KLEOS is a better-for-you, low cal, low sugar, low-ABV botanical spirit made from the ancient Greek superfood mastiha, a protected designation of origin (PDO) ingredient that is the resin of the Skinos tree, which only grows in 24 villages in the southern part of the Greek island of Chios.
Mastiha offers healing properties, making it the ultimate aperitif/digestif. It’s also absolutely fabulous in cocktails – dubbed “bartender’s olive oil” for its versatility. KLEOS is the only double-distilled, small batch, low in sugar, luxury, and woman-owned mastiha brand on the market. At only 110 cals, 4g in 2 full ounces, KLEOS is balanced enough to be consumed on the rocks, used as a base spirit, and its low sugar content makes it an optimal ingredient for mixology. The double distillation and complex production process, creates a refined, aromatic, and layered distillate.
As spring-time is upon us, check out some KLEOS cocktails to keep you tipsy all season long!
Cheers!
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ANCIENT GREEK APERITIF
Ancient Greek Aperitif is a type of spritz served in a wine glass with ice and feta and olive garnish. A refreshing twist on the spritz that uses the umami qualities of olive brine, and the Mediterranean flavors of KLEOS, to lure you into a great alternative to the Aperol spritz. A perfect happy hour companion! (125 calories, 6g sugar)
INGREDIENTS
2 parts KLEOS Mastiha Spirit (1 part= 1 oz, or 30ml)
1 bar spoon Greek olive brine
London Essence Rosemary Grapefruit Tonic
METHOD
Pour KLEOS and Olive brine over ice
Top with London Essence Tonic
Garnish with a Greek Olive
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CAN’T ELOPE
Enjoyed frozen or on the rocks, this cocktail will make you think about spring weddings filled with dancing, music, and happiness. And if you’ve never used cantaloupe in a cocktail, you’re in for a real treat!
INGREDIENTS
1 part KLEOS Mastiha Spirit
1 part vodka
1⁄2 part simple syrup
1⁄4 part fresh lemon juice
1⁄4 part fresh lime juice
6 fresh tarragon leaves
4 1-inch cubes of cantaloupe
METHOD
Muddle cantaloupe with tarragon.
Add remaining ingredients and shake vigorously.
Double strain over ice into a highball glass.
Garnish with a tarragon sprig and cantaloupe balls.
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KLEO-PATRA
KLEO-Patra Cocktail uses basil leaves and lemon over crushed ice in a tall glass. An alternative to a mojito. Adopted from the modern classic cocktail “The Med”, created by the demigod credited with Greece’s cocktail renaissance, Michael Menegos. Like Plato and Socrates, you can find him in Athens’ best watering holes waxing poetic on government, philosophy, food, and drink. (110 Calories, 4g Sugar)
INGREDIENTS
2 parts KLEOS Mastiha Spirit
1⁄2 part fresh lemon juice
4 basil leaves
METHOD
Shake all ingredients vigorously.
Strain over fresh crushed ice in a highball.
Garnish with a lemon wheel and basil leaf.
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