Ouzo lemonade

Ouzo lemonade, or ouzo lemonada as it is called in Greek, is a refreshing summer drink which combines lemonade and ouzo. Serve with a garnish of fresh rosemary sprig and a slice of lemon, and get to sipping!

Ούζο λεμονάδα. Let’s all raise a glass to my Koumbara Georgia. Several years ago, during a summer get together, Georgia served a pitcher filled with ούζο λεμονάδα or ouzo lemonade. She made it simply, with a good quality store-bought lemonade and a generous glug of ouzo. Stir, serve over ice, and marvel at the simple things in life.

Since then ouzo lemonade has become a staple during the warm weather months. It is refreshing, tart and sweet in the way that ouzo is. I like to keep this drink as simple as my Koumbara Georgia did; the only way I dress it up is by adding a sprig of either mint or rosemary (basically depending on what I have on hand) to help stir the drink and add an extra layer of flavour. So go ahead, pour yourself a glass of ouzo lemonade and cheers to family, friends and my Koumbara Georgia!

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Why this recipe is great

Even people who think that they don’t like ouzo, will love this drink. The lemonade softens the flavour of the anise in the ouzo, making it more acceptable to those who are not fans of the strong liquorice like flavour.

With only a few simple ingredients, this drink is a breeze to make!

It is totally adaptable. Add as much, or as little ouzo as you like.

Key ingredients

Lemonade I usually use a good quality sweetened lemonade to make this drink. I prefer life to be easy, and although homemade can be better, it certainly isn’t simpler!

Ouzo I am not particular about the brand of ouzo that I use. Honestly, I use whatever I have and I am always happy!

Ice cubes Plain ice cubes help to chill your drink.

Simple syrup, optional Depending on how sweet my lemonade is, I may or may not add simple syrup. This is a combination of water and sugar and is great for cocktails because the sugar is already dissolved.

Sprig of fresh rosemary, optional I like using a sprig of rosemary for garnish for a few reasons. First, I think it looks really pretty. Second, it imparts a subtle but present rosemary flavour. Third, the sprig of rosemary is firm enough that I can use it as a stir stick!

Lemon slice, optional I am not sure that this does anything more than look pretty, but hey…looking pretty is important too!

How to make

Place your ice in a tall glass and pour the ouzo and lemonade over it. Use a stir stick to mix. Garnish with lemon slice and / or rosemary sprig if desired. Cheers, and enjoy!

Recipe substitutions

Instead of using regular ice cubes, you can use cubes of frozen lemonade in this drink. I use these in my ouzo lemonade slushy – they are great because they don’t dilute the flavour with water as regular ice cubes melt.

Recipe variations

If you like the idea of a simple fruit cocktail made with ouzo, then I think you will also enjoy this Ouzo pineapple cocktail.

Helpful hints

Store bought versus homemade lemonade

Sure, you can squeeze your own lemons and make your own lemonade (I’ve done that too and show you how in my post on rose flavoured lemonade), but sometimes simple is fine. You can easily purchase a good quality lemonade and use that! I often do, and it’s delicious.

How to sweeten your ouzo lemonade

I don’t add any sweetener to my ouzo lemonade, but the tartness of your lemonade may vary. If you would like your drink a little sweeter, add one teaspoon at a time of simple syrup and adjust to taste. Making simple syrup is super simple – I always have a small jar in the fridge and use it to sweeten ice tea, cocktails and cold coffee.

To make simple syrup:

• Combine equal parts water and sugar in a pot.
• Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar melts
• Transfer to a glass jar or container and allow to cool
• Store in refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks.
• (Because it is so easy to make, I make small batches of simple syrup often, so that it stays fresh)

How to serve

Ouzo is so popular in Greece that there are tavernas referred to as ouzeries, or ouzo bars, where varieties of ouzo are consumed, happily accompanied by several varieties of mezes (small appetizers). If you want to recreate an ouzerie at home, consider serving my ouzo lemonade (although truth be told purists would object to ouzo being served in a cocktail of any sort) with these amazing Greek mezes:

Related recipes

If you love the idea of this drink, and of using ouzo in creative ways, then be sure to check out my collection of Best Greek ouzo cocktails. Here are some of the recipes you will find there:

Ouzo with blueberries (Blueberry ouzo) An infusion of ouzo, basil and blueberries. Gorgeous colour, amazing flavour!

Ouzo lemonade slushie (Slushy cocktail) A frosty combination of ouzo and lemonade. So good!

Cantaloupe frosty with ouzo A unique and surprising cocktail made with frozen cantaloupe, ouzo, lime juice and mint. This one is a winner!

Thanks for sharing!