Barbaresso Ouzo Cocktail Recipe

I absolutely love this Barbaresso Ouzo Cocktail because it perfectly combines the bold, aromatic flavors of ouzo with a refreshing citrus twist, making it the ideal drink for a chill evening with friends. Plus, the mint garnish adds a fresh touch that feels so Instagram-worthy, it makes every sip feel like a luxurious escape to a sunny Greek island.

Enhance your cocktail hour with my invigorating Barbaresso Ouzo cocktail. I adore how the anise flavor of the ouzo harmonizes with the fresh, zesty lemon juice and the not-too-sweet simple syrup.

Topped with soda water and garnished with a lemon wheel and fresh mint, this cocktail is a
concoction of bold flavors with a delightfully refreshing finish.

Ingredients

Ouzo:
Anise-flavored Greek liqueur, a distinctive licorice-cocktail ingredient.

Fresh Lemon Juice:
Adds a revitalizing sourness; abundant in vitamin C.

Simple Syrup:
A combination of sugar and water that balances sweetness with sour notes.

Soda Water:
Provides an exciting relief and balance to the cocktail’s richness, leading to a clean, refreshing finish.

Lemon Wheel:
Boosts the citrus fragrance; an essential embellishment that adds an attraction to the appearance.

Fresh Mint Sprig:
Brings a delightful fragrance and herbal quality to the drink.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 2 ounces ouzo
• 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• Ice cubes
• Soda water
• Lemon wheel, for garnish
• Fresh mint sprig, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Ice cubes should be placed in a cocktail shaker.

2. Into the shaker, over the ice, pour 2 ounces of ouzo.

3. To the shaker, add 1/2 ounce of fresh lemon juice.

4. In the shaker, add 1/2 ounce of simple syrup.

5. Ensure the shaker is tightly sealed and shake it vigorously for approximately 20 seconds.

6. Pour the mixture into a highball or collins glass filled with ice.

7. Finish filling the drink with soda water, stirring gently to combine.

8. Add a lemon wheel to the rim of the glass for garnish.

9. For extra aroma and garnish, add a fresh mint sprig.

10. Work fast, and enjoy the delightfully refreshing Barbaresso Ouzo Cocktail.

Equipment Needed

1. Cocktail shaker
2. Jigger or measuring tool
3. Highball or collins glass
4. Stirring spoon
5. Knife (for cutting lemon wheel)
6. Cutting board
7. Strainer (optional, if the cocktail shaker lacks one)

FAQ

• What is ouzo?Ouzo is a traditional Greek liqueur that is flavored with anise and is often enjoyed as an aperitif.
• Can I substitute ouzo with another liquor?Although ouzo has a one-of-a-kind taste, you can use Pernod or Sambuca as stand-ins, but they will impart different flavors.
• How do I make simple syrup?Simple syrup is made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over a low heat and allowing it to cool before using it.
• Can I adjust the sweetness of the cocktail?Certainly! The sweetness can be tweaked by changing the amount of simple syrup you use, so that it better fits your taste.
• Is fresh lemon juice necessary?The best flavor comes from fresh lemon juice, but in a pinch, you can use bottled lemon juice.
• Can I make this cocktail in advance?The drink is best enjoyed fresh; however, you can mix the base of ouzo, lemon juice, and syrup in advance and just add ice and soda water right before serving.
• What is the purpose of the garnish?Visual appeal and the aroma of the drink are enhanced by the lemon wheel and mint sprig.

Substitutions and Variations

1/2 ounce fresh lime juice (instead of fresh lemon juice)
Agave nectar 1/2 ounce (in place of simple syrup)
(Instead of ice cubes, use crushed ice.)
The carbonation in the water makes it possible for the drink to have bubbles.

Carbonated water is made by adding carbon dioxide to water, which could be done naturally or artificially.

Spring water, water from wells, water from some glaciers, and water from some kinds of aquifers contain different amounts of carbon dioxide and are therefore different amounts of mineralization.

Water from bubbles is also a way to harness nature’s gifts.

Water from the various types of bottles we buy is not better for our health than plain old tap water.

There is no right or wrong way to hydrate.
Garnish with an orange wheel (instead of a lemon wheel).

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Glassware Before you start mixing, place your highball or collins glass in the freezer for a few minutes. This will keep your cocktail colder for longer and enhance the refreshing experience.

2. Fresh Ingredients Matter Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Pre-bottled juice can alter the taste significantly. Fresh mint sprigs should be bright and perky for an aromatic garnish.

3. Control Dilution When filling the mixing glass with soda water, pour slowly and gently over a spoon to control dilution and preserve carbonation, ensuring your cocktail remains fizzy.

4. Customize Sweetness Adjust the amount of simple syrup to taste. If you prefer a less sweet drink, consider starting with a quarter ounce and adding more if desired after tasting.

5. Crush Ice for Shaking If you have access to crushed ice, use it in your shaker. Crushed ice chills the drink quickly and releases more water, helping to integrate the ingredients more efficiently during shaking.