This episode contains three different cocktails made with Mastic, a popular Greek liquor. I had a lot of fun filming this because I chatted with everyone about the history of Mastic. It’s kind of fascinating and not a lot of people understand the importance of it in Greek culture. Mastic comes from the tree of the same name, and that tree only grows on Chios, which is the island my family is from. The product and flavor is famous worldwide, but you can only harvest it on our island!
Mastic is a sap that flows from the tree, hardens on the outside, and is collected by locals. It looks like little crystal beads and is very valuable. Several years ago, there was a terrible fire that burned many of the mastic trees to the ground, which has further increased the value of mastic! The crystals are used to make this alcohol, gum, and several other products. The production of this liquor is very carefully controlled to maintain authenticity and is shipped worldwide.
The liquor I use in these cocktails is made when mastic crystals are immersed in pure alcohol and a little sugar is added. The result is this delicious, slightly sweet beverage that combines well with many different types of mixers like fruit juices and other alcohols. I like to use sweeter flavors with mastic since it results in a lovely refreshing drink that’s a pleasure to sip on warm evenings.
You can buy mastic in most liquor stores. One bottle will last you a while since it is something that is sipped or mixed with other flavors when it is served. I particularly like serving this with my Chicken Souvlaki and Grilled Shrimp wraps in the summer since it makes such a delicious, easy summer meal. I hope you enjoy these cocktails this year, they’ll be your new favorites in no time!
Chios Sunrise
There is nothing as beautiful as the sun in Greece! This is a cocktail that will make everyone smile it is so pretty!
Makes 1 cocktail
Chios is the island I’m from in Greece! This is a tribute to the beautiful summer sun.
2 ounces peach vodka
1 ounce mastic
5 ounces peach juice
Float of grenadine
Garnish with an orange wedge and cherry
Fill a tall cocktail glass with ice.
Add the peach vodka, mastic, and peach juice to the glass. Place the float of grenadine on top and garnish with an orange wedge and cherry.
Mastic Greyhound
This is my twist on the popular cocktail. I love the refreshing flavors. It’s perfect for sipping by the pool.
For the simple syrup:
1 cup water
½ cup sugar
2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary
Cocktail:
3 ounces mastic
2 ounces fresh grapefruit
2 ounces rosemary simple syrup
1 ounce lemon juice
Make the simple syrup by add 1 cup of water and ½ cup of sugar to a small saucepan, along with 2-3 sprigs of rosemary. Bring the mixture to a simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Remove the rosemary and allow it to cool completely.
Add the mastic, grapefruit, simple syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake it well and then pour the cocktail into a glass and serve.
Mastic Cocktail
We used to sell this in our Greek restaurant, and it was very popular. I love the combination of gin, mastic, and simple syrup. It’s so refreshing for summer!
1 ounces of gin
2 ounce mastic
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
1 ounce rosemary simple syrup
Make the simple syrup by add 1 cup of water and ½ cup of sugar to a small saucepan, along with 2-3 sprigs of rosemary. Bring the mixture to a simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Remove the rosemary and allow it to cool completely.
Add the gin, mastic, lemon
Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT. She is currently operating with COVID-safe procedures and is happy to discuss your event and catering needs with you. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekasevents.com or call 203.658.8659.