Thermal cracking is a common distress type for asphalt pavements in cold regions, preventing this distress requires a thorough understanding of the parameters controlling performance of asphalt mixtures and their components at low temperatures. In this study a simple and cost effective test method, suitable for testing low temperature cracking performance of bitumens and mastics, is proposed. The proposed Annular Restrained Cold Temperature Induced Cracking (ARCTIC) test, relies on constrained thermal contraction of specimens around a rigid cylinder to induce thermal stresses in the specimens. Acoustic emission is used to detect the moment of thermal crack initiation. The ARCTIC test is used presently to characterize thermal crack-ing resistance of two bitumens and two mastics. Measurements repeatability is evaluated and the results indicate that the ARCTIC test may provide a practical alternative for evaluation of the low temperature performance of bitumens and mastics.