What exactly is pastis?

by Cookthink

Pastis is an anise-seed-flavored liqueur that is a popular apéritif in southeastern France. It is similar to Pernod, which is made in northern France. Pastis is actually a watered-down version of absinthe, which was considered "madness in a bottle" and banned in France, in 1915, because the wormwood was thought to cause hallucinations and madness. Manufacturers responded by stripping absinthe of wormwood, upping the anise flavor and sugar and lowering the alcohol content. But licorice-y pastis is still very strong; to drink it, you dilute it with cold water -- and ice if you like it extra-cold -- which turns it cloