Unfortunately, Greek cocktails aren’t considered as popular as some other cocktails in The United States. However, that doesn’t have to stop you from making your very own!
There are a wide variety of Greek cocktails available. Their most famous is the Ouzo, apart from that, many people have never heard of Greek cocktails.
However, anyone who has been to Greece before, and has had the experience of tasting some of their cocktails, will tell you that they taste phenomenal.
Once you start experimenting with your cocktails, you might find yourself to be a fan, too.
Don’t worry if you’re unsure where to start, we are here to help with that!
With all this in mind, we have created this comprehensive guide looking at 13 traditional Greek cocktails that can be whipped up in no time with very little effort.
1. Greek Style Bloody Mary
Similar to the classic Bloody Mary, however, the Greek version has a lot of unique tweaks. For one, you’re going to need 20 rocket leaves in this recipe!
If you’re unfamiliar with the rocket plant, then don’t worry – other than being a massive shuttle scientists occasionally shoot into space – it is also simply arugula.
This recipe contains olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, tomato puree, pepper, Tabasco, lime juice, vodka, and ice.
Once combined, all you need to include are more arugula, cherry tomatoes, mint leaves, and celery to garnish later.
This recipe is rich in vegetables, therefore, you barely even taste the alcohol!
2. Greek Jelly Bean Cocktail
The ouzo has a distinctive anise taste that is provided with a fruity, cheeky lift with the choice of blue grenadine or curacao.
The bright, ombre look of this cocktail is sure to impress all your guests. Here, we have opted for the slightly sweeter grenadine which provides a perfect balance against the deep, licorice ouzo.
If you find the ouzo to be too strong for you, you can reduce the amount by half, and instead, add some more lemonade. Don’t worry, it will look just as gorgeous.
This cocktail works perfectly with a batch of tzatziki and some olives on the side.
3. Raspberry Ouzo Slush
This raspberry Ouzo slush recipe is the perfect solution for those hot summers when you’re looking for something that is light, cool, and refreshing – this drink is sure to hit the spot.
For this recipe, all you need are nectarines, raspberries, lemon water, Ouzo, and lemongrass.
If you’re looking for the perfect flavors that will transport you back to your childhood, then this recipe is ideal.
It provides that over-the-top sweetness and almost candies taste of a fruity slushy you would get from 7/11.
However, what makes this one different – with an adult twist – is the deep anise flavor with hints of zesty freshness as a result of the lemongrass and lemon water.
4. Greek Style Mulled Wine
This aromatic drink is served throughout the Christmas season in Greece. Just hearing the term ‘mulled wine’ evokes images of fruit juices and simmering wine with plenty of spices and herbs that leave your kitchen smelling delicious.
This Greek-style mulled wine recipe is no exception, either! For this recipe, all you need is a bottle of semi-sweet red wine, to which you’ll add cinnamon sticks, honey, orange peel, and whole cloves.
Not only does it smell incredible, but it also tastes delicious, too.
The best part? It only takes 15 minutes to prepare from start to finish – which could be considered far more preferable than some traditional American mulled wins.
5. Ouzo Lemonade
This Ouzo recipe consists of unique Greek flavors – including mint, lemons, and honey – and, thanks to the signature Greek ingredient, Ouzo, you can’t get a more Greek drink.
Although, if you aren’t a fan of licorice then, unfortunately, there is no way around it, the chances of you enjoying this cocktail are looking very unlikely.
However, you can try to mask the taste by including more lemon juice, honey, water, and mint leaves until it becomes something more pleasant to your taste buds.
Then, you’ll be drinking this cocktail like a true Greek. However, you should keep in mind that ouzo contains 45 percent alcohol (90 proof) – this is more than whiskey! So please, drink responsibly.
6. Bold Greek Coffee Cocktail
Like all the other recipes noted on this list, this bold greek coffee cocktail is just as simple and quick to make. However, you may need a bit more time when it comes to the fennel simple syrup.
