Pastis

Pastis (from the Provencal Pastís for mixture ) is a spirit of anise originating in France and typically contains 40 to 45 percent alcohol by volume. Basic ingredient was originally anise. Today most native of China and Vietnam, star anise is used. Other ingredients include sugar, fennel seed, licorice root, various other herbs, water and alcohol.

History

Pastis is considered as typically French brandy, above all, it is common in the South of France. In fact, it is a relatively recent development. In March 1915, the production, distribution and consumption of thujone -containing herbs Absynthe, and similar spirits, such as the Anislikören prohibited. In Provence peasants secretly introduced as a replacement for the banned absinthe a " pastiche " ( German: imitation) ago. It was not until 1922 in France, a law was passed which recognized that anise liqueurs are harmless in contrast to absinthe to the alcohol and were allowed again. The alcohol content was originally restricted in France to 30 % by volume. In 1922, the allowed content to 40 vol % in 1938 increased to 45 % by volume. The glycyrrhizic acid must contain at least 0.05 grams per liter and amount may not exceed 0.5 grams per liter. Pastis must not contain more than 100 grams of sugar per liter. His anethole must lie between 1.5 and 2.0 grams per liter.

Variations

Pastis is traditionally drunk with (ice ) water (5-6 parts water to one part pastis ). The dilution thereby occurring ensures that previously dissolved essential oils are insoluble in alcohol. The color of the really dark yellow to bronze-colored brandy beats so in an opalescent, milky white yellow ( louche effect) by. The yellow color of undiluted Pastis is due to artificial colors. There are also colorless Pastis. Some manufacturers such as distillery Janot also lead blue variants in their range.

In addition to the mixture with water, there is also the preparation as a long drink with cola, bitter lemon, champagne or orange juice.

Another popular especially in the south of France version is providing the damage done with water and ice Pastis with a shot of mint syrup which provides additional refreshment. This mixture is called because of the green color as Perroquet ( parrot).

Brands

Well-known trademarks are Ricard or predominantly drunk in the South of France brand Pastis 51 (both in the Pernod Ricard ). The Pernod brand is indeed a Anisée, but no Pastis. Less market shares have the brands Pastis Anilou and Pastis Janot of the company.

The large, more industrial production houses including Casanis and Duval. There are also a considerable number of smaller commercial producers. Mostly it is distilleries that produce anise in addition to the fires, liqueurs and their pastis or aperitif. This development has the major producers animated to offer even a kind of premium line in addition to their standard products.

Pastis de Marseille

As Pastis de Marseille is called pastis with distinct characteristics, which makes them clearly distinguishable from other varieties. The anethole content is 2 grams per liter, the minimum alcohol content is 45 % by volume of the permitted use of flavorings and extracts also differs.