We’re always searching for new drinks or drinks that have been around for a while but have yet to make it to our bar carts. This second group includes Zivania, which has been around since the end of the 15th century.
In Cyprus, zivania brandy is made from grape pomace, left after the grape juice is squeezed out, and dry wines. The Republic of Venice ruled Cyprus during this time, and the Ottomans and British continued to make it.
Known as “firewater,” Zivania has a light, raisin-like aroma and no sugar or acid. It has about 45 percent ABV, similar to vodka. The process of fermenting and selecting grapes are both essential in making alcohol.Also in this blog post we will know more about What is Zivania, Drink serving tips for zivani, health benefits of zivania.
What is Zivania
Zivania is a strong drink made in Cyprus with alcohol. This drink is made by putting wine and fermented pomace through a still. Zivania is often served with food and is often used to treat health problems. The law protects the name of this drink, so it can only be made in Cyprus. Grappa and pomace brandy are two similar drinks.
Even though most people around the world use it as a drink, people in Cyprus use it for more than just that. It is used to clean wounds, help them heal, gargle sore throats, and wash out the mouths of people with toothaches. People drink it in the mountain range around Mount Olympus when it’s cold to warm up.
This potent drink makes your mouth burn after you drink it. It’s best to drink it with a non-alcoholic beverage nearby to remove the burning feeling. Some places give you a free shot of the drink with your dinner. Some people who try zivania say it tastes like raisins.
How is Zivania made?
Zivania is made by distilling wine made from Mavro and Xynisteri grapes, which are native to Cyprus, along with pomace (the skin residue that is left when the juice is extracted for wine-making). In this way, the amount of alcohol gets higher. Zivania is a brandy made in Cyprus from the solid parts of grapes left over after the juice has been squeezed out.
Production Process of Zivania
To make the best zivania, the best fully grown and healthy grapes are used. For perfect fermentation, the grape that will be used should have a Baumé value of less than 13°.
As soon as the fermentation is done (meaning that the Baumé reading is less than or equal to 0°), the wine and pomace are moved to the main container of the distillation equipment, called Kazani (Greek: ), and the distillation process starts. The last bit of zivania that comes out of the machine is called Porakos (Greek: o), and it doesn’t have much alcohol.
Drink Serving Tips for Zivania
There are a few tips that you can keep in mind for serving Zivania. Let’s have a look at them:
- In summer, always serve the Zivania with ice.
- Try to serve Zivania with dried nuts, loukoumi, Shoushouko or small appetizers like Cypriot loukaniko, lountza and tsamarella because it cannot be consumed alone.
- You can also serve the Zivania with garnish lime peel.
- You can also mix Zivania with lime juice.
Health Benefits of Zivania
- Zivania also has another benefit. It is also used for health. Its health benefits are discussed below:
- The most fantastic benefit of Zivania is that it is beneficial for treating wounds and is also used for massaging.
- It can also be used for colds and toothaches.
- You can also use it as a warming drink during winter.
FAQs:
1. How do you drink Zivania?
Zivania is served ice cold in the summer. Zivania is usually filled with dried nuts, loukoumi, Shakshouka, or small appetizers like Cypriot loukaniko, lountza, and tsamarella.
2. What does zivana taste like?
Zivania is a traditional alcoholic drink in Cyprus. Zivania is known for how it tastes and smells. It is clear, has a light smell of raisins, and is a good amount of alcohol. 45% of its volume is usually made up of alcohol. Zivania doesn’t have any sugars or acids in it. It tastes like alcohol and smells like raisins.
Conclusion:
Finally, we learned about Zivania. Zivania is a pomace brandy made in Cyprus from grape pomace, which is what’s left of the grapes after the juice has been squeezed out, and dry wines from the area. Zivania is made by distilling wine made from Mavro and Xynisteri grapes, which are native to Cyprus and pomace.
It tastes like alcohol and smells a little bit like raisins. In the summers always serve the Zivania with ice. The most notable benefit of Zivania is that it is beneficial for treating wounds and is also used for massaging.
Hello, my name is Lora J Fusco, and I am a passionate chef with a wealth of experience in the culinary world. I am not in the kitchen making meals. I love to share my insights and adventures by writing on my blog.
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