Pastis
Also known as: anise aperitif
In short
Pastis is France's answer to the absinthe ban: anise with a note of liquorice, classically diluted with water, the aperitif of the south. We explain the story after the ban and how the milky cloud gets into the glass.
In depth
What is pastis?
Pastis is an anise spirit with star anise and a note of liquorice, classically around 40 to 45 percent ABV. It is never served neat: water belongs to it, classically about one part pastis to five parts water.
From the ban to pastis
After the absinthe ban of 1915, France needed a replacement for the green hour. In 1932, Paul Ricard released his pastis, "the true pastis from Marseille", and the south had its aperitif. The house of Pernod, previously an absinthe producer, switched sides as well.
The louche
When you pour water into pastis, it turns milky, which is called the louche. The anise oils are dissolved in the alcohol, the water pushes them out and makes the drink milky. You see the same phenomenon with ouzo and in the absinthe ritual.
Remember this one
"Absinthe brings the ritual, pastis the afternoon, ouzo the evening."
At our lounge
The afternoon in a glass: ask us whether a pastis is on our shelves, classically with water and time.