From its intriguing history steeped in tradition to its mesmerizing licorice-like flavor, anisette liqueur has captivated palates for centuries. Join us today as we raise a glass of this potent spirit to National Anisette Day. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a curious explorer, this blog is your guide to learning something new about anisette, from its incredible taste to its versatile applications (like anisette cookies!). Let’s dive right in, shall we?

What Is Anisette?

Derived from a neutral spirit and flavored with the anise plant, this spirit has a distinct, robust flavor profile. Dating back centuries, anisette holds a prominent place in culinary traditions around the world, renowned for its versatility and wide range of applications.

What Does Anisette Liqueur Taste Like?

Anisette boasts a distinct and captivating flavor profile that sets it apart from other spirits. The predominant taste of anisette is reminiscent of licorice, with pronounced sweet and aromatic notes. It offers a balance between herbal and sweet, with a subtle warmth and a hint of spiciness. The licorice-like flavor is often described as smooth and soothing, with a touch of sweetness that lingers on the palate.

The complexity of anisette’s taste can vary depending on the brand and production methods, with some variations offering subtle hints of citrus, herbs, or even floral undertones.

Are Anisette and Absinthe the Same?

While both spirits taste like licorice, they are not the same.

Anisette is a liqueur that is flavored predominantly with anise seeds. It has a pronounced licorice-like taste and is typically sweetened. Anisette is often clear or slightly yellowish in color and has a lower alcohol content, usually around 25% to 30% ABV (alcohol by volume). It is commonly enjoyed as a digestif or used in cocktails and culinary applications.

On the other hand, absinthe is a distilled spirit known for its strong herbal and anise flavor profile. It is made using a variety of botanicals, including wormwood, anise, and fennel. Absinthe has a higher alcohol content, usually ranging from 45% to 74% ABV. It is traditionally green in color due to the presence of chlorophyll from the botanicals, but clear absinthe varieties also exist. Absinthe is often diluted with water and consumed by slowly dripping cold water over a sugar cube placed on an absinthe spoon.

Are Anisette and Anise Extract the Same?

While these can both be used in baking, they are not the same thing. Anisette is meant to be a sipping liqueur, while anise extract is a high potency extract, much like vanilla or peppermint extracts. 

Substituting Anisette for Anise Extract: Ratio

If a recipe calls for anise extract, but you’d rather use anisette, your ratio is as follows:

1 tsp anise extract = 1-2 tbsp anisette liqueur. 

This is, obviously, a pretty large range, so go based on what kind of flavor profile you want in your dish or dessert.

What’s the History of Anisette?

The history of anisette traces back centuries, with roots deeply embedded in various cultures around the world. The origins of anisette can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Greece, where the anise plant was cultivated for its medicinal and culinary purposes. Anise-flavored beverages were used mainly for their potential digestive and therapeutic properties.

During the Middle Ages, anisette gained popularity in Europe, particularly in France and Italy. Monastic orders played a significant role in refining the production techniques and spreading the knowledge of anisette; these monks recognized the potential of the anise plant and its seeds, using them to create flavored spirits and elixirs. Over time, the production methods evolved, and anisette began to be distilled to enhance its flavor and potency.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, anisette experienced a surge in popularity as it became a favored choice among artists, writers, and bohemian circles. It became closely associated with the café culture of cities like Paris, where it was enjoyed as an aperitif or a post-meal digestif. Anisette’s reputation continued to grow, and it became an essential ingredient in classic cocktails such as the Sazerac, the French Connection, and the famous Absinthe Frappé.

Today, anisette remains an enduring and beloved liqueur with a rich historical legacy. Its cultural significance and versatility have made it a staple in culinary traditions across the globe, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy its distinctive taste and explore its fascinating history.

When Is National Anisette Day?

National Anisette Day is on July 2nd, every year. Celebrating this holiday might include learning more about the beverage, sharing some anisette with friends and family, trying some delicious anisette cocktails, or simply just baking a batch of anisette cookies! Whatever way you choose to enjoy anisette on National Anisette Day, enjoy yourself!

How Is Anisette Liqueur Made?

Anisette liqueur is made through a process that involves the infusion or distillation of anise seeds or aniseed in alcohol, along with the addition of other ingredients to enhance the flavor and aroma. While specific recipes may vary among different producers, here is a general overview of how anisette liqueur is typically made:

1. Selection of ingredients: anise seeds or aniseed. Some anisettes also use herbs, spices, and sweeteners.
2. Maceration or distillation: the flavorings are either mashed and steeped into the alcohol or distilled along with the alcohol.
3. Sweeting and flavor enhancement: next, ingredients (usually at least sugar) are added to balance out all of the intense flavors.
4. (Optional) Aging: some distillers of anisette choose to age their liqueurs to allow the mellowing of flavors and addition of complexity.
5. Filtration and bottling: finally, the anisette will be filtered to remove sediment and then bottled for consumers to enjoy.

