A chilled glass of Ouzo Lemon Drink (I call it the Greek Fizz) is the best thing you can drink this summer. This simple, refreshing and citrusy cocktail blends the anise-flavored magic of ouzo with the tangy brightness of lemon, making it the ultimate Greek summer drink. If you love trying ouzo cocktail recipes, this is one you don't want to miss!
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Drinking ouzo with lemonade is very common here in Greece, especially in the town of Thessaloniki, where I first came across this delicious combination.
The lemonade can be sparkling or not, but I certainly prefer my drink fizzy! This ouzo lemon drink takes things a bit further but keeps the simplicity, because fun is not something that should be complicated. A refreshing drink should be effortless, just like the warmth of Greek hospitality!
For more Greek drinks, don't miss this Cucumber, lime and tsipouro cocktail, or if you prefer something without alcohol, make sure to check the Freddo espresso recipe (easy Greek iced coffee).
📋Ouzo Lemon Drink Ingredients
To make this simple ouzo drink recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Ouzo liquor
- Fresh lemon juice (lime will also do)
- Sparkling lemonade or Soda water or Sprite
- Sweetener (I use honey)
- Fresh spearmint (mint will also do)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and mint leaves for garnish
👉 If you don't have ouzo, you can substitute it with sambuca or pastis.
🔪Instructions
This ouzo lemon cocktail is so easy to make that you'll be drinking it every day!
- Tear the spearmint leaves with your hands and transfer them into a jar or cocktail shaker. Then, add the ouzo, lemon juice and honey.
- Shake well until the honey is dissolved.
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes and strain the ouzo mixture over the ice.
- Top with sparkling lemonade, soda water or sprite.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of spearmint.
✏️ Ouzo is known for its 'ouzo effect'-when mixed with water or ice, it turns a milky white color. Don't be alarmed; this is completely normal and part of its charm!
👨🍳 Expert Tips
Here are some tips to make the best Ouzo Lemon Fizz every time!
✅ For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
✅ Keep the lemonade cold so that the ice cubes don't melt fast.
✅ We Greeks love spearmint (wikipedia link) but you can also use fresh peppermint or even thyme.
👉What Is a Good Mix with Ouzo?
Ouzo is a bold, anise-flavored liquor, so it pairs best with ingredients that complement or balance its taste. Here are some of the best mixes for drinks with ouzo:
- Citrus - Fresh orange juice, lime, or grapefruit add a refreshing tartness.
- Sparkling Lemonade or Soda - Light fizz enhances the drink's refreshing quality.
- Tart cherry juice or Pomegranate juice - A splash (or more) adds color and a fruity depth.
- Tonic Water - If you prefer a more bitter, sophisticated edge.
- Herbs and Spices - Mint (spearmint, peppermint), basil, thyme, or cinnamon can elevate the aroma and taste of ouzo.
👉Is Ouzo Good with Lemonade?
Absolutely! Ouzo and lemonade are a match made in heaven. The crisp, slightly sweet acidity of lemonade balances the bold, licorice-like flavor of ouzo, creating a bubbly and refreshing drink.
For those who enjoy ouzo drinks but want a lighter, more refreshing version, mixing it with lemonade is one of the best ways to enjoy it.
Pair this ouzo drink with one or more of the 50 best Greek traditional foods we actually eat in Greece!
🍳More Drink to Try:
Are you looking for ouzo drinks that are easy, refreshing, and full of Greek charm? This delightful ouzo recipe - the Greek Fizz - is a must-try! It's perfect for warm evenings, Mediterranean-themed dinners, or simply whenever you need a taste of summer.
If you try this Ouzo Lemon Drink, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. It means a lot to me and I love hearing from you!
Cheers! Or as we Greeks say, Yamas!
🎥Ouzo Drink Video
📖 Recipe
Simple Ouzo lemon drink-the Greek Fizz
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) ouzo
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) Honey (or simple syrup or the equivalent sweetener of choice)
- 3 oz (90 ml) Sparkling lemonade (or Sprite or soda water, see note#1)
- 3 Spearmint leaves (or mint or thyme)
- 5 large ice cubes
- Lemon wheel and spearmint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Tear the spearmint leaves with your hands and transfer them into a jar or cocktail shaker. Then, add the ouzo, lemon juice and honey.
- Close with a lid and shake well until the honey is dissolved.
- Fill a tall glass with 5-6 ice cubes and strain the ouzo mixture over the ice.
- Top with sparkling lemonade, soda water or sprite.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of spearmint.
Notes
- Note #1: If you use sparkling water or soda water, double the amount of fresh lemon juice and honey.
- Nutrition facts are calculated using diet (sugar-free) lemonade
- Alcohol content about 13% ABV.
Ntina says
Hi Makos, I just made it because I had a bottle with some ouzo left and didn’t know what to do with it. Delicious!