Mastika

In Greece, mastika (Greek: μαστίχα) is a sweet liqueur produced with the mastika resin from the Greek island of Chios. This is the original mastika liqueur, not to be confused with mastika from other Balkan nations.

Greek mastika is made by distilling the mastika crystals. Sugar is typically added. It is a sweet liqueur that is typically consumed at the end of a meal. It has a unique and distinct flavor, reminiscent of pine and herbs. Mastika is believed to have medicinal properties and to aid digestion.[1]

In Bulgaria, mastika (Bulgarian: мастика) 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, anise, fennel 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 distillate and has specific organoleptic characteristics.

In North Macedonia, mastika (Macedonian: мастика) is most commonly consumed as an aperitif, 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. In North 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 since 1953, contains 43% alcohol and is produced exclusively at export quality. [2]