THE
POLISHED
SPIRIT
OF
CHOICE
CYPRUS VITICULTURE
Cyprus viticulture is centuries old and the origins of Zivania, Cyprus’s unique alcoholic spirit of choice, is closely linked to this practice. Zivania was born out of the age old wine makers desire to find a use for one of the bi-products of wine production, pomace.
IT’S IN THE NAMEÂ
The name Zivania is derived from the Greek word for pomace and today, this ingredient is the main component of Cyprus’s polished spirit of choice.
HOW ITS MADEÂ
Zivania, along with wine were the main alcoholic drinks that were consumed all over the island before the introduction of beer and other alcoholic spirits. Cyprus Zivania is distilled by taking the pomace and then constituting it with a mixture of local dry wines. These wines are made from the Xynisteri and Mavro grape varieties that are both unique to the island. The result of this process is a colourless, high content alcoholic drink which has a light aroma of raisins.Â
MANY DIFFERENT VERSIONS
Today, There are many versions of this drink. Zivania is mainly massed produced as a standard product by the biggest distilleries on the island, but smaller independent village distilleries, mainly situtated in the Troodos Mountains, produce their own versions of the drink. These smaller distilleries are known as ‘Lampikos’ locally and still make the drink using some traditional methods. Zivania is typically made with an alcohol content of 45%, but the ‘Lampikos’ often produce stronger version of the drink, with some versions having an alcohol content of up to 60%.
ZIVANIA GOLDÂ
Zivania Gold is a well known ‘Lampikos’ product and this version of the spirit contains ground cinnamon. The cinnamon enhances the taste and gives the drink a distinctive rich golden colour, as well as a fresh fruity flavour. This version of the drink, compliments a number of Cypriot cheeses and cured meat products and also supplements a Cypriot ‘souvla’ very well.Â
AGED ZIVANIAÂ
Zivania contains no sugars or acidity, and it has no freezing point, so is normally kept in the freezer. Aged Zivania is a highly sought after valued product. The ageing process that is used, allows for the spirit to gain stronger flavours and aromas. Most Cypriot households have a version of this drink and many Cypriots over the ages have found other uses for it. For example, warmed up versions were readily used as a remedy for a number of ailments, including colds and toothaches. Ist is also used as stimulant for massaging sore body parts.
CONSUMPTION
Zivania is generally still consumed throughout the year. During the summer months it is served ice cold straight from the freezer. During the winter months however, it is generally served as a hot drink. This is a common offering from numerous traditional coffee shops, known as the ‘Kafeneon’ and taverns dotted all over villages of the Troodos Mountains.
