What is anise spirit?
Anise spirits, also known as aniseed, is the umbrella term for different spirits with an anise aroma. Among the most important anise spirits are pastis, ouzo, raki and arak. The production methods and drinking traditions differ depending on the origin of the spirits. If you dilute aniseed, you can observe the so-called louche effect, where the spirit takes on a milky colour.
The history of anise spirit
Historians are convinced that a primitive type of anise spirit has existed for at least 2500 years. Back then, it was common to add anise fruits to distilled wines in the Middle East. The anise spirit that was produced back then is regarded as the predecessor of arak.
It took until the 15th century AC before people in other regions had the idea to create spirits with an anise aroma. Among these regions are present-day France, Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria. In all of these countries, a traditional anise spirit exists today.
What types of aniseeds exist today?
Arak
Arak (not to be confused with arrack, a type of rice brandy) is, as mentioned above, the aniseed with the longest history. Usually, the spirit is consumed with water or ice, however it can also be used in mixed drinks. In the last few years, the popularity of arak has risen quite a bit thanks to its affordable price in the Middle East.
Ouzo
Ouzo is one of the most popular anise spirits in the world and has its origins in Greece. Although ouzo has been produced since the 15th century, it took until the 20th century before it took over Europe. Besides anise, ouzo often contains other spices and herbs like fennel or coriander. Although ouzo is known as an aperitif in many Central European countries, the spirit is exclusively imbibed as a digestif in Greece.
Pastis
The French pastis is an anise spirit as well. However, compared to arak, ouzo and raki, pastis is a relatively new invention. Indeed, the spirit, which, besides anise, can contain sugar, liquorice, fennel and other herbs, was first produced in the beginning of the 20th century.
Initially the drink was more or less invented as a reaction to the absinthe ban in 1915: In order to replace the forbidden herbal spirit, farmers had the idea to distil anise and other herbs to create a similarly tasting spirit.
Today, pastis is usually consumed with water. Typically, five to six parts of water are mixed with one part pastis.
Besides arak, ouzo and pastis, anise spirits like the Turkish raki and the Bulgarian Masticha exist. These are, however, less popular in Central Europe.
Anise liqueurs
Anise spirits, which contain at least 100 g sugar per litre, are regarded as anise liqueurs. Among the most popular liqueurs with an anise aroma are Sambuca, Hierbas and Paxtaran. Pastis is often mixed with sugar as well and can then resemble a liqueur.
Which special anise spirit brands are on the market?
Anise spirits brands are as diverse as the countries they’re from. The most popular brands include Ouzo Plomari, Pastis 51, Pernod and Ricard.
Anise spirit at Gustero
At Gustero, we offer a selection of high-quality anise spirits from different countries. Discover the world of aniseed and try classics like the Pernod Paris Anisée or the popular Pastis 51!
