Bulgarian Mastika

Bulgarian Mastika[1]
Bulgarian Region Targovishte Alcohol 47% vol.


Similar to Turkish rakı and middle eastern arak the Bulgarian mastika[1] is a strong anise-flavoured drink, consumed chilled. 

According to Bulgarian law, "Mastika is an alcoholic drink with minimum 47% vol. of alcohol, made of natural ethanol flavoured with anethole, extracted by rectification of essential oils from star anise (Illicium verum), anise (Pimpinella anissum), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) or other plant, containing the same aroma component with concentration at least of 2.5 grams per litre, sugar at least 40 grams per litre, with or without addition of mastic [2]and/or aroma destilate and has specific organoleptic characteristics." 

The production of mastika usually starts with alcoholic base of made from fermented fruit (usually grapes) and double distilled and filtered through the roots of the mastic tree. The alcohol can also be flavoured with the resin of the tree to give the alcoholic drink its distinctive anise-like taste.

Mastika is often combined with menta, a mint liqueur, to make a traditional cocktail called "cloud". (Turkish slang "bulut olmak | to turn into a cloud" drunk). 

Bulgarians also produce a Plum Rakia called Lovech Slivova

 Mavi Boncuk |

Peshtera Mastika
Мастика Пещера 
Manufacturer: Vinprom Peshtera

[1] Mastika (Greek: μαστίχα, mastícha; Bulgarian: мастика, mastika; Macedonian: мастика, mastika) is a liquor seasoned with mastic, a resin gathered from the mastic tree, a small evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region. 

 [2] Mastic (Greek: Μαστίχα) is a resin obtained from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus). In pharmacies and nature shops, it is called "Arabic gum" (not to be confused with gum arabic) and "Yemen gum". In Greece, it is known as the "tears of Chios," being traditionally produced on that Greek island, and, like other natural resins, is produced in "tears" or droplets. In Turkey, it is referred to as "damla sakızı", i.e. "droplet gum". Originally a liquid, mastic is sun-dried into drops of hard brittle translucent resin. When chewed, the resin softens and becomes a bright white and opaque gum. The flavor is bitter at first, but after some chewing, it releases a refreshing, slightly pine or cedar-like flavor. The word mastic is derived from the Greek verb, μαστιχειν "to gnash the teeth", which is the source of the English word masticate. The word mastic is a synonym for gum in many languages.