Mastiha has gone from a popular but just local liqueur that was served in taverns to the secret ingredient of the best dishes and cocktails in Greece. Mastiha is a crystaline , sweet liqueur made from the aromatic resin of the mastic tree. This delicious spirit is making a strong comeback in the bartending world, with Greek bartenders using local ingredients to create uplifting and delicious cocktail recipes. Although mastiha is very popular in Greece, little is known about it. The history of greek mastiha starts on the island of Chios, where the mastic tree grows. Although these trees thrive throughout the Mediterranean, it is only the diversity of Chios unique microclimate that produces the precious aromatic sap that makes liqueurs.
Essentially, the crystals are distilled and high-quality , pure alcohol is added to the resulting mastiha spirit in order to have the final liqueur. It’s a technique that involves distilling the pure crystals in the stills (which is difficult because they stick as they melt) or with the addition of mastic oil. Greek mastiha is known as a “traditional herbal medicine” with the following indications: mild indigestion and symptomatic treatment of mild dermatitis and healing of small skin wounds.
Large variety of sweets , mastic gums, drinks, delicacies and other products from Chios exists.Mastiha liqueur is usually drunk at the end of a meal. It is enjoyed cold and neat.Mastiha contains greater than 15% alcohol, usually between 20 and 30%. If you’re looking for a unique taste experience, you should try mastiha. This liqueur is special because it is very particular and the mastic tree where the sap comes from only grows on the island of Chios in Greece.