The word 'mostaccioli' comes from the Latin 'mustaceum', meaning 'made with must'. Mostaccioli are a typical sweet of southern Italy, particularly of the Campania region, which is prepared with grape must, flour, honey, nuts, spices and various flavourings. The shape of mostaccioli varies according to local tradition, but they are generally hard, crunchy biscuits, often diamond- or rhombus-shaped. The word 'mostaccioli' was therefore chosen as the name for this cake because grape must is one of the main ingredients used in its preparation.