🥃 Mastika

Mastika is a Balkan aniseed spirit known in Bulgaria and North Macedonia. A Bulgarian ordinance of 2006 defined Mastika as an aniseed spirit drink of 47% ABV or more, with anethole isolated by rectification of essential oils at no less than 2.5 g/l, and sugar from 40 g/l.

Under that ordinance, the anethole is obtained from star anise, green anise, fennel or another plant with the same main aromatic compound. Mastic tree oil may be added, but it is not required. Whether the 2006 ordinance still applies after Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007 could not be confirmed in open sources, so the figures are given as a historical norm.

EU law has no separate category called mastika. An aniseed-flavoured spirit drink (category 25) must be 15% ABV or more, and aniseed must predominate in the flavor; categories 28 (anis) and 29 (distilled anis) start at 35% ABV. Only for distilled anis does the regulation mention mastic among the permitted aromatic ingredients for geographical indications. The eAmbrosia register has no Bulgarian GI for mastika.

Mastika should not be confused with the Greek mastiha from Chios (Μαστίχα Χίου). It has been an EU GI since 2008, in the liqueur category: the flavor comes from the resin of the mastic tree Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia, the strength is 20% ABV or more, sugar 150 g/l or more, distillation is in copper stills up to 1,000 l, with no flavorings or colorants, and bottling only on Chios.

Why this matters to you. Bulgarian or Macedonian mastika is a strong aniseed spirit, while Greek mastiha is a sweet resin liqueur: the names are alike, the drinks different. Aniseed drinks turn cloudy with water because of anethole. Check the strength and ingredients on the label. WHO reminds us: there is no safe dose of alcohol.