The Calorie Breakdown of Mastiha Liqueur
When determining how many calories in a shot of mastiha, the primary factor is the specific brand and its formulation. Unlike unflavored spirits, which derive all their calories from alcohol, mastiha is a liqueur. This means it has added sugar, which contributes significantly to its total calorie count. Therefore, different brands will have different nutritional profiles.
For example, Kleos Mastiha Spirit is marketed as a lower-calorie and lower-sugar option. A 2-ounce serving of Kleos has 110 calories, which translates to approximately 55 calories per fluid ounce. A standard US shot is 1.5 fluid ounces, putting a shot of Kleos at around 82.5 calories. Other brands, which may be sweeter or have a different alcohol by volume (ABV), could have a higher calorie count per shot. Always check the nutritional information or brand website for the most accurate details.
Key Factors Influencing Mastiha's Caloric Content
Several elements contribute to the final calorie count of your mastiha shot. Understanding these factors can help you make more informed choices, especially if you are monitoring your caloric intake.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
Alcohol itself is a significant source of calories, containing approximately 7 calories per gram. As with any spirit, a higher ABV will result in a higher calorie count. Mastiha liqueurs generally have an ABV ranging from around 24% to 30%, which is lower than many standard distilled spirits but higher than most wines. The alcohol content is a fundamental part of the caloric equation.
Sugar Content
As a liqueur, mastiha is sweetened. The amount of sugar added directly impacts the calorie count. Some modern brands, like Kleos, deliberately formulate their product with less sugar to appeal to health-conscious consumers, leading to a lower overall calorie count. Traditional or older recipes may be sweeter and, consequently, higher in calories.
Serving Size
A standard shot size can vary, but is typically 1.5 fluid ounces in the United States. In some regions, a shot may be smaller (e.g., 1 ounce) or larger. If a calorie count is provided for a 2-ounce serving, as with Kleos, adjusting the math for your standard shot size is necessary to get an accurate number.
Mastiha vs. Other Popular Liqueurs: A Calorie Comparison
To put mastiha's calories into perspective, here is a comparison with other common liqueurs and spirits, based on a 1.5 fluid ounce (45 ml) serving. Please note that values are approximate and can vary by brand.
| Beverage | Approx. Calories (1.5 oz) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mastiha (e.g., Kleos) | ~80-85 | Lower in sugar than many liqueurs. |
| Vodka (80 proof) | ~96-100 | Pure spirits contain no sugar or carbs. |
| Coffee Liqueur | ~160 | High sugar content significantly increases calories. |
| Irish Cream Liqueur | ~153 | Contains fat from cream in addition to high sugar content. |
| Crème de Menthe | ~186 | Can be very high in sugar. |
Mindful Consumption and Cocktails
If you enjoy mastiha but are mindful of your caloric intake, several strategies can help you enjoy it responsibly.
Simple Ways to Reduce Calories in Mastiha Drinks:
- Serve it Neat or On the Rocks: Enjoying mastiha without any mixers is the most direct way to control the calorie count. The only calories will be from the liqueur itself.
- Mix with Low-Calorie Additives: For cocktails, opt for low-calorie or zero-calorie mixers. Examples include soda water, light tonic, or a splash of fresh lemon juice.
- Use as a Flavoring Agent: In cocktails, use mastiha sparingly as a flavorful modifier rather than a base spirit. This adds a unique taste without adding excessive calories.
Low-Calorie Mastiha Cocktail Ideas:
- Mastiha Soda: A shot of mastiha topped with ice and soda water, garnished with a lemon twist or mint leaf.
- Mastiha 'n' Tonic (light): Mastiha with a diet tonic water and a cucumber slice for a refreshing, low-cal spritz.
- Mastiha & Lemon: Simply combine mastiha with fresh-squeezed lemon juice and serve over ice. The citrus cuts the sweetness beautifully.
The Greek Story Behind Mastiha
Mastiha, or mastic, is a resin derived from the Pistacia lentiscus tree, which is cultivated exclusively on the Greek island of Chios. This unique resin is harvested through a traditional, labor-intensive process where incisions are made in the tree bark, allowing the resin to slowly drip out as “tears.”
Production of the liqueur involves distilling the collected mastiha tears with a fine-quality alcohol in copper stills. The resulting spirit is then blended with sugar and water, and the exact proportions of these ingredients are where brand-specific variations in calorie and sugar content emerge. The centuries-old tradition of harvesting and producing mastiha on Chios has been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Mastiha Production Process
- Incisions: During the summer, craftsmen make shallow cuts in the bark of the mastic trees.
- Crying Tears: The mastic resin slowly trickles out and solidifies into crystals, which are called 'tears'.
- Collection & Cleaning: The tears are collected and meticulously cleaned by hand by local women.
- Distillation: The clean mastic tears are distilled with high-quality alcohol to capture the aromatic essence.
- Blending: The distillate is combined with sugar and water according to the brand's specific recipe.
- Bottling: The finished liqueur is bottled and prepared for distribution.
Conclusion
For those concerned about caloric intake, a shot of mastiha is a moderate choice compared to many other liqueurs. While the specific calorie count can vary by brand and its sugar content, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of a modern, low-sugar mastiha like Kleos is typically around 80-85 calories. This makes it a great option for a unique, flavorful cocktail or an after-dinner digestif, especially when served neat or with a low-calorie mixer like soda water. Understanding the role of both alcohol and sugar in its composition is key to managing your intake, and brands like Kleos provide a transparent option for health-conscious consumers.
For more on the cultural heritage of mastiha production, you can visit the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site.
