Ricard Pastis de Marseille Apéritif Anisé

Ricard Pastis de Marseille is one of the best known aniseed aperitifs from France, introduced in 1932 by Paul Ricard and produced in Marseille. It is built on a careful blend of star anise, liquorice extract and aromatic herbs from Provence, its character created through natural maceration. Bottled at 45%, it has a powerful but harmonious intensity that is meant to be released with water.

The nose is intense aniseed and fennel with a fine herbal spiciness and a slight sweetness, while the palate is full bodied and strong with dominant aniseed rounded by liquorice and herbal nuances, finishing long, refreshing and slightly spicy. Like other anise spirits it turns cloudy when diluted, which is central to how it is served. The classic preparation is one part pastis to five parts cold water over ice, which opens the full flavour into a long, refreshing aperitif. It pairs naturally with Mediterranean food and suits a bright, anise led aperitif moment.