🇬🇷 Greece · Drinks
Chios Mastic Water (Mastichone Nero)
By eatmundo · July 8, 2026
🇬🇷 GRAI-generated imageExperience 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 is Chios Mastic Water?+
Chios Mastic Water is a traditional Greek beverage produced on the island of Chios. It is prepared by infusing cold water with mastic tears, the resin of the Pistacia lentiscus tree, and is typically consumed as a refreshing digestif or a welcome drink.
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.
