Mastika

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Mastika (Greek: μαστίχα; Bulgarian: мастика) is originally a liquor made from the resin of the Mastic tree, also known as mastic. The best qualities grow on the Greek island of Chios in the Aegean Sea.

In Greece two such alcoholic beverages are known under the umbrella term Mastichato: one is an outright liqueur, the other is similar to Ouzo and Tsikoudia (a strong cretan Raki). It is served cold or in room temperature but usually with ice. They turn white when poured over ice or mixed with water, forming little crystals when in freezer. They are served with various mezedes -- appetizers such as octopus, salad, sardines, calamari, fried zucchini, and clams, among others -- or pikilia.

The word Mastika is also widely used in neighboring countries (eg. Bulgarian: мастика; Macedonian: мастика; Romanian: mastică) for an anise-flavored liqueur popular in the southern Balkans. It is considered the 'national drink' of the Republic of Macedonia containing 45% alcohol, has a hot taste not unlike that of brandy and is usually made from grapes, raisins, plums or figs. It is usually poured over ice and enjoyed with Meze.

In Bulgaria, it is often combined with Menta, a mint liqueur, to make a traditional cocktail called Cloud (Bulgarian: облак).In Romania, it is used as a wedding toast, where it often is thought of as a good accompaniment to traditional chicken dishes.

There are similar liqueurs in Greece as Ouzo, Tsipouro and Tsikoudia, in Turkey as Raki and in Persia as arak.

The denominations in the Balkans generally differ from the mediterranean ones, although very similar products exist in both regions. This sometimes leads to confusion. For instance, Serbian, Bulgarian and Macedonian Rakia (rakija) is a fruit brandy, which is never flavored with anise.

[edit] Cultural Significance

Mastika is also the title of a popular song in Turkish Roma music (Download sample; see also Samples of Turkish music). Popular in some Balkan regions.

From a female version of the lyrics: "If you collect all the stars in sky and throw them on my lap, in return I'll give you nine kids to have. // A-a-a, Mastika, mastika... // If you paint my body all in honey, I'll let you love me from my head to my toes... // A-a-a, Mastika, mastika..."