Distilled and bottled in Greece, Mataroa Mediterranean Dry Gin is a sensory voyage along the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea.

Twelve unique botanicals, herbs and spices make up the gin’s ingredients list.

The secret recipe has lasted for more than four years, and the final result will undoubtedly gain approval from the most demanding of gin lovers.

To celebrate the brand’s 12 botanicals, 12 renowned bartenders have drawn inspiration from the ingredients of Mataroa to create truly unique Mataroa signature cocktails.

One of the four key ingredients to highlight is Chios Mastiha Resin from Greece: a symbol of resilience, purity, wealth and good health. This ingredient is resinous, balsamic, with a slightly smoky smell, and a refreshing, bittersweet taste.

Guest bartender

Niki Tsourounakis, owner and bartender at Bar Neon (Toronto, Canada, www.barneon.ca), has created a unique Mataroa signature cocktail, which showcases one of her favourite and rarest botanicals of the Mataroa blend.

In her own words: “I grew up in Canada and was raised by Greek parents who instilled how important Greece is to who I am. After spending every summer there as a child, I truly absorbed the culture, the people’s way of life, and the beautiful landscapes. I return every year, for more extended periods each year, and I plan to continue this tradition and to be able to share my culture and country with more people.

“I am proud of the quality of the produce and products from Greece, especially my family’s homeland of Crete, and I try to import and use as much as possible in our food and beverage programme.

“I opened Bar Neon to showcase Mediterranean-style drinks and dishes and share that with the people of Toronto. As a passionate Greek-Canadian, I will champion Greece at every opportunity.”

Little Red Corvette

Ingredients  

• 45ml Mataroa Mediterranean Dry Gin
• 15ml Bitter
• 15ml Peas, Rosemary & Thyme no-alcohol ‘spirit’
• 15ml Egg white
• 20ml Lime juice
• 30ml Strawberry-basil syrup
• 1g Mastic Resin, ground
• Glass: Coupe
• Garnish: Basil leaf and a dehydrated strawberry

Method

Dry shake all ingredients. Add ice, shake for eight seconds and double strain. Top with the grated mastic.

If you wonder what the sail with Mataroa’s unique blend tastes like, just take a sip. Imagine and Mataroa will take you there.

Niki Tsourounakis answers the Mataroa questionnaire

Why do you do this particular job and not any other?

It brings me pleasure to share good food and drink with others, especially when I can share ingredients or recipes from Greece, where I am from.

Name the ingredients of the perfect cocktail.

The ones we’ve put here. We chose to pair the Mataroa with citrus and balance it with a house-made strawberry basil syrup, topped with an egg white foam and some mastic to create a soft, well-balanced sipping cocktail.

What is your favourite drink/cocktail?

Living in Canada, the Manhattan wins out on the coldest days of the year, but as soon as the weather warms up and the sun comes out, I love to sip on a Mastiha & Mataroa Spritz. It is a refreshing and bright cocktail you can’t have too many of.

Where is the ideal Greek vacation place and why?

I love the island of Crete. It is a perfect mix of rich culture, great restaurants, beautiful beaches, hiking, road trips, and more restaurants when you thought you had enough! You get the island vibes when you want them, but then there is a city buzz when you want it.

The first 3 words that come to mind when you hear the word ‘Mediterranean’.

Sunshine, joie de vivre, fresh air.