Greek Lemon Ouzo Spritz

Light, aromatic and sharply refreshing, a Greek lemon ouzo spritz turns the country’s distinctive anise-scented spirit into an easy long drink. Ouzo is usually enjoyed well chilled, often with water or ice, and here it is softened with fresh lemon juice, a little simple syrup and plenty of chilled sparkling water. The result is bright rather than heavy: citrus lifts the liquorice-like aroma, while the fizz keeps the finish clean and lively. Serve it over plenty of ice with a thin lemon slice, ideally mixed just before drinking so the spritz stays cold, fragrant and properly effervescent.
Recipe by JustRecipes Editorial Team
Content validated: August 2026 How we create recipes
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Cuisine style Greek-inspired aperitif
Cooking style No-cook preparation • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 15 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Sharp but rounded: Fresh lemon gives the drink a clean citrus edge, while simple syrup smooths the acidity without making it heavy.
  • Light, lively finish: Sparkling water lengthens the ouzo and keeps the anise flavour bright rather than overpowering.
  • Fast to mix: A short shake chills the lemon, syrup and ouzo quickly before the drink is topped with fizz and served straight away.

Get the most out of this recipe

Timing notes

  • Serve immediately: Add the sparkling water only just before serving so the spritz stays cold, fizzy and aromatic.
  • Keep the mixer cold: Well-chilled sparkling water helps preserve the bubbles and avoids over-diluting the drink with extra ice.

Ingredient notes

  • Use unwaxed lemon if possible: Because the zest goes into the shaker, an unwaxed lemon gives the cleanest citrus aroma.
  • Choose an ouzo you enjoy: Ouzo varies in intensity; a cleaner, balanced bottle will make a brighter spritz with a smoother anise note.
  • Adjust the sweetness: For a drier drink, use less syrup and let the lemon and sparkling water take the lead.

Cocktail variations

  • Make it lighter: Use a little less ouzo and add more sparkling water for a softer, lower-intensity aperitif.
  • Add a herbal note: A small sprig of mint or basil can complement the lemon without competing with the anise.
  • Citrus variation: Try part lemon and part grapefruit juice for a more bittersweet, aperitivo-style finish.

Alcohol-free alternatives

  • Alcohol-free version: Use an alcohol-free anise aperitif if available, then mix with lemon, syrup and chilled sparkling water.
  • Keep the anise character: A chilled fennel or anise infusion can echo ouzo’s flavour, though the result will be softer and less complex.

Equipment you'll need

Citrus juicer Cocktail shaker Jigger
Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Fill a large glass with the ice. Finely grate a little lemon zest into a cocktail shaker, then squeeze 25 ml lemon juice into the shaker.
  2. Add the simple syrup and ouzo to the shaker, then add 2 ice cubes. Shake for 10 seconds until well chilled.
  3. Strain into the prepared glass. Top with the sparkling water and give it a gentle stir to combine without losing too much fizz.
  4. Cut a thin lemon slice from the remaining lemon and tuck it into the glass. Serve straight away while cold and lively.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For a drier spritz, reduce the simple syrup to 10 ml and add a splash more sparkling water.
  • If you prefer a softer anise note, use 40 ml ouzo and increase the sparkling water to 150 ml.
  • If serving to anyone who is pregnant, immunocompromised, or elderly, use shop-bought pasteurised simple syrup and ensure the drink is served very cold.

Substitutions

  • Replace Simple syrup with 2 tsp Granulated sugar, shaken hard with the lemon juice and ouzo until dissolved before topping with Sparkling Water.
  • Replace Sparkling Water with Flavored sparkling water for a lightly scented finish.

Storage

  • Best made and served immediately. If needed, you can mix the ouzo, lemon juice and simple syrup and chill for up to 1 day, then add ice and Sparkling Water just before serving.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 1 glasses
  • Total time: 10min (10min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Greek
Beginner friendly
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Equipment you'll need

Citrus juicer Cocktail shaker Jigger

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Sparkling Water

1 cup ≈ 240 ml
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