What Are the Most Popular Brands & Variations of Anisette?

Anisette liqueur is produced by various brands around the world, each offering its own distinct flavor profile and variations. Here are some of the most popular brands and variations of anisette:

Marie Brizard

Marie Brizard is a renowned French brand that has been producing anisette since 1755. Their anisette is known for its rich and smooth flavor, with a perfect balance of anise and sweetness.

Ricard

Ricard is a well-known brand from France, famous for its anisette-based aperitif called “Pastis.” It is an anise-flavored spirit that is typically diluted with water to create a refreshing and aromatic drink.

Sambuca

Sambuca is an Italian variation of anisette that is flavored with anise and infused with elderflower. It is often enjoyed as a digestif and is known for its strong licorice taste.

Anís del Mono

This is a Spanish brand that has been producing anisette since the mid-19th century. It is known for its distinctive red label and iconic monkey logo. Anís del Mono offers both clear and sweet versions of anisette.

Anisette di Calabria

Anisette di Calabria is an Italian brand that specializes in anisette liqueur. Their product is made using traditional Calabrian methods, resulting in a rich and flavorful anisette with hints of citrus and spices.

Mistrà

Mistrà is an Italian anisette variation that is commonly enjoyed in the regions of Veneto and Friuli. It is typically consumed as a digestif and is characterized by a stronger and more intense anise flavor compared to regular anisette.

Cocktails Using Anisette Liqueur

Are you ready to mix up some delicious cocktails with anisette? This potent liqueur is sure to elevate your drink-mixing experience. Here are a few recipes for you to use as you explore the unique flavor and versatility of anisette liqueur.

The “Modern Cocktail”

Before you read into this recipe and get confused, hang in there. The list of ingredients for this cocktail look weird, and that’s ok. Somehow, when you mix them all together, they just work. So, if you’re looking for something “different,” certainly start here:

1. Pour 1 ½ oz scotch, ½ oz lemon juice, 1 tsp sugar, 1 ½ oz sloe gin, a dash of anisette, and a dash of orange bitters to a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake well till chilled.
3. Strain into a martini glass.
4. Garnish with maraschino cherries or an orange twist.
5. Enjoy!

The “Cafe De Paris”

This is a drink that’s mostly gin, but it includes a touch of anisette and some thick, foaming ingredients. This gives the drink a light, fluffy texture that you’ll just adore:

1. In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, add 2 oz gin, ½ oz anisette, 1 egg white, and 1 oz heavy cream.
2. Shake the mixture vigorously for at least 20 seconds.
3. Strain into a sour glass.
4. Enjoy!

The Mandeville

If you want something sweet and summer-y without the intense anise flavor, the Mandeville might be the right one for you:

1. Mix 1 oz light rum, 1 oz dark rum, 1 tsp anisette, ½ oz lemon juice, and ½ tsp grenadine in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Strain into an old-fashioned glass with ice, then top with cola.
3. Serve with a straw and enjoy!

The Most Famous Recipe That Uses Anisette Liqueur: Anisette Cookies

One of the greatest ways to use this flavorful liqueur is in anisette cookies. There are many recipes available online, but here is a basic one you can use if you like:

1. Preheat oven to 375 F
2. Combine 4 c flour, 1 c sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder in a large bowl.
3. Make a well in the center of the dry mixture, then add ¾ c vegetable oil, ½ c milk, 2 large eggs, and 4 ½ tbsp anisette.
4. Mix together until a dough forms.
5. Roll into balls, flatten, and place onto a cookie sheet.
6. Bake until the edges are golden, or for about eight minutes.
7. While the cookies are baking, make your glaze: mix 1 c powdered sugar, 1 tbsp hot water, and 1 ½ tbsp anisette.
8. Drizzle glaze over cookies while warm, then let cool all the way.
9. Enjoy!

Distillery Nearby: Your Source for Finding Local, Niche Spirits

Here at Distillery Nearby, we know that it can be tough to find some certain spirits and liqueurs. That’s why we created our online distillery directory, filtered by state. This way, you can quickly and easily see what types of distilleries are near you. This can help you make decisions on what spirits to buy that are more sustainable and local to your area!

To check out our listings for your area, and to see if there are any distilleries that make anisette near you, check out our directory today!