COMMANDARIA

This amber-colored dessert wine hails from the eponymous Cypriot region. The wine is exclusively produced from sun-dried Xynisteri (white) and Mavro (red) grape varieties, both of which are indigenous to Cyprus. The wine is matured for a minimum of two years and is often fortified with the addition of pure grape spirit.

Commandaria wines typically display incredibly fragrant aromatic profile with complex notes of honey, raisins, carob, and spices.They are a perfect match to nuts, dried fruit, or mature cheese, while some styles may pair well with dark chocolate. Commandaria is often dubbed as one of the oldest wines in the world, believed to have first been mentioned in 800 BC

BRANDY SOUR

Originating from Cyprus, where it is considered a national drink, Brandy Sour is a refreshing cocktail made with a combination of Cypriot brandy, Cypriot lemon squash, soda or lemonade, and a few drops of bitters. In order to prepare it, a tall glass should be filled with ice and a few drops of bitter, followed by brandy and lemon squash.

The combination is then stirred and topped with soda (for a stronger taste) or lemonade (for a slightly sweeter version). The cocktail was invented in the 1930s at the Forest Park Hotel in the mountain resort of Platres. It was originally made for King Farouk of Egypt as a substitute for iced tea.

The post MOST POPULAR CYPRIOT ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES appeared first on Taste from Cyprus.