Patrick (Paddy) Moore An Athens discovery from our Mediterranean Dream Getaway
Some souvenirs sit on a shelf. The best ones find their way into a cocktail glass.
A client on our recent Mediterranean Odyssey aboard the Sun Princess—affectionately known as the Dream Getaway—brought back a particularly tempting discovery from Athens, Greece: the Ambrosia, enjoyed at the Hotel Grande Bretagne.
Naturally, this called for a little Traveltini attention. Research takes many forms.
A Setting Fit for Royalty
Overlooking Syntagma Square, the Grande Bretagne has been welcoming travellers since 1874. Originally a grand private mansion, it became one of Athens’ most distinguished addresses—a gathering place for royalty, statesmen and celebrated visitors. When Athens hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, the hotel welcomed foreign delegations, diplomats and royal guests. If these walls could talk, we might need another round.
There is something delicious about pausing in a place with such a pedigree. After exploring Athens, a cocktail here becomes its own small occasion: a chance to trade the sightseeing pace for a little old-world grace.
Tears of Chios—Happily, in a Glass
The photographed menu lists Belvedere vodka, Skinos Mastiha, homemade strawberry basil shrub, vanilla syrup and fresh lemon juice. But the ingredient that gives this cocktail its distinctly Greek story is Mastiha.
Known poetically as the “Tears of Chios,” mastiha is the aromatic resin harvested from mastic trees on the Greek island of Chios. Growers make small incisions in the bark, allowing the resin to emerge in droplets that harden into “tears.” These are carefully gathered and cleaned—a tradition passed from generation to generation, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014.
Skinos captures that ingredient in a fragrant spirit with an evergreen character and notes of pine and juniper. In this Ambrosia, it promises an intriguing companion to strawberry, basil, vanilla and bright lemon. A little Greek island character, joining us for drinks in Athens.
The only tears we welcome at cocktail hour.
Bring a Little Athens Home
The hotel’s menu reveals the ingredients, but keeps the bartender’s proportions a secret. Here is a Traveltini interpretation to try at home, rather than the hotel’s official recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Belvedere vodka
- ¾ oz Skinos Mastiha
- ¾ oz strawberry basil shrub
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¼ oz vanilla syrup, adjusted to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Method
Shake the liquid ingredients with ice, then strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with basil. Adjust the lemon and vanilla to suit the sweetness and acidity of your shrub.
Serve with olives, mixed nuts and a story from your travels. The story is essential; airline baggage restrictions do not apply.
With thanks to Patricia, our Dream Getaway traveller, for sharing this delicious Athens discovery.
Here’s to journeys that linger—and a little Ambrosia to help us remember.
