Summer Solstice Greek Recipe Spotlight: Honeydew Ouzo Cocktail

Cheers to the longest and brightest day of the year on June 20 with a refreshing frosty drink made with frozen honeydew, mint, lime juice and just the right splash of ouzo. Considered the national drink of Greece, ouzo is an anise-flavored liquor produced from grapes and uniquely represents Greek culture. This recipe is courtesy of Mia Kouppa.

Honeydew Ouzo Cocktail – Yields 1 cocktail 

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cup frozen honeydew, in small cubes 
• 2 tbsp cold water 
• 1 ½-2 tbsp ouzo 
• 2 tsp fresh lime juice 
• 1 tsp simple syrup*
• 2 fresh mint leaves 

For garnish, optional 

• 1 cube unfrozen honeydew 
• 1 fresh mint leaf 
• 1 small wedge of lime 

* Simple Syrup 

• 1 cup water 
• 1 cup granulated white sugar 

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients for your drink (except for the garnish) into a blender and blend until smooth and there are no chunks left.
2. Pour into a cocktail glass. If you like you can prepare the garnish by using a decorative skewer to hold the pieces of honeydew, mint leaf and piece of lime.
3. Serve immediately, and enjoy! 

To make simple syrup

1. Combine the sugar and water in a small sauce pot. Bring to boil, and then reduce to medium stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. 
2. Transfer the simple syrup to a covered jar or plastic container and keep in the refrigerator to use as needed. 

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