Greek Cocktails: Best Traditional Drinks to Make at Home

Opa, cocktail fans, it’s time to take a deep dive into the wonderful world of Greek cocktails! We love an island vibe, and the blue-and-white fantasy of a lingering stay on a Greek isle always has us craving dolmades, spanakopita, a smattering of sand on our toes, and something cool and delicious to clink as the sun goes down. Care to join?

What makes a cocktail Greek?

Greek cocktails take their cues from local spirits and the flavors of the Mediterranean, with citrus, honey and aromatic herbs finding their way into the shaker. Wine and coffee bring inspiration of their own. Many are modern creations rooted in traditional Greek alcoholic drinks, so there’s room for experimentation alongside the country’s long-established drinking customs. Borrow a little of its aperitif culture, too: pour something delicious and bring out the meze.

Did you know?

The ancient Greeks had their own ideas about a mixed drink. Wine was sometimes flavored with honey or herbs, while kykeon was a barley-based mixture with several variations, including one flavored with pennyroyal, a mint relative. These weren’t cocktails in the modern sense, but they make an intriguing bit of drinking history. At the symposium, elite men gathered to drink wine diluted with water, accompanied by conversation, music and games. Even the dilution had someone in charge: the symposiarch decided how strong the mixture should be.

Essential Greek spirits and ingredients for cocktails

Some of the most distinctive Greek spirits for cocktails, like ouzo, mastiha, tsipouro, and Greek amber brandy, give many Greek cocktail recipes their distinctive character, but leave some room on the counter for the supporting ingredients. In addition, honey syrup blends easily into cold drinks, balancing sharp lemon or lime. Fresh herbs add aroma, while Greek coffee brings a bold, earthy flavor to after-dinner serves.

Ouzo cocktails

Ouzo is one of Greece’s most recognizable spirits, with a pronounced anise flavor reminiscent of licorice. Add water and it turns cloudy as its aromatic oils come out of solution. Lemon and soda make an easy starting point for mixing, with mint adding a fresh lift. Fruit-led recipes soften its assertive character, while coffee gives it an equally bold partner. When experimenting with a Greek ouzo cocktail, add the spirit gradually and taste as you go: that anise can take center stage quite quickly.

Mastiha cocktails

Mastiha liqueur is flavored with mastic tree resin from Chios, giving it a fresh, herbal and distinctly resinous character. Its sweetness and aromatics work beautifully alongside tequila in a Margarita, or balanced with lemon in a sour. For a Greek mastiha cocktail with a softer texture, try a fizz: the liqueur adds an intriguing aromatic note beneath the foam.

Tsipouro and Greek amber brandy cocktails

Tsipouro is distilled from grape pomace and comes with or without anise, so check the label before mixing. An anise-free version offers a versatile base for a sparkling tsipouro cocktail or a citrus sour.

Greek amber brandy brings a rounder flavor, with mellow fruit and oak notes that suit orange liqueur and lemon in a Sidecar-style serve. It also works well in a Greek brandy cocktail with honey and warming spices, giving this lineup somewhere cozy to land when the beach weather packs up.

Greek Salad Bloody Mary

If you love a Bloody Mary, and inventive spin-offs of the classic brunchtime sipper (like the Kimchi Bloody Mary), you’ve got to try the Greek Salad Bloody Mary! The twist lies in dressing up your tomato juice with a touch of kalamata olive brine and using feta-stuffed olives as garnish. 

FEELING INVENTIVE? Try using Bulldog Gin (opens in new window)as the liquor base for this drink to make a Greek-inspired Red Snapper. The botanicals in gin also complement tomato juice and spices, yielding a very tasty twist on the classic.

Ouzo Lemonade

Greek-inspired cocktails do not come any more refreshing than the Ouzo Lemonade. Ouzo is a traditional Greek anise-flavored spirit, typically clear and diluted with water, turning it milky white. It carries a distinct licorice-like flavor and is a popular aperitif.  

Ingredients

• 2 oz Ouzo 12 (opens in new window) (room temperature)
• 1.5 oz Lemon juice
• 3 Mint leaves
• 1 tsp Honey syrup
• 3 oz Ice water (more if desired)
• Lemon slice, to garnish
• Ice

Method

1. Pour the ouzo into a serving glass
2. Add the lemon juice and mint leaves, then muddle to release the mint flavor
3. Stir in the honey syrup until dissolved
4. Add the ice water and mix gently, adjusting with more water if you prefer a lighter ouzo taste
5. Fill the glass with ice and garnish with a lemon slice

When life gives you lemons: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Vodka Lemonade Cocktails

Greek Goddess Mastiha Margarita

Greek cocktails without ouzo? Sure thing! While ouzo is typically the first drink that comes to mind when Greek food is on the menu, the country’s foodies are also partial to mastiha, a semi-sweet, piquant, and uniquely invigorating liqueur. Though anise-free, mastiha is sometimes described as having a flavor that combines fennel, anise, and mint. By now, you know we love a riff on the classic Margarita, and this resin spirit (flavored with the resin of the mastic tree) makes a great base for a Greek Goddess Mastiha Margarita. 

