Six Delicious Cocktails Inspired By Greek Cultural Myths And Tales
Greece is celebrated for its rich history, fascinating mythology and incredible food. But did you know the land also has its fair share of winning drinks? This article has detailed recipes for cocktails inspired by Greek mythology, which has inspired many cultures as well as Western art and literature. Check them out below.
1. Persephone's Elixir
In Greek mythology, Persephone is Zeus and Demeter's daughter. She later became the queen of the underworld. It is believed that her absence from the surface led to crop failure and her reappearance in spring led them to flourish. If you want to pay a tribute to this goddess with a toast, try the Persephone’s Elixir.
Ingredients
- 30 ml Don Julio Blanco
- 20 ml Pomegranate liqueur
- 20 ml Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- Ginger beer, chilled, to top
Method
Take a shaker with ice and add tequila, pomegranate liqueur and lemon juice in it. Shake until the content is well-chilled. Strain into a highball glass. Top with the ginger beer.
2. Apollo Cooler
Apollo, a god and one of the Twelve Olympians, as per Greek mythology is a mythical figure relevant even today. He is the son of Zeus and Leto and the twin brother of Artemis. He was the god who made mortals aware of their guilt and purified them of it. He presided over religious law and the constitutions of cities. He also spoke to mortals to share his knowledge of the future and the will of his father. Celebrate the incredible prowess of Apollo with a drink inspired by him, made using Metaxa, ouzo, and ginger ale.
Ingredients
- 4 Ice cubes
- 45 ml Lemon juice
- 45 ml Metaxa (Greek liquor made using spirits and wine)
- ½ teaspoon Ouzo (Greek anise-flavoured apéritif)
- Ginger ale
- Lemon slice, for garnish
Method
Take a tall glass and add ice in it. Pour lemon juice, Metaxa and ouzo and mix to combine. Top up with ginger ale and stir. Garnish with a lemon slice.
3. Adonis
A cocktail named after the most handsome Greek god who has inspired many artforms and stays relevant even today in art and culture. Pay a tribute to Adonis with a cocktail that combines vermouth, sherry, orange bitters and a twist.
Ingredients
- 3 dashes Orange bitters
- 45 ml Carpano Antica vermouth
- 30 ml Oloroso sherry
- 22 ml Pedro Ximénez sherry
- Ice
- 1 long Lemon or Orange twist, for garnish
Method
Take a mixing glass filled with ice and add bitters, vermouth, the sherries and stir using a bar spoon. Strain the content into a long-stemmed coupe glass filled with ice. Garnish with orange or lemon twist and serve.
4. Greek Goddess Mastiha Margarita
A cocktail that doffs hat to Greek goddesses and made using popular local liquors, ouzo and mastiha!
Ingredients
- 45 ml Don Julio Blanco
- 45 ml Mastiha liqueur
- 1 teaspoon Pomegranate simple syrup
- 30 ml Lime juice
- 1 slice of Fresh Lime, for garnish
Method
Take a cocktail shaker and add all the ingredients with ice. Shake until the shaker turns frosty. Strain into a cocktail glass over fresh ice. Garnish with fresh lime.
5. Iliad
This Greek epic written by Homer is a classic and a must read for those who love literature. This cocktail is inspired by the tales in this poem. Check out its recipe below.
Ingredients
- 60 ml Amaretto
- 120 ml Ouzo
- 3 Strawberries
Method
Take a shaker with ice and add Amaretto and ouzo. Strain the mixture into a highball glass. Blend two strawberries and use the juice to top up the highball glass. Garnish with a strawberry.
6. Odyssey
Ingredients
- 45 ml Zivania
- 15ml Ouzo
- 20 ml Lemon juice
- 80 ml Lemon soda
- 10 ml Bitters
- 130 gm Ice
- Lemon slice, for garnish
Method
Take a mixing glass with ice and add zivania, ouzo, lemon juice, lemon soda, bitters and stir well. Pour the drink into a goblet glass with ice. Garnish with a lemon slice and serve cold.
While it's great to learn about alcoholic beverages, it is important to also consume alcohol moderately. Remember to serve and drink responsibly to ensure you and your guests are healthy and out of harm's way. If you know anyone who has trouble controlling their alcohol intake, please refer them to a professional immediately.
