Cyprus enjoys 320-340 sunny days a year, with abundant sunshine allowing for year-round harvests of fruits and vegetables. Over 3,000 years of foreign rule and the arrival of merchants from all over the world have introduced diverse culinary techniques. By absorbing flavors from Greece, Turkey, Albania, Lebanon, Syria, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and beyond, the Cypriot people have created their own unique food and beverage culture. Below, we introduce some traditional Cypriot drinks to our Cyprus immigration friends.
Zivania:
“Zivania” is a grape-based pomace brandy. It is usually kept in the freezer and served in small shot glasses. Locals also use Zivania to massage sore muscles and consume it as a remedy for colds or toothaches.
Commandaria:
“Commandaria” is an amber-colored dessert wine produced in the Commandaria region at the foothills of the Troodos mountains in Cyprus. Made from two types of indigenous Cypriot grapes—Xynisteri and Mavro—it is a fortified wine (aged in wooden barrels for at least 4 years) and represents a historic style of Cypriot wine, with a history dating back to 800 BC.
Ouzo:
“Ouzo” is a widely popular anise-flavored spirit in Cyprus and Greece. It is a distilled liquor typically consumed mixed with water; upon adding water, the liquid turns from transparent to milky white. Served with a small glass of ice, it offers a unique flavor experience.
Frappe:
“Frappe” is a frothy iced coffee and a common summer drink in Cyprus and Greece. A teaspoon of instant coffee (with a little sugar) and a small amount of water are mixed in a coffee blender for about half a minute, then water is added to fill the glass (a little milk can be added), and ice cubes are added to finish.
Cyprus Coffee:
“Cyprus Coffee” is a traditional ground hot coffee. A teaspoon of coffee powder is added to a traditional long-handled copper pot that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom (if you want sugar, add it before heating the water). Add a small cup of water and heat over a low flame until it boils, then pour into a small cup. It is usually served with a glass of cold water. This coffee is very strong and should be sipped slowly.