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Espolòn Blanco tequila (opens in new window)
• 1.5 oz Mastiha liqueur
• 1 tsp Pomegranate simple syrup
• 1 oz Lime juice
• Fresh lime, to garnish
• Ice

Method

1. Add the tequila, mastiha liqueur, pomegranate simple syrup, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice
2. Shake until frosty
3. Strain into a serving glass over fresh ice
4. Garnish with fresh lime and serve

Greek Style Mulled Wine (Krasomelo)

Greek cocktail recipes are typically quite summery, but this Greek twist on the classic Mulled Wine recipe is everything you want to be sipping when the clouds gather over the Mediterranean, and it’s time to serve up comfort food like fasolada and crusty bread. Here’s our Krasomelo:

Ingredients

Serves 6–8 people

• 1 bottle Semi-sweet red wine
• 5 tbsp Honey syrup
• 2 Cinnamon sticks
• 5 Whole cloves
• Peel of 1 orange

Method

1. Pour the wine into a saucepan and bring it to a boil
2. As soon as it turns frothy, lower the heat to a gentle simmer
3. Add the honey syrup, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel
4. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes
5. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly
6. Serve warm in heat-proof mugs or shot glasses

Greek Mojito (Ouzito)

The minty kiss of a Mojito is always a treat when looking out over azure waves, and we adore this Greek spin on it as well. Here’s what you need for your Ouzito:

Ingredients

• 3–4 Fresh mint leaves
• 1 tsp Brown sugar
• 1.5 oz Fresh lime juice
• 2 oz Ouzo 12
• 1 oz Lemon juice
• Club soda, to top
• Ice

Method

1. Muddle the mint leaves, brown sugar, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker
2. Add the ouzo, lemon juice, and ice
3. Shake well until chilled
4. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice
5. Top with club soda and serve

Raspberry Ouzo Slush

Raspberry cocktails always come to the party with a hint of sophisticated flair. This summer, we recommend that you whip up a batch of Raspberry Ouzo Slush cocktails. 

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup Water
• 0.25 cup Lemon juice
• 0.5 cup Ouzo 12
• 4 scoops Raspberry sorbet (1 per glass)
• Club soda, to top
• Fresh berries and mint, to garnish
• Ice

Method

1. Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil
2. Cook until syrupy, about 2–3 minutes
3. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice
4. Let the syrup cool, then stir in the ouzo
5. To serve, place a scoop of raspberry sorbet into each serving glass
6. Top with 2 oz of ouzo syrup
7. Add club soda to fill, and garnish with fresh berries and mint

Greek Mimosa

Sparkly Greek vibes? Yes, please! A Greek Mimosa is the perfect combo of ease and sophistication.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Greek tsipouro, chilled
• 1 oz Cinnamon-flavored simple syrup, chilled
• 0.5 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 4 oz Sparkling rosé wine, chilled
• Ice

Method

1. Add the tsipouro, cinnamon syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker with ice
2. Shake until well chilled
3. Strain into a Champagne flute
4. Top with sparkling rosé wine and serve

Cheers, babes! Grand Mimosa | Strawberry Mimosa | Cranberry Mimosa | Classic Mimosa 

Bold Greek Coffee Cocktail

A coffee cocktail is a great way to round off a meal in a kicky way, and this fennel-laced Bold Greek Coffee Cocktail is something completely unique. 

Ingredients

• 1 oz Fennel syrup
• 2 oz Ouzo 12
• 1 oz Coffee liqueur
• 4 oz Chilled coffee
• Orange slice, to garnish
• Ice

Method

1. Fill a stemless wine glass with ice
2. Add the fennel syrup, ouzo, coffee liqueur, and chilled coffee
3. Stir gently to combine
4. Garnish with an orange slice and serve

Ramos Greek Fizz

We love a creamy-topped drink, so the Ramos Gin Fizz holds a special place in our hearts. And, obviously, the Ramos Greek Fizz also turned out to be a winner.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Tsipouro
• 0.5 oz Mastiha
• 0.5 oz Lemon juice
• 0.5 oz Lime juice
• 0.5 oz Simple syrup
• 1 Egg white
• 2 barspoons Greek yogurt
• 3 oz Club soda
• Ice

Method

1. Add the tsipouro, mastiha, lemon juice, lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and Greek yogurt to a cocktail shaker and dry shake (without ice)
2. Add ice and shake again until frosty
3. Strain into a serving glass while simultaneously pouring in the club soda to create a foamy top
4. Serve immediately

Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice cocktail is probably one of the most iconic Greek cocktails around. 

