Ouzo Lemonade

By Kenton Kotsiris

Updated 03/05/19

ouzo lemonade
Photo By Jane Kleiman
  • Total: 5 mins
  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 0 mins
  • Yield: 1 drink (1 serving)

Ouzo is made with anise and thus carries a strong ‘black licorice’ taste. There really is no way around it; if you’re not a black licorice fan, the chances of you liking this straight are slim to none.

If you add more water, lemon juice, mint leaves, and honey - well you can begin to mask the taste and make someone who wouldn't enjoy this order a second. Now you’ve got people drinking ouzo, and that makes every Greek happy. If you drink it, you soon will be too, as ouzo is 45% alcohol (90 proof) - more than whiskey, so please drink responsibly.

As they say in Greece, Yiamas” (γεια μας- to your health/cheers).

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces ouzo (room temperature)
  • 1 1/2 ounces lemon juice (more if desired)
  • 3 mint leaves
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 3 ounces water (iced; more or less to preference)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Pour ouzo into glass.

  3. Add lemon juice and mint leaves, muddle to release flavors in mint leaves.

  4. Add honey and mix until honey dissolves.

  5. Pour water in glass and mix. If needed, add more water to dilute the ouzo taste.

  6. Serve and enjoy!