Required fields are marked *. Metaxa is a Greek spirits brand first founded in 1888 by Spyros Metaxa. I hope you find this blog helpful and if you have any questions, feel free to contact me! Use a pitter to remove the pits from cherries to prepare them. Hence, you can enjoy your favorite dessert or drink with a splash of cherry flavor. On the other hand, the thin cherry extract needs a couple of drops to your dish to get the required flavor and taste. Skinos Mastiha Liqueur 70cl / 30% Add to Wishlist. It can even be used as a natural chewing gum (mastic gum). It can not only be mixed in cocktails but it also makes a great ingredient in desserts like fruit trifles. Copyright - Greek Food - Greek Cooking - Greek Recipes by Diane Kochilas Additionally, it has a sweet, nutty flavor with slight bitter notes. Name: "mastiha" is the root word of "masticate," "to chew", Find: Middle Eastern supermarkets, online. HS183. Liqueurs are often flavoured with fruits, nuts, spices, herbs, flowers, cream, peppermint or even chocolate. So, we have a list of substitutes for you to consider if you want a similar flavor. This changed as prominent Greek chefs began using it to light up their dishes, celebrating it as a uniquely Greek culinary product. Its typically served at family gatherings after a long week. They all have the taste of aniseed but keep in mind each product will also have subtle differences. If you're mixing cocktails or following a dessert recipe that calls for Galliano then you can easily find a bottle online or at your local liquor store. The Mediterranean and Latin American cuisine often used anise extract too. I like it because it enhances the overall bland taste of vodka with cherries and adds a bold and tangy flavor to the overall dish. FOS Greek Mastiha Liqueur provided by brand representatives. I also have been doing some research and found the answer to my question but thank you all for your answers. Drop the latke mixture by cup measures into the hot oil, spreading it out to about a half inch thickness. But the undertone flavor of oaky, nutty, and bitter taste will surely be there. Bastani Sonati (Saffron and Rose Water Ice Cream) Recipe, Pagoto Kaimaki: Orchid Ice Cream With Gum Mastic, The 7 Best Mortar and Pestle Sets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, How to Make Thai Green Papaya Salad (Som Tam), Kroeung (Cambodian Marinade and Spice Paste) Recipe. The sap is tapped and then allowed to harden. There is a boutique in New York City that is the official shop of the Cooperative of Growers from the island of Chios. However, its made with spirits that are distilled for additional flavors and ingredients. 12.50. It is a cherry-flavored liqueur that comes from the Marasca cherries and is very famous all around the bars in Croatia from where it originated. Furthermore, it has therapeutic benefits, acting as a natural digestive aid, and it contains only 153 calories in a serving, making it a very low-calorie food. Lime juice (freshly squeezed) document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. In Greek traditional cuisine, mastiha is used in bread-baking and and to give flavor to certain pastries, especially Easter cheese pastries found in the Aegean islands and in cookies, biscuits and koulourakia (Greek Easter cookies). For starters, its the only liqueur to enjoy PDO (Protected Designation of Origin Status) from the European Union. It's a bit resinous. This delicious spirit has been enjoying a powerful comeback in the mixology scene, with Greek bartenders using local ingredients to create inspiring and tasty cocktails recipes.And though mastiha is quite popular in Greece, little is known about it.To learn more about the history of mastiha, read on. It can replace Sambuca in the majority of recipes and cocktails like Sazerac. A liqueur is essentially any alcoholic drink bottled with added sugar. Because of its distinct flavor, it is difficult to replicate, but vanilla succeeds admirably in capturing the clean, grassy, and earthy notes that make mastic so enjoyable. Lets get started! Mastiha or mastic is a rare liqueur produced from the sap of a tree that only exists on the Greek island of Chios, which can be served as an aperitif or as a digestive. As such, Mastiha Chiou (as its known) is a product that is exclusive to Chios in a cultivation tradition that has been included by UNESCO on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The vanilla extract gives a somewhat similar flavor profile to dishes as Sambuca would. It has a pine tree aroma, apparently. Following a 1:10 ratio, mix it with salt or sugar. The cherry-flavored Vodka Absolut is one of the most favorite flavors. Tetteris Distillery is one of the oldest producers of mastiha liqueur. And then theres its central ingredient: Mastiha. It can be added to water for distillation too. Then, set the jar aside with a tight lid and let it age for about eight weeks. Instead, it has a distinct smooth yet intense flavor. Interestingly, the name "Herbsaint" is a near-anagram of the word absinthe. Mastiha trees are only found on the island of Chios, Greece. Hence, it makes for a good substitute for Maraschino liqueur. It is definitely Greeces most exotic spice. 