Anisette Liqueur Origin
An alcoholic beverage potent on the palate yet there lingers a sweet subtle licorice taste. The liqueur has a crystal-clear appearance. The star ingredient used to create this spirit is known as aniseed (Pimpinella anisum). It is an herb relative to the parsley family. It has no relation to star anise or licorice plant.
The use of anise seed has many purposes that have been documented back to ancient Egypt, 1,500 B.C. The primary cultivation of this plant is for its fruits (seeds). The seeds are traditionally distilled making use of the oils to create the Anisette liqueur and anise-based mixed liqueur.
Anisette liqueur is best enjoyed after indulging in a savory meal. It pairs well with food such as carrots, feta cheese, goat cheese, lemons, pineapple, salmon, shrimp, mussels, and oysters. Consider this drink as a relaxing nightcap that will definitely aid in your digestion process. One of the major reasons why it is highly consumed by the natives within the Mediterranean region such as France, Italy, and Spain.
Straight Or Mixed
Most will choose to enjoy Anisette liqueur as a straight shot which is about 1.5 ounces with the addition of three coffee beans. The coffee bean is a representation of wealth, happiness, and health. They are blessings a person would receive after consuming the drink. There is a belief by many that using even numbers will bring bad luck. So, you will see three coffee beans or three ice cubes when it is served over ice.
Due to the flavor of its light sweetness, it is often paired with other drinks. Some people may feel the licorice taste may be too overpowering. An alternative option would be to mix the anisette liqueur with a beverage such as coffee, coffee liqueur, crème liqueur, ginger ale, lemon juice, lemonade, orange juice, or orange liqueur.
Below are a few popular drinks that may call for a teaspoon, an ounce, or more of anisette liqueur. such as
- Anisette Cocktail (1 oz anisette liqueur, ½ oz gin, ½ oz whipping cream, ½ oz egg whites shake over ice, strain, and serve in a cordial glass)
- Baltimore Bracer (1 ½ oz anisette liqueur, 1 ½ oz brandy, 1 egg white, shake over ice, strain, and serve in a cocktail glass)
- Mandeville (1 tsp anisette liqueur, 1 oz dark rum,1 oz light rum, ½ oz lemon juice, ½ tsp grenadine syrup, shake over ice, strain, and serve in an old-fashioned glass top with 1 oz Coca-Cola and ice)
- Jenny Concoction (½ oz anisette liqueur, ½ oz orange juice, ½ oz vodka, served in a chilled old-fashioned glass, no ice)
- Silent Broadsider (½ oz anisette liqueur, ½ tsp grenadine, ½ oz lemon juice, 1 ½ oz white rum served over ice top with club soda in a highball glass)
- White Lily Cocktail (1 tsp anisette liqueur, ¾ oz gin, ¾ oz light rum, ¾ oz triple sec, shake over ice, strain, and serve in a cocktail glass)
Substitute
You can replace one tablespoon of anise seed with one teaspoon of anise extract.
Brand Variety
There are a variety of brands that produce anisette liqueur. The most popular brand originating from Bourdeaux, France is Marie Brizard Anisette (ABV 25%/50 Proof) which has a much more balanced profile. Other brands that can be considered more on the sweeter side are Anis Del Mono Anisette Dulce (ABV 36%/72 Proof; produced in Spain), DeKuyper Anisette Liqueur (ABV 30%/ 60 Proof; produced in Kentucky, USA), Hiram Walker Anisette Liqueur (ABV 30%/60 Proof; produced in the USA) Joaquin Anisette (ABV 30%/ 60 Proof; produced in Philadelphia, PA, USA), and Leroux Anisette (ABV 30%/ 60 Proof; produced in Clermont, Kentucky, USA).
Where to Purchase
Most stores that sell wine, hard liquors, and spirits will have Anisette liqueur. Another convenient option is purchasing it through an online retailer. Check out online websites such as Drizly.com, Instacart.com, Totalwine.com (Total Wine & More), Reupliquor.com, and SipWhiskey.com. They deliver right to your front doorstep which cannot get any more convenient.
Anisette liqueur can be purchased in a 750 milliliter or 1 liter bottle. The price range will be $13 to $24.
Therefore, why not go out and buy a bottle? Just make sure to drink responsibly and be the lawful age requirement in your jurisdiction. Mixed it up by creating a new cocktail, ask for a drink at the bar, or recreate a recipe from online that contains anisette liqueur. Online will be your next best way to get your bottle conveniently if applicable in your area.
Note:
Abbreviation
- oz: ounce
- tsp: teaspoon
- ABV: Alcohol By Volume (standardizing measuring of ethanol (alcohol) in a beverage)