Zivania is a traditional alcoholic drink produced in Cyprus. It is a pomace brandy distilled from wine mixed with the fermented pomace 1 2 . The name Zivania dates back to the 14th century. Century, when the island was under Venetian rule 3 . The alcohol content of Zivania varies between 40 and 99%. 3 . Distillation takes place in a large cauldron (the ‘kazani’) and consists of three different processes that produce three zivania of different quality and intensity 3 .
Zivania is often served with food and can also be drunk as an aperitif 4 . There is also a red Zivania, which gets its color from the addition of cinnamon 3 . The older the Zivania, the better and more aromatic it becomes. An old bottle is therefore gladly saved for special occasions 3 .
Before the advent of modern medicine, zivania was an essential first aid ingredient in every Cypriot home. It can be used to treat and disinfect wounds, massage aching parts of the body, relieve toothache or warm up 3 .
