When someone mentions Ancient Greece, it usually conjures images of the Parthenon or tales of gods and goddesses that have regaled us since childhood. But for those in the spirits world, Greek mixology > Greek mythology. The Mediterranean paradise produces a variety of unique spirits offerings from vodka to liqueurs that are steeped in a rich culture of history and tradition with flavors that range from anise and spicy to honey and citrus.
Mastiha
“I call Mastiha Greece’s best-kept secret,” Panagopoulos says of the spirit made from the raw superfood of the same name. “It is a sap/resin from the skinos tree that grows only in 24 villages in the southern part of the Greek island of Chios.” The spirit is also a PDO — Protected Designation of Origin — an EU designation for ingredients that grow in only one specific geographic region, making it similar to Tequila, Champagne, and Cognac.
As far as taste goes, she says it couldn’t be more versatile. “It’s been called ‘bartender’s olive oil’ since it is so versatile and mixes 1:1 with very base spirit on your backbar — vodka, gin, tequila, mezcal, whiskey — you name it, it goes with it.” But if she had to describe the taste, she’s adamant. “I say it’s St. Germain, Chartreuse, and Hendricks [if they] had a three-way.”