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Generally, it has a clear appearance, but there are red Sambuca variants as well. 32 Mastiha Liqueur Cocktails . The first sip always tastes of varnish to me and after that, I cease to care. Sambuca 742013. Furthermore, it is the best choice for those who want to promote their health and well-being. It is easily identified thanks to its bright yellow color which is packaged in a tall triangle-shaped bottle. More than a century later, there are several companies producing mastiha in this authentic way. Kirsch comes from morello cherries which are kept intact for fermentation. Furthermore, it contains only 110 calories and four grams of sugar in two ounces, with a low caloric content and a low sugar content. Get FREE email alerts. Press Release Nov. 2, 2017 at 10:49 am. Moreover, it also has a bitter and dry taste that gives it the intensity of flavors. Size: Skinos Mastiha Liqueur adopts the very same traditional harvesting and distilling process and creates a unique product. I do have another snag though. Fill glass with more crushed ice and CHURN some more. Sambuca is an Italian liquor that is often difficult to find. Maraschino is one of the widely popular liqueurs in cocktail drinks. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. 4.5 (10 Reviews) Not Available. It has a sweet and bitter taste that resembles Maraschino liqueur. Cherry liqueur covers all the types of cherry-flavored liqueurs from different parts of the world, including Maraschino, Kirsch, and Cherry Heering. Skinos Mastiha 30%. Cook up something in which either "mastic gum" or "fennel seeds" feature as the main spice. Jelly Belly also has a selection of other flavors, as well as delicious classic flavors. Also found in paint and varnishes, mastic is added to such products for its oily properties and color. How else do you explain that, outside Chios, the same tree even if it manages to shed tears produces mastic in very small quantities that is totally odourless? As the authentic liqueur of the Chios Mastiha Growers Association, FOS embodies the very special tradition of mastiha production. Used ground and mixed with sugar or salt, mastiha is great for adding flavor to savory or sugary preparations. Ina large jar you will put the mastic resins, the 20 gr of sugar and the vodka or tsipouro, and you will seal it tightly. 2. This combination will provide a similar flavor profile, although it wont be quite as unique and complex as Mastiha liqueur. And just a side note, some people like adding Sambuca to desserts and frosting as well. Furthermore, it pairs well with both drinks and baking dishes like tarts, pies, cakes, etc. #mastic #mastiha #nature #antibacterial #antivirus #health #chios #greece, #resin #chios #greece #island #elata #history #mastic_tree. Discover Titos Vodka At Sams Club Get Your Favorite Spirits At Competitive Prices! "This is an expression of sun-kissed beta-carotene plants and vegetables and colors," bar director Will Elliot notes, in reference to the . Ouzo is usually added to water and then drunken, although it can also be added to cocktails and sweet dishes. It was light in body and slightly hot, with dark caramel notes and a punchy floral presence. Cranberry juice (sweetened) 1/4 fl oz. You can use Tsipouro in any cocktail as it doesnt have a strong taste. In Greece, mastiha or mastichato is a sweet liqueur produced with the mastika resin from the Greek island of Chios, which is distilled after hardening to crystals. By European law, liqueurs are spirit based, and be of at least 15% alcohol by volume, with at least 100g sugar per litre. There are a number of exceptional mastiha liqueurs on the market that have earned their place on the shelves of bars, not just in Greece but around the world, with Greek bartenders in particular increasingly appreciating its unique aromas. It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and is distinguished by a dark green foliage. 5. Its a technique that involves either distilling the pure crystals in the stills (which is difficult as they stick to the sides as they melt) or with the addition of mastic oil. Orange liqueurs, such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier, can give a tangy yet fruity taste to anything. A REFRESHING VODKA AND CHIAN TANGERINE COCKTAIL FROM FLORIDA. Give the jar a good shake daily. FOS Mastiha Liqueur is made out of 100% pure Mastiha and is not artificially scented. Mastiha has gone from a popular but humble liqueur, served after meals in tavernas, to a key ingredient of some of the best chefs and bartenders in Greece. It's a resin based ingredient with a flavor similar to licorice. Use licorice extract if you're after an alcohol-free option. Blech!! This product is also made from anise seeds; it is less sweet and dryer than