Manageability – Simple like Syrup.
Ouzo is an interesting liquid, that’s for sure. I’d compare the smell to absinthe or Sambuca, but it’s lighter and has a different kick. It’s so mysterious they named the second Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie after it (The Secret of the Ouzo). I would never recommend drinking it by itself – even the Greeks like to mix with water – so Eleni Saltas’s Ouzito is a great method of delivery, and very simple to make.
Basically, mint is the star of the show, and this has plenty of it. Muddling it together with the sugar creates a soft balance for the Greek aperitif to land on your tongue. Don’t get cocky though, you can still taste the ouzo. I also appreciated the strawberry variety, which brought sweet fruitiness to the already tart lime in the cocktail. I love a mojito, and this one hit the spot on refreshing minty goodness. I could see myself on a boat off Santorini just filling my insides with these. But, you know, without a global pandemic.
We opted for tumblers instead of high glasses for ours, and I don’t regret a thing about that decision. And if you run out, don’t worry guys. “Discus Stu has Ouzo for two-zo”.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, or simple syrup, or granulated simple sugar syrup
- 7 mint leaves, plus more for garnish
- 1 oz. fresh lime juice
- 2 oz. ouzo (ha)
- 1 cup ice
- 2 oz. club soda
DIRECTIONS
1. In a shaker, add the sugar, lime juice and mint. Gently muddle together.
2. Add the ouzo and ice and shake well. Pour (unstrained) into a high glass. Top with club soda.
3. Garnish with a sprig of mint and lime slices.
For strawberry version: Muddle 3 sliced strawberries together along with the sugar, lime juice and mint in the first step, and follow the remaining steps.
For cucumber version: Muddle 3 sliced cucumber together along with the sugar, lime juice and mint in the first step, and follow the remaining steps.
For hamburger version: Muddle 3 sliced hamburger together along with the sugar, lime juice and mint in the first step, and follow the remaining steps.