Greek Drinks
Kitro Liker Serving Guide (Naxos Citron Liqueur)
Κίτρο KEE-troh · Kitro
In short
Kitro is a fragrant Greek liqueur distilled specifically from the leaves of the citron tree, a specialty unique to the island of Naxos, where the particular variety of citron used grows almost nowhere else in Greece. Served well chilled in small glasses, it comes in clear, yellow and green versions of differing sweetness, and it is distinct from any lemon liqueur, since it is made from leaves rather than fruit.
Kitro is genuinely unique to Naxos, distilled from the leaves, not the fruit, of a specific citron tree variety that grows almost nowhere else in Greece in any real quantity, giving the finished liqueur a fragrance that is fresh and citrusy but distinctly different from a lemon or orange liqueur made from fruit peel or juice.
It traditionally comes in three versions of differing sweetness and colour, a clear, drier version, a yellow, medium-sweet version, and a green, sweetest version, and trying all three side by side is a genuine part of the Naxos drinking tradition for visitors and locals alike.
Like most Greek liqueurs of this style, it is meant to be served very cold and sipped slowly as a digestif, rather than mixed into a cocktail, which would bury its specific, delicate fragrance.
Key preparation steps
- Chill the bottle thoroughly, ideally in the freezer.
- Pour into small chilled glasses.
- Serve neat, without ice.
- Sip slowly as an after-dinner digestif.
The three versions
Kitro traditionally comes in a clear, drier version, a yellow, medium-sweet version, and a green, sweetest version, all made from the same citron leaves but with differing amounts of added sugar. Trying a small glass of each side by side is the traditional way to properly appreciate the range.
Serving properly
Keep the bottle chilled, ideally in the freezer between uses, since kitro, like most Greek liqueurs of its style, is genuinely best served very cold. Pour into small glasses and serve neat, without ice, which would dilute its delicate, specific fragrance.
Tips from my kitchen
Try all three versions if you can
Comparing the clear, yellow and green versions side by side is the traditional way to appreciate the full range of sweetness this liqueur offers.
Keep it properly chilled
Kitro is best served very cold, which shows off its delicate fragrance far better than at room temperature.
Do not add ice
This dilutes the liqueur's specific, delicate citron fragrance. Serve it neat in a small, well-chilled glass instead.
Kitro Liker Serving Guide (Naxos Citron Liqueur)
Κίτρο · by Kalliopi Andreou · updated 2026-07-31
- Prep
- 5m
- Cook
- None
- Total
- 5m
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Method
- Keep the bottle of kitro chilled, ideally in the freezer.
- Pour into small chilled glasses.
- Serve neat, without ice.
- Sip slowly as an after-dinner digestif.
Nutrition, per 1 small glass, 30ml
- Calories
- 92
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbs
- 9 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Sat fat
- 0 g
- Fibre
- 0 g
These figures are calculated estimates based on the ingredients listed, not laboratory analysis. Actual values vary with brands, cuts and portion size.
Frequently asked questions about Kitro
What is kitro made from?
The leaves of a specific citron tree variety grown almost exclusively on Naxos, distilled into a fragrant liqueur, distinct from any liqueur made from citrus fruit or peel.
What is the difference between the clear, yellow and green versions?
All three are made from the same citron leaves, but with differing amounts of added sugar, giving a range from drier and clearer to progressively sweeter and more deeply coloured.
Can you find kitro outside Naxos?
It is increasingly available at well-stocked Greek liquor shops and some specialty importers, though it remains most strongly associated with, and most easily found on, Naxos itself.
