Mastika

Greece's Chio Masticha Ouzo and Masticha Liqueur

Mastika Greek: μαστίχα, mastícha; (Bulgarian: мастика, mastika; Macedonian: мастика, mastika) is a liquor seasoned with mastic, a resin gathered from the mastic tree, a small evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region. The name of the resin, whence the name of the drink, is derived from the Greek "to chew, to gnash the teeth".

Local varieties

Greece

In Greece two such drinks are known under the umbrella term masticha: one, Mastichato Chiou (or Chios Mastiha), is a brandy-based liqueur native to the island of Chios, and mastic resin has traditionally been cultivated on the island of Chios.^[1] It often accompanies desserts made with almonds and is served at wedding feasts as a digestif. It has a sweet smell and flavour similar to liquorice. The other is a strong spirit similar to ouzo or tsikoudia. It is served cold or at room temperature but usually with ice. Both turn white when poured over ice or mixed with water (the louche), and form small crystals when frozen. They are served with various mezedes—appetizers such as octopus, salad, sardines, calamari, fried zucchini, and clams, among others.

Bulgaria

In Bulgaria mastika is a strong anise-flavoured drink, consumed chilled. Mastika is often combined with menta, a mint liqueur, to make a traditional cocktail called "cloud".

According to Bulgarian law, "Mastika is an alcoholic drink with minimum 47% vol. of alcohol, made of natural ethanol flavoured with anethole, extracted by rectification of essential oils from star anise (Illicium verum), anise (Pimpinella anissum), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) or other plant, containing the same aroma component with concentration at least of 2,5 grams per litre, sugar at least 40 grams per litre, with or without addition of mastic and/or aroma destilate and has specific organoleptic characteristics."^[2]

Republic of Macedonia

In the Republic of Macedonia, mastika is considered the national drink, and is most commonly consumed as an apertif, usually poured over ice and enjoyed with meze. Containing 43–45% alcohol, it has a hot taste not unlike that of brandy and is usually made from grapes, raisins, plums or figs. In Macedonia, mastika has traditionally been made in the Strumica area; the best known Macedonian brand, Strumička mastika ("Mastika of Strumica"), made by the company Grozd in since 1953, contains 43% alcohol and is produced exclusively at export quality.

Romania

In Romania, it is used as a wedding toast and is thought of as a good accompaniment to traditional chicken dishes.

Turkish rakı and Iranian arak are also similar.

Production

The production of mastika usually starts with alcoholic base of made from fermented fruit (usually grapes) and double distilled and filtered through the roots of the mastic tree. The alcohol can also be flavoured with the resin of the tree to give the alcoholic drink its distinctive anise-like taste.

References

1. ^ "The Magic Tree - Marvelous Masticha", Epikouria Magazine, Fall/Winter 2005
2. ^ Наредба за определенията на видовете спиртни напитки, видовете суровини и технологични операции, правилата за производство на спиртните напитки, разрешените добавки и условията за използването им, ДВ бр. 68 от 2006 г.