Cyprus's Liquid Fire

Clear grape spirit, 45-55% (homemade up to 70%!). Made from wine production residue. Cypriot grappa, only stronger. First sip burns. Third sip: you understand why Cypriots love it. Next morning: headache like Mount Olympos.

What to Know

From grape pomace, copper stills, EU protected designation. Drink: neat (chilled/room temp), in small glasses. Aperitif, digestif, or "medicine" (with honey/lemon). In cooking: flambé. Price: €5-15 bottle. Homemade: gifted by neighbor.

This was exactly our experience: Cyprus's Liquid Fire Clear grape spirit, 45-55% (homemade up to 70%!).

– Foodie from Bremen, in Troodos since 2024

Where to Try

Every taverna (often free as Kerásma). Troodos villages: Omodos, Koilani – traditional distilleries. Wineries. Caution: 3-4 shots = drunk. Sip slowly, water between. Never before driving.

Zivania

Locations: Troodos
Topics: Cyprus's Liquid Fire, What to Know, Where to Try

CMC Practical Tip

Never before driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zivania?

Cypriot grape spirit from pomace. 45-55% (homemade up to 70%). EU protected designation.

How to drink?

Neat, chilled or room temp, small glasses. Aperitif, digestif, or with honey/lemon for colds. Sip slowly.

Where to get good Zivania?

Supermarket €5-15. Troodos villages €8-20. Neighbor: free homemade. Taverna: often free as gift.

Is homemade legal?

Home distilling tolerated (tradition). Sale without license: officially not allowed. Practice: every village has a distiller.

How CMC Supports You

At CMC Certus Management Consultants, we are here for you – not only for tax and legal questions, but also for all practical topics of everyday life in Cyprus. Our team in Larnaca and Pafos knows the local conditions first-hand.

As your local contact, we handle: company formation and management, tax advisory and Non-Dom applications, ongoing bookkeeping and tax returns, support with authorities, and referrals to estate agents, lawyers, doctors and tradespeople.

Further Reading