Absinthe & Pastis - The finest anisées from France and Germany

Anisées, also known as aniseed drinks, originate mainly from the European Mediterranean countries and have been considered a stylish aperitif for centuries. Probably the best-known aniseed spirit is absinthe, a vermouth spirit that was controversial for a long time as the “green fairy” (la fée verte in French). However, thanks to new laws and the efforts of companies such as Pernod Ricard, absinthe is currently experiencing a renaissance. During the almost 100-year ban on absinthe, pastis became popular as an alternative drink, as it tasted similar to absinthe but did not contain the controversial ingredient thujone. Pastis is traditionally drunk mixed with water, but the perroquet (with mint liqueur) and tomato (with grenadine) versions are also popular, especially in France. Other well-known aniseed spirits are raki, ouzo and sambuca.