Enjoy Refreshing Cyprus Drinks in the Summer Heat....Cyprus drinks, whether hot or cold, alcoholic or non-alcoholic play a big part in Cypriot meal times. Cypriots enjoy hosting and find it offensive if someone enters their house and doesn’t have anything to eat, so if you are really not hungry, make sure at least accept a drink. You will be surprised at how happy this makes them!
Cyprus CoffeeThis coffee is thick and very strong and served across both the north and south of the island. It’s an acquired taste which is not for everyone, but you should definitely try it at least once for a true Cyprus experience. The coffee is usually served with a glass of water and sometimes with a few Turkish delights, especially after a meal.
In the Republic of Cyprus: Sketo = no sugar, Metrio = a small amount of sugar or Glyko = lots of sugar. In North Cyprus: Sade = no sugar, Az Shekerli = a little sugar, Orta Shekerli = medium amount of sugar or Shekerli = lots of sugar. To truly drink coffee like a Cypriot turn your cup upside on its saucer when you have finished. Then let someone read your fortune from its remains! English breakfast tea is widely available in Cyprus and is often brewed with cinnamon sticks for a nice aroma and extra flavour. Cold Cyprus Drinks
The yoghurt drink known as Ayran to Turkish Cypriots or Airani to Greek Cypriots is very traditional. Mint and salt are added to live yoghurt and is usually served on a hot afternoon. Fruit juice is available everywhere and is usually freshly squeezed. It is advisable to carry bottled water with you everywhere in Cyprus to avoid dehydration. Alcoholic Cyprus DrinksThe Republic of Cyprus has three breweries: The Carlsberg Brewery, Leon and the Keo brewery. Keo is an internationally award-winning beer which is only made in Cyprus. It is served in almost every bar, club and restaurant and is very popular with locals and tourists alike. In North Cyprus you can find beers imported from mainland Turkey such as the brand Efes. The cocktail known as Brandy Sour has been sometimes been referred to as the national drink of Cyprus, and is something the Cypriots are very proud of. It’s an alcoholic alternative to an Iced Tea, which mixes brandy, lemons, bitters, ice and finished with lemonade or soda water. It’s a refreshing treat on a hot Cyprus day! The aniseed flavoured spirit Ouzo which has its origins in Greece can be widely found in the south of the island. It is often drunk in shots, and is often bought by tourists as a souvenir to take home. A similar aniseed-based drink known as Raki is popular in the North. This is the national drink of Turkey and is often served with meze. If you are feeling more adventurous, you might want to try the strongest of all Cyprus drinks - Zivania which usually has 45% alcohol content and has been nicknamed ‘firewater’. This clear drink has been recognised by the EU as a product unique to Cyprus and cannot be produced elsewhere so it is quite a unique experience. The island famously also has a proud wine making tradition going back thousands of years. See also:
Cyprus Wines
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