That being said, the extra time is certainly worth the effort – especially if you love coffee.
In addition to the fennel simple syrup, you’ll also need Ouzo, ice, chilled coffee, Tia Maria, and an orange slice for a zesty finding touch.
Here, the fennel works to heighten the licorice flavors of the Ouzo, and the coffee, well what more can you say?! Coffee is always delicious.
The result is a slightly sweet, deliciously rick cocktail that will linger at the back of your throat even after drinking it.
7. Greek Doctor Cocktail
When you first hear the word doctor, your mind automatically goes to something that is medicinal and bitter. However, this cocktail couldn’t be the complete opposite of this.
Instead, you’re offered a delicious cocktail that is mixed together using a shaker and ice cubes. Then, all you have to do is add the vodka, Ouzo, orange juice, and lemon juice.
While it is a somewhat potent cocktail, it has a light and refreshing taste which is primarily due to the citrusy flavor with hints of dark anise for enhanced depth.
Despite its appearance and flavors that would make it a perfect accompaniment for your lunch, this drink is much more appropriate for dinner parties.
Plus, make sure to take small sips – it packs a more powerful punch than you may realize.
8. Greek Revolution Shooter
This is a quick and simple recipe that only requires three ingredients: Galliano, grenadine, and, of course, Ouzo. The result is a vanilla-infused anise with tons of delicious herbs.
Hence, the drink has a complex flavor that is hard to describe if you haven’t tasted it before. Essentially, it is neither sweet nor bitter, instead the perfect balance of flavors.
Keep in mind that this drink is best served when ice cold – so make sure to add plenty of ice to your shaker before adding the rest of the ingredients.
9. Ouzo Martini
This Ouzo martini is not only incredibly delicious but is also extremely easy to make despite its long ingredients list.
In this recipe, you’ll find six ingredients, this includes pineapple juice, orange juice, vodka, Ouzo, lime slices, lime juice, and ice.
The drink itself is moderately strong while containing tons of fruity flavors to help balance everything out. Although, thanks to the lime and Ouzo, the sweetness isn’t overpowering.
The result is a zesty bitterness that transforms it into a martini you have never seen or tried before.
10. Roaring Greek Tiger
This roaring Greek tiger only requires two ingredients – orange juice and Ouzo – taking mere minutes to whip together!
The perfect drink to sit back and relax with after a stressful day at work.
11. Greek Sidecar Cocktail
This Greek Sidecar Cocktail will transport you to the waters of Santorini with just one sip.
This is a flavorful cocktail packed with bright and bold lemon juice and Cointreau to provide zings of tanginess.
The drink itself is simple to make – perfect for beginners looking to get into the world of cocktails.
12. Ouzito (Greek Mojito)
This Ouzito is a Greek take on the classic mojito, and it contains everything as refreshing and delicious as you would expect from such a mojito.
The star of the show here is Ouzo, and due to its natural sweetness, there are no added syrups like you would expect in a traditional recipe.
The result is a flavorful mojito that certainly packs a punch – transporting you to the Greek islands.
13. Thalassaki Blue Cocktail
With its fruit, sweet flavors, and ocean-blue color, this Thalassaki blue cocktail will transport you to the beach without the sunburn.
The cocktail itself combines two different types of alcohol: vodka and blue Curacao.
This drink is the epitome of summer: it is sweet, tropical, and utterly succulent. Trust us, you’ll want to try it!
Frequently Asked Question
Ouzo is a common Greek ingredient created from grape must (this is the remnant of wine-making) which carries a strong anise, or black licorice flavor.
This particular ingredient is only made in Greece and Cyprus and can include additional ingredients such as cardamon, cinnamon, or fennel which are added during the distillation process.
Final Thoughts
While Greece may not be known for its cocktails, there is something about the drinks that everyone needs to try at least once. And, with this guide, there hasn’t been a better time to do so.
Hopefully, this guide has provided you with some inspiration for your next traditional Greek cocktail night.
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