Naxos Beach Cocktail

Eat and Drink

A glittering beach on the island of Naxos. The soft sound of surf and the murmur of Greek being spoken. Brilliant Mediterranean sunshine. You are relaxed and content, watching kids splashing in the sea through half-closed eyes, your hair salty and slowly drying in the heat.

Now a smiling waitperson from a cafe across the street approaches with a menu. Rising on your lounge chair, you peruse the snack foods and beer list, but your eye zeroes in on the cocktails, looking for something refreshing.

Here is the original inspiration...

This cocktail, which I'm not-very-cleverly calling the Naxos Beach, is a riff on exactly what I had on that Naxos beach. Initially the combination of ouzo and spoon sweet puzzled me a bit, but ever the culinary adventurer, I gave it a try.

I am SO glad I did! The bright, tart lime, the sweetness of the Greek cherry preserves and herbal, licorice flavor of the ouzo made for a surprisingly well-blended and delicious drink.

And isn't it pretty?

Naxos Beach Cocktail

2 oz ouzo (I used Plomari)

1 oz fresh squeezed lime juice

1 tablespoon Greek sour cherry spoon sweet/Βύσσινο γλυκό του κουταλιού

1 oz. water (optional)

4-5 ice cubes

lime slice for garnish

Pour ice into an old-fashioned glass. Add ouzo. Add lime juice. Stir. Carefully spoon in the spoon sweet on top (it will eventually sink to the bottom). Garnish with a slice of lime.

If you think it's too strong as-is, either add an ounce of water and stir, or wait for the ice cubes to melt a bit.

Eat and Drink

Naxos Beach Cocktail

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