Anisette. Liqueurs. Your liqueur will be ready!!! It can be up to 90% alcohol compared to ouzo which is generally 35-40%. Enter your email address below to be notified when this product is available. The CGMGA offers Mastiha liqueur made with both mastic distillate and mastic oil in two different variants: Kentos (20% alcohol) and Enosis (30% alcohol). Mastiha liqueur is one of the many products made from the resin of the Mastiha tree. The company is working to ensure that its candies are gluten-free, and many of its candies contain gluten-free ingredients. It may help treat ulcers pylori bacteria and six other ulcer-causing bacteria, with doses as low as 1 mg per day inhibited by its antibacterial, cytoprotective, and antisecretory properties. Unlike the substitutes mentioned previously, this isnt an Italian drink- Raki is actually a Turkish liquor. It also has a distinct sweet taste that isnt overpowering, making it a delicious addition to any dish. Mastic Tears Classic Mastiha Spirit Liqueur Earn up to 5% back on this product with Caskers Rewards. Check out the website as there is also a recipe section :). The distillation of authentic Mastiha of Chios produces an exceptional liqueur, which encompasses in its taste the tradition and aromas of the land Chios. It comes from a variety of flavors such as almonds, apricots, and peaches with a consistent undertone of cherries and a distinct taste of almonds that resembles Maraschino liquer. Jewels Briggs is a talented bartender and cocktail expert with over 15 years of experience. Liqueur Chios mastiha Chios mastiha is a Greek liqueur that is made with Masticha Chioua resinous sap of the Schinias tree. His chief weaknesses include Green Chartreuse and just about anything in a Nick and Nora glass. Mastiha liqueur is made from resin droplets from the Mastiha tree. It carries with it the spirit of an entire island and its famous tree, which its people have cultivated with imagination for centuries to produce the resin from which so many products are made. The flavor of homemade Maraschino liqueur will be different from the original liqueur. According to the Chios Mastiha Growers Association, mastiha can aid against digestive disorders, displays anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, and is a natural antioxidant. I must confess that I had never heard of mastic before you posed this question, but I did some research for you and found that it tastes slightly piny and slightly like cedar--it was the original chewing gum. What are the best amaro substitutes? Add to cart. What does mastiha liqueur taste like? The intense flavor of fine Raki can overpower your cocktail and entrees. Mastiha has gone from a popular but humble liqueur, served after meals in tavernas, to a key ingredient of some of the best chefs and bartenders in Greece. Careful production and marketing of the uniquely scented resin has seen it gain international recognition for its use in cosmetics, medicine, food and yes the alcoholic drink that is a popular around Greece. However, the world of Hellenic distilling contains multitudes beyond that divisive anise aperitif. SHAKE all ingredients with ice and fine strain into ice-filled glass. This is a potent drink, derived from rectified spirits. This type of gin has a mellow and refined flavor that is ideal for cocktails or as a nightcap. And if you are a Vodka lover, you would know about the different types of Vodka Absolut. Its definitely a good Sambuca replacement for dishes that need a strong aroma. A meal is often followed by the consumption of a sweet liqueur. It is also sweeter than Maraschino. Cherry-flavored vodka has a mild and tart flavor. The profile is gentle pine and anise and the staff at Astor think it would be amazing with almond biscotti. All Rights Reserved. this brings out the delicate aroma and fragrance, its flavor profile is quite similar to Ouzo, the two share a similar flavor and undertone profile, its better to substitute the liquor with, baking cookies and cakes, as well as anise cocktails, cocktails and light drinks with lemon and berries, it wont be wise to add Mastiha to savory foods. If you need to replace Galliano, then the best options are Sambuca, Herbsaint, Anesone, Ouzo, or Raki. Mastiha is a great option whether youre looking to add something new to your favorite cocktail or just like a unique and intriguing flavor. What Is Maraschino Liqueur? I created the neck, cap and curvature of the bottle to evoke a seductive yet elegant package, like that of a Greek Goddess. Mastiha originates from the Greek island of Chio. This is a Greek high-octane brandy distilled from the finest grapes pomaces. Lefteris Lazarou has flavoured his signature fish soup with mastiha in Michelin-starred Varoulko, Christoforos Peskias (of Balthasar) has used it in meat dishes, Stelios Parliaros uses it in chocolates and sweets at the Sweet Alchemy, and even acclaimed Spanish chef Andoni Aduriz has used it in one of his lamb creations at two Michelin-starred Mugaritz near San Sebastian.