lemons are especially sharp.
120 ml ouzo80 ml fresh lemon juice40 ml sugar syrup
3
Divide the ouzo-lemon mixture between the glasses, then top each with chilled sparkling water. Pour gently to keep the drink lively and fizzy.
240 ml sparkling water, well chilled
4
Give each glass one gentle stir, then serve immediately while very cold and effervescent.

Origin & History

Ouzo is Greece's iconic anise-flavored spirit, long associated with seaside cafés, meze tables, and leisurely social drinking. Mixed long drinks such as this lemony, sparkling version are modern, refreshing serves that make ouzo especially approachable in warm weather.

greek ouzo vegan cocktail lemon sparkling summer

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Steps

Fill 2 tall glasses with the ice cubes. Lightly clap the mint leaves between your hands to release their aroma without bruising them too harshly, then divide the mint and lemon slices between the glasses.

300 g ice cubes8 leaves fresh mint4 thin slices lemon slices

In a small jug, combine the ouzo, fresh lemon juice, and sugar syrup. Stir briefly until evenly mixed. Taste and adjust with a little more syrup if your lemons are especially sharp.

120 ml ouzo80 ml fresh lemon juice40 ml sugar syrup

Divide the ouzo-lemon mixture between the glasses, then top each with chilled sparkling water. Pour gently to keep the drink lively and fizzy.

240 ml sparkling water, well chilled

Give each glass one gentle stir, then serve immediately while very cold and effervescent.