What are the ingredients of pastis?
While pastis was originally artisanally produced from whole herbs like most spirits at the time of its creation, modern versions are typically prepared by mixing base alcohol with commercially prepared flavorings (essences and/or extracts) and caramel coloring.
Table of Contents
What spirit is pastis?

Pastis is a booze-heavy, anise-flavored spirit and aperitif most commonly produced in the south of France. The spirit generally clocks in at around 40-45% ABV and boasts less than 100 grams per liter of sugar. The name pastis comes from the occitan word for mash-up.
What is the difference between Pernod and pastis?
Pastis and Pernod are both French anise-flavored liqueurs: and the top brands are made by the same company. They’re interchangeable in this drink, and you can even call it a Pastis when it’s made with Pernod.
How do you mix pastis?
You can sometimes add a little bit of spice a little bit fruit to this drink by adding something like grenadine we’re not going to do that today though we’re going to stick with the traditional serve.

What herbs are in pastis?
It contains more than 65 herbs and spices, including mugwort, star anise, centaury, grains of paradise, cardamom, black and white pepper, tonka bean, nutmeg, cloves, garden angelica, cinnamon, lemon balm, sage, rosemary, licorice, thyme, lemon verbena, sweet woodruff, coriander, borage, wall germander, St.
Why does pastis turn white?
The beverages contain approximately 40% alcohol, enough to dissolve the aniseed oil. When the beverage is diluted with water the oil is no longer soluble. This causes tiny droplets in the beverage, which create the white colour.
Is pastis a spirit or liqueur?
Pastis is the name of both an anise-flavored spirit and an easy, satisfying drink that requires no more than adding cold water to that liqueur.
Why was pastis banned?
History of pastis
But with a very high alcohol content and rumours that it induced madness, the French Government banned it in 1915. They also banned alcoholic drinks that were more than 16% proof.
Should you refrigerate pastis?
If you drink it with ice, the ice must be added after the water to avoid crystallization of the anethol in the pastis. Never store pastis in the refrigerator.
Is pastis good for health?
Although anise does have a few health benefits like anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, you may not gain many from drinking pastis. Nevertheless, pastis may help against stomach ulcers, manage your blood sugar levels, and reduce symptoms of depression.
Is pastis good for the stomach?
Pastis is an anise liqueur that calls Marseille home, but soothes stomachs of all nationalities with its peppermint and licorice-like qualities. It’s meant to be mixed with water, so don’t drink it neat for god’s sake. If you take Rennie tablets for indigestion, try just drinking Pastis instead, it’s way more fun.
Is ouzo the same as pastis?
Ouzo (Greek: ούζο, IPA: [ˈuzo]) is a dry anise-flavored aperitif that is widely consumed in Greece. It is made from rectified spirits that have undergone a process of distillation and flavoring. Its taste is similar to other anise liquors like pastis, sambuca, rakı and arak.
Is pastis high in sugar?
Pastis is a booze-heavy, anise-flavored spirit and aperitif most commonly produced in the south of France. The spirit generally clocks in at around 40-45% ABV and boasts less than 100 grams per liter of sugar.
Do you drink pastis before or after a meal?
Two billion glasses of pastis are consumed during the summer! Pastis is an essential drink for the apero, that friendly moment before dinner so important in France. But timing is crucial – you would be oddly observed if you order it after dinner…
What does pastis mean in French?
: a French liqueur flavored with aniseed.
Is sambuca a pastis?
Italian Sambuca is a liqueur meant to be a digestive and pastis contains anis, many herbs and a little sugar making it quite different from its Arabic counterparts.