🥃 Zivania

Zivania is a strong Cypriot spirit made from grape pomace and wine. It is a traditional drink of the island of Cyprus, clear and colourless. It is made from what remains after pressing grapes, sometimes with wine added, and then distilled.

Zivania is usually strong, around 40–45% alcohol. Its taste is clean, with a light grape note, and the smell is soft. In Cyprus it is drunk from small glasses, sometimes served chilled. It is also used for home-made infusions. Like any strong spirit, it calls for moderation.

Zivania is similar to Greek tsipouro and Italian grappa: all are made from pomace. It is often mentioned together with Commandaria, the sweet wine of the island. Zivania is linked to Cypriot wine because it is made from its leftovers. It shows that winemaking gives not only wine but other products too. It is often compared in role with grappa in Italy and rakia in the Balkans.