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Wild Turkey 101 Rye (opens in new window)
• 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 0.75 oz Mastiha
• 0.5 oz Montelobos mezcal (opens in new window)
• 0.5 oz Simple syrup
• Conifer tip and cranberry, to garnish
• Ice

Method

1. Add the rye whiskey, lemon juice, mastiha, mezcal, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice
2. Shake until well chilled
3. Strain into a frosted glass
4. Garnish with a conifer tip and a cranberry

Read next: 12 Rye Whiskey Cocktails to Make at Home 

Santorini Sunrise

Sometimes one just has to sip a bit of Santorini Sunrise while staring at a Santorini Sunset, amirite? 

Ingredients

• 2 Grapefruit slices, skin removed
• 4 Mint leaves
• 2 tsp Honey
• 2 oz SKYY Infusions Blood Orange (opens in new window)
• 3 oz Fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 oz Campari (opens in new window)
• Grapefruit slice, to garnish
• Ice

Method

• Muddle the grapefruit slices, mint leaves, and honey in a highball glass
• Fill the glass with ice
• Add SKYY Infusions Blood Orange, grapefruit juice, and Campari
• Stir gently to combine
• Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and serve

Learn more: Drink Like an Italian: 10 Campari Cocktails to Try for an Italian Escape

Greek Doctor Cocktail

Orange juice cocktails always add a bright note to any gathering, and the Greek Doctor is certainly no exception. 

Ingredients

• 1 oz Ouzo 12
• 1 oz SKYY Vodka (opens in new window)
• 0.5 oz Lemon juice
• 1 oz Orange juice
• Orange slice, to garnish
• Ice

Method

1. Add ouzo, vodka, lemon juice, and orange juice to a cocktail shaker with ice
2. Shake until frosty
3. Strain into a serving glass over fresh ice
4. Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy

Greek Sidecar

Dressing up a classic with a dash of culture-specific flair is a fun way to riff on a time-honored clinker. Case in point: the Greek Sidecar, which replaces Cognac with Greek amber brandy, a singular spirit that combines muscat wines from the island of Samos with flavorful Mediterranean botanicals. 

Ingredients

• 2 oz Greek amber brandy
• 1 oz Grand Marnier (opens in new window)
• 0.75 oz Fresh lemon juice
• Twist of lemon, to garnish
• Sugar, to rim the glass
• Ice

Method

1. Rim a serving glass with sugar
2. Add amber brandy, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker with ice
3. Shake until combined
4. Strain into the sugar-rimmed serving glass
5. Garnish with a twist of lemon and serve

Love a touch of orange liqueur? The Best Grand Marnier Cocktail & Dessert Recipes You Need to Try (opens in new window)

Greek Tragedy

Sweet yet deeply complex, the Greek Tragedy is a compelling drink that’s easy to make and satisfying to sip. 

Ingredients

• 0.75 oz Ouzo 12
• 0.75 oz Sweet red Vermouth
• 0.75 oz Raspberry liqueur
• 0.5 oz Lime juice
• Speared raspberry and lime twist, to garnish
• Ice

Method

1. Add ouzo, vermouth, raspberry liqueur, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice
2. Shake until frosty
3. Fine strain into a chilled coupe glass
4. Garnish with a speared raspberry and lime twist

Super interesting: What Is Vermouth? The Ultimate Guide to This Essential Cocktail Ingredient

Santorini Sour

Sour cocktails are enjoying the limelight at the moment and with good reason—they’ve got oodles of retro charm, just like this Santorini Sour.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Wild Turkey Bourbon (opens in new window)
• 0.5 oz Lemon juice
• 0.5 oz Pistachio syrup
• 0.25 oz Greek yogurt
• 2 dashes Bitters
• Ice

Method

1. Add whiskey, lemon juice, pistachio syrup, Greek yogurt, and bitters to a cocktail shaker without ice
2. Dry shake to combine
3. Add ice and shake again to chill
4. Decant into a frosted serving glass

Ouzo Martini

Martini spin-offs are always intriguing, and the Ouzo Martini certainly does not disappoint. 

Ingredients

• 2 oz Orange juice
• 2 oz Pineapple juice
• 1 oz Ouzo 12
• 1 oz SKYY Vodka
• 0.5 oz Lime juice
• Ice

Method

1. Add orange juice, pineapple juice, ouzo, vodka, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice
2. Shake until frosty
3. Strain into a chilled serving glass
4. Garnish with a twist or slice of lime
5. Serve

Greek Mule

Ouzo’s licorice notes meet their match in fiery ginger beer, giving this Greek Mule cocktail a kick in a different direction. Fresh lime cuts through the sweetness, and the familiar copper mug keeps things in the Mule family. For a more herbal, resinous twist, swap the ouzo for mastiha liqueur.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Ouzo 12 or Mastiha liqueur
• 0.5 oz Fresh lime juice
• 4 oz Ginger beer, chilled
• Lime wedge and mint sprig, to garnish
• Ice

Method

1. Fill a copper mug with ice
2. Add the ouzo or mastiha liqueur and fresh lime juice
3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently
4. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig

Rakomelo

Krasomelo has a spirited sibling. Rakomelo brings honey and warming spices to a base of tsipouro or Greek raki, also known as tsikoudia. A traditional cold-weather favorite, it’s gently heated until fragrant and served warm. This is one to linger over, preferably with good company and no particular plans to head outside.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 8 oz Anise-free tsipouro or Greek raki (tsikoudia)
• 2 tbsp Honey, plus more to taste
• 1 Cinnamon stick
• 2 Whole cloves

Method

1. Add the tsipouro or raki, honey, cinnamon stick, and cloves to a small saucepan
2. Warm over very low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring until the honey dissolves, without letting the mixture boil
3. Remove from the heat and leave to infuse for another 2–3 minutes
4. Strain out the spices and serve warm
   

   Serving tip: Pour into small, gently warmed heatproof glasses and sip slowly.

Greek Paloma

Grapefruit’s bittersweet bite gives fragrant mastiha plenty to play with in this Mediterranean spin on the classic Paloma. Fresh lime adds tartness, while soda keeps the drink light and bubbly. You can also make Greek Paloma with ouzo for a more pronounced anise flavor. Either way, there’s no shaker standing between you and your first sip.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Mastiha liqueur or Ouzo 12
• 3 oz Fresh grapefruit juice
• 0.5 oz Fresh lime juice
• 0.25 oz Simple syrup, optional, to taste
• 2 oz Club soda, chilled
• Grapefruit wedge, to garnish
• Ice

Method

1. Add the mastiha or ouzo, grapefruit juice, and lime juice to a highball glass
2. Taste and stir in the simple syrup if needed
3. Fill the glass with ice and top with club soda
4. Stir gently and garnish with a grapefruit wedge

Greek Mati Cocktail

The Greek Mati Cocktail takes its cue from the mati, the blue-and-white charm traditionally used in Greece to ward off the evil eye. Go with ouzo for a licorice note or mastiha for a more herbal finish. The finishing touch? A white lychee with a blueberry pupil.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Ouzo 12 or mastiha liqueur
• 0.75 oz Blue curaçao syrup
• 0.75 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 3 oz Club soda, chilled
• 1 Pitted lychee, drained, to garnish
• 1 Blueberry, to garnish
• Ice

Method

1. Tuck the blueberry into the hollow of the lychee and secure both with a cocktail pick
2. Fill a highball glass with ice and add the ouzo or mastiha, blue curaçao syrup, and lemon juice
3. Top with club soda and stir gently
4. Rest the cocktail pick across the rim with the blueberry facing up

Wanna keep the color going? Non-Alcoholic Blue Drinks: The 15 Best Blue Mocktails to Try at Home

How to choose the best Greek cocktail for the occasion

A Greek cocktail can do brunch duty or keep the conversation going after dinner. Here’s what we’d pour for both, plus a few Greek drinks to make at home when the weather calls the shots.

• Hot afternoons. A grapefruit-bright Greek Paloma or a minty Ouzo Lemonade will hit the spot. Both are easy Greek cocktails you can build right in the glass.
• Brunch. Pour a Greek Mimosa if you’re in the mood for bubbles. If brunch is more about the savory dishes, try a Greek Salad Bloody Mary with feta-stuffed olives.
• After dinner. Swap your usual coffee for a Bold Greek Coffee Cocktail. Ouzo and fennel syrup give it a fragrant anise kick.
• Cold evenings. Put a pot of Krasomelo on when friends are coming over. For something to sip slowly, pour honey-spiced Rakomelo into small, warmed glasses.
• When you want a bolder drink. The Greek Sidecar puts Greek amber brandy front and center. For a smokier sip, try the Winter Solstice with rye whiskey, mezcal, and mastiha.

What to serve with Greek cocktails

Put out a few plates of mezze and you’re halfway to some of our favorite Greek cocktail and food pairings. An Ouzo Lemonade goes nicely with salty feta and briny olives, while a Greek Paloma doubles down on the citrus with lemony grilled shrimp. If lamb’s on the grill, pour a Greek Sidecar. The lemon gives each sip a tart edge that cuts through the richness of the meat. Save a small glass of warm Rakomelo for dessert, where its cinnamon and honey echo a slice of honey-drizzled baklava.

For a finishing touch that ties the glass to the plate: 16 Creative Cocktail Garnish Ideas for Your Next Cocktail Night

Στην υγειά σας! Now all you need to do is choose your favorite and whip it up. If you loved this line-up, keep browsing The Mixer for some more drinkspiration!