by Arietta Pouliou
The fourth generation of a family run business has elevated the production of citrus products to a true art form
The world famous Greek islands that form the Cyclades, a mosaic of history, light, and tradition, a place where ancient spirit and island charm live in perfect harmony and where whitewashed beauty meets the endless blue of the Aegean sea and sky, are also a paradise of traditional sweets and spirits, lovingly handmade by locals who keep age-old recipes alive through the generations. Crafted by passionate hands, following old techniques passed down from generation to generation, every treat tells a story: of family, of heritage, of the sun and sea that shape life on these islands. From soft loukoumia -turkish delights- and chewy halvadopita, to fragrant almond paste bites, crunchy pastelia –sesame bars-, luscious spoon sweets and aromatic liqueurs made from local fruits, each delicacy captures the essence of the Aegean.
Across the islands, every region takes pride in transforming the bounty of its land into flavours that are both timeless and new. Ancient techniques meet modern craftsmanship, creating exceptional products that celebrate the authentic taste of the Aegean and highlight the distinctive tastes of each island. Rich, pure and unforgettable, they are the perfect edible souvenirs we pack in our suitcases as we leave the islands of our dreams and become the sweetest memory to carry home until our next island escape.
On the island of Naxos in particular, the Promponas family has been turning citrus, the fragrant fruit that grows on the island’s fertile land, into a true craft. From aromatic, sweet liqueurs and spirits to exquisite, handcrafted sweets, their products showcase exceptional quality and flavour, constantly evolving with new creations. Since 1915, the distillery has been a family tradition, now carried on by the 4th and 5th generations. With the same passion and dedication as the founder, the Prombonas family not only creates outstanding products but also welcomes every visitor with a warm smile and genuine hospitality.
A few days ago, the family run business celebrated 110 years of distillation history, tradition, artistry, passion and dedication to high-lightening the unique, rich and aromatic character of the beloved product of Naxos’ land. A lively and moving cocktail party -citrus spirits cocktails of course-that took place at the beautiful yard between the citrus orchard and the old distillery, was the way the Promponas Distillery unfolded the story of its unique spirits and introduced the guests to the essence and taste of Greek hospitality. That way, October the 4rth was a night when tradition and the island’s distinctive flavours blended into a wonderful symphony.
- Visiting the Promponas store in Naxos’ Chora
Undoubtedly one of the most elegant shops on the island of Naxos, Promponas is a feast for the senses. Beautifully curated by the owners themselves, every corner reflects their attention to detail and love for what they do. The large, hand-painted map -now a landmark in Chora- welcomes visitors and guides them through the locations of the family’s citrus orchards. Inside the spacious, corner shop, the tasting possibilities are endless. Traditional delights like «loukoum»i and citrus-infused treats evoke childhood summer memories, while dried citrus peels, «pasteli», and almond sweets make the perfect healthy snack for a day at the beach. Their famous spoon sweets and jams are ideal accompaniments for ice cream, yogurt, or breakfast. Standout favourites include the best-selling cherry spoon sweet -crispy, juicy, and versatile enough to pair with anything. Aromatic citrus peels are also a must-try, perfect with cheese platters, cocktails, or as an ingredient in cakes and desserts.
Where the family truly shines though, is in their liqueurs. Produced at the family distillery using the same traditional methods since 1915, they offer three varieties made from citrus leaves: white, green, and a special double-distilled version, all delicious served chilled or in signature cocktails. Add to that the new Ariadne liqueur, made from citrus fruit this time, Ouzo, Kitromelo with its rich sweetness, the original citrus-infused Raki, Tsipouromelo with Naxian mountain herbs, homemade lemonades and sour cherry drinks, and the new fragrant Limoncello made from their own orchard lemons. It’s easy to see why Promponas is the ultimate destination for authentic, traditional Naxian products.
- The Tasting Tour at the estate
One of the most unique gastronomic experiences in Naxos, the Promponas estate tasting tour offers a truly delightful journey through the family’s distillery and a rare opportunity to discover one of Cyclades’ most beloved products. Reservations can be made directly at the shop and guests can choose between three experiences: one focused on the family’s liqueurs and other spirits -always accompanied by their exquisite sweets and carefully selected treats, another that also includes a tasting of the wines produced by this versatile family and a third, really fun one, which includes all of the above and also a lively cocktail-making class. The cocktail-making experience takes place at the estate’s spacious courtyard bar, crafted from old distillation barrels, where classic cocktails get a creative twist. Here, all participants become friends and each becomes a bartender, wearing an apron and crafting their own cocktail, using a personal kit, complete with recipes, spirits, matching glassware, and even garnishes to perfectly decorate the drinks. In the end, in a party-feel atmosphere, guests try their creations, sipping a citrus-infused Negroni paired with a small loukoumi for the perfect match, a Moscow Mule transformed into a Greek-inspired Citron Mule, served in a copper mug with a slice of dried citrus, or a Citron Passion cocktail, playfully paired with a vanilla-infused loukoumi.
And who better to tell the story of citron than the Promponas family themselves, especially the younger generations, who effortlessly share their enthusiasm and love for this Naxian treasure with professionalism and genuine Greek hospitality? Set in the shaded courtyard between the distillery and the small orchard of 100 citrus trees just outside Chora, the space is a true celebration of the senses and every detail is carefully prepared to offer a complete, immersive, and satisfying tasting experience. Starting with a refreshing homemade lemonade in hand, visitors can explore the estate, see the trees up close, admire their blossoms and fruits, pick and smell the fragrant leaves. They also learn how they are processed, why the trees are intentionally kept low and the reason that the citrus leaves are harvested only after the first heavy rain of October -a fascinating insight into the family’s time-honored methods.
the old distillery
After gaining a first impression of citrus, the tour continues at the distillery, where leaves from all the family orchards across the island are brought together to enter the stills and begin the single or double distillation process. Alongside the explanations we have the chance to watch an informative video and connect with the real story of the distillery through a carefully preserved collection of objects spanning over 110 years of history. Guests are taken on a nostalgic journey through old bottles and original packaging, black-and-white photographs, posters, portraits and personal items of the founder and family members who dedicated their lives to celebrating citrus. Photos from the present day -joyful depictions of people of all ages participating in various stages of harvesting and production- bring the story back to today, signaling the perfect moment to return to the courtyard and fill the glasses with the distillery’s renowned spirits.
In a true feast for the senses a variety of liqueurs and spirits is paired with carefully selected treats that enhance their flavours. Aromatic, juicy jams spread on crisp breadsticks, olives and olive pastes accompany sweet ouzo, and stemmed glasses filled with white, green, and yellow citron distillates are complemented by local almond sweets, loukoumi, halva pies, stuffed figs, and intensely flavoured dried citrus peels. During the wine tasting in particular, guests sample the island’s famous cheeses alongside delicious cured meats, and savour the grapes from which their white, rosé, and red wines are made. To finish, a chilled, aromatic, and digestive Limoncello that rivals even the famous Italian version is offered. In a cheerful atmosphere, glasses clink in genuine warmth and smiles come naturally. Before you know it, two rich hours will have passed, filled with flavour, fascinating insights, and an appreciation for the treasures of the island’s land, but also for the passion and the respect of tradition that has made Promponas Distillery a classic name in genuine Naxian products.
