🇬🇷 Greece · Drinks
Chios Mastic Water (Mastichone Nero)
By eatmundo · July 8, 2026
🇬🇷 GRExperience the refreshing and uniquely aromatic Chios Mastic Water, a traditional Greek beverage made from pure mastic resin. This clear, fragrant drink is known for its subtle pine and floral notes, offering a cooling and digestive delight, especially on a warm day.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Carefully select 2-3 small Chios mastic tears. Look for clean, translucent pieces without too much dust or debris. The quality of your mastic will directly impact the flavor of your water.
- 2
Place the mastic tears in a small, sturdy mortar. Add a tiny pinch of cold water to help with grinding. Grind the mastic tears using a pestle until they form a fine powder or a milky paste. This is crucial for releasing their aroma and flavor.
- 3
Once the mastic is finely ground, transfer the paste into a clean glass. Add about 50ml of the 200ml cold water and stir vigorously with a spoon until the mastic paste starts to dissolve and the water turns milky white.
- 4
Continue to add the remaining 150ml of cold water to the glass, stirring well to ensure the mastic is fully dispersed. You should observe a beautiful, opaque white liquid with a distinct aroma.
- 5
To enhance the refreshing quality, place the glass in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes to chill thoroughly. A colder drink will highlight the subtle flavors of the mastic even better.
- 6
Serve the Chios Mastic Water chilled, directly from the glass. You may see tiny particles of mastic settle at the bottom; this is natural and simply adds to the authenticity of the drink. Stir again before drinking if desired.
- 7
For an extra touch, you can add a single ice cube to your glass just before serving. This keeps the drink cool without diluting the delicate mastic flavor too quickly.
- 8
Sip slowly and savor the unique, earthy, and slightly sweet notes of Chios mastic, a taste of authentic Greek tradition. It's not just a drink, but a moment of calm and refreshment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of Chios mastic tears should I use for the best Chios Mastic Water?+
For this drink, use authentic Chios mastic tears, preferably medium to large pieces, as they are easier to grind and dissolve. Avoid powdered mastic for clarity.
How can I properly dissolve the mastic in cold water to prevent it from clumping?+
Grind the mastic tears with a little sugar into a fine powder first, then slowly add cold water while stirring well. Alternatively, steep a few tears in cold water overnight in the fridge.
My Chios Mastic Water tastes too strong or bitter. What might be the issue?+
This usually indicates you've used too much mastic. Start with a very small amount (1-2 small tears) and adjust to your preference, as mastic flavor is potent.
Can I prepare Chios Mastic Water in advance, and how long does it keep?+
You can prepare it a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. While it's best fresh, it will keep for a day, though the flavor might subtly evolve.
