The Mediterranean island of Cyprus is known among fans of beach holidays as a cozy place where you can find noisy company, and solitude, and active entertainment. Gourmets and music lovers, divers and fishing enthusiasts fly here, and the drinks of Cyprus unexpectedly impress even the advanced wine lovers. It is believed that it was from the sunny island that the crusaders took out the vine that gave life to the famous wines of Champagne and Burgundy.
Alcohol of Cyprus
As a member of the European Union, Cyprus is subject to the general rules for the import and export of alcohol. You cannot bring with you more than a liter of spirits and two fortified wines. However, bringing wine to Cyprus is not a viable idea, because on the island it is sold and served everywhere and at quite reasonable prices. A bottle of dry red or white local wine will cost 3-5 euros maximum if you buy it in a supermarket (data at the beginning of 2014). Beer costs up to 1.5 euros per bottle, and the price of worthy wine in packages does not exceed 3 euros per liter at all.
Cyprus national drink
The local wine Commandaria can be deservedly awarded the honorary title of the national drink on the island of Aphrodite. Its history begins in the 13th century, when the Knights of the Order of the Hospitallers received land here and planted vineyards. Their wine quickly gained popularity in Europe and became the island's main export. The popular and beloved drink of Cyprus is made from the Mavro grape variety, and it won its first awards back in 1213 at the famous French wine competition. The "Feast of the Five Kings" held in London in 1362 consolidated the success of Commandaria, and since then the legendary wine of Cyprus has been the best gift and souvenir brought from a Mediterranean trip.
Alcoholic drinks of Cyprus
The wines of Cyprus were mentioned in the Bible, and therefore we can safely say that their history goes back many centuries. The most popular alcoholic drinks in Cyprus are offered by every self-respecting cafe or restaurant:
- White wines for seafood or fruit dishes - "Tisby", "Aphrodite" and "White Lady".
- Rossela rosé wine, amazingly setting off the aftertaste of Cypriot desserts.
- Red "Keo Claret" and "Othello", highlighting the Medium Rare depth of real beef steak.
And in restaurants, guests will certainly be offered aromatic coffee and freshly squeezed juices, lemonades and a glass of sherry from the chef to end a pleasant meal under the shade of century-old olives, which remember perfectly how the knights kissed the first sunny bunches in their own vineyards.
