Honestly, sweltering this summer got me dreaming of that Greek sun. Instead of just dreaming, I hit the kitchen – mission? Recreate those local vibes through drinks. Forget fancy cocktails, I wanted the real deal, the stuff folks actually sip to chill in Athens or on Santorini. Grabbed my notebook and zeroed in on five classics.
Starting Simple: Lemon Water
Kicked things off easy. Seriously, why complicate? Grabbed some filtered water. Sliced a whole lemon super thin. Tossed those slices into my biggest jug, smashed a few mint leaves with my hands (smells amazing!), dumped them in. Poured the cold water over everything. Shoved it in the fridge. Left it alone for a couple hours. Boom. So simple, so dang refreshing. Took one sip and thought, “Yep, this is why they do it.”
Okay, Let’s Get Fancy(ish): Frappé
Time for the real Greek staple. Dusted off the old shaker (that camping water bottle works too!). Scooped in two teaspoons of instant coffee powder – the good stuff matters here. Added two teaspoons sugar. Poured a splash of cold water, barely enough to cover the coffee. Sealed the lid TIGHT. Shook it like crazy until my arm kinda hurt. That foam gotta be thick and light brown. Filled a tall glass with ice cubes. Poured the foamy coffee magic over the ice. Topped up slowly with cold water. Plonked a straw in. First sip? Pure caffeine-cooling bliss.
Trying a Smoothie: Portokalada (Orangeade)
Wanted something fruity. Headed straight for the oranges. Needed about 4-5 juicy ones. Rolled them hard on the counter first (trick my grandma taught me for more juice). Chopped them in half and juiced them properly. Got maybe 1.5 cups? Poured that gorgeous juice into a pitcher. Added a big glass of cold water. Stirred in honey – maybe 2 tablespoons? – tasted as I went ’cause sweetness depends on the oranges. Threw in a ton of ice. Stirred like mad. Bright orange heaven. Way better than any bottled stuff.
Getting Weird: Mastiha Spritzer
Heard whispers about this resin flavour. Bottled mastiha liqueur looked weirdly thick and cloudy. Seriously skeptical. Got a highball glass. Filled it with ice. Poured in maybe 1.5 ounces of that funky mastiha stuff (go easy!). Squeezed in a good wedge of lemon. Topped up the glass with sparkling water. Gave it a gentle stir. First tentative sip… Piney? Woody? Weirdly cooling? Actually kinda liked it after the surprise wore off. Definitely an acquired taste!
The Ice Cream Float: Freddo Espresso
Save the best coffee hit for last. Brewed a double shot of strong espresso, let it cool completely. Needed patience here. Grabbed the cocktail shaker again. Filled it with ice. Poured the cold espresso over. Added two teaspoons sugar. Shook it violently until super cold and frothy. Filled a tumbler with ice. Poured the frothy espresso over. Failed at fancy swirling, tasted amazing anyway.
So what’s the final verdict?
- Lemon Water & Mint: Easy lifesaver.
- Frappé: My new go-to cold coffee. Forget the chains.
- Portokalada: Sunshine in a glass. Pure joy.
- Mastiha Spritzer: Weird, but kinda good weird?
- Freddo Espresso: Shaken coffee perfection.
Kitchen looks like a bomb hit it – sticky counters, orange peels everywhere, dirty shaker soaking. But sipping these? Yeah, almost fooled myself I was island hopping. Totally worth the mess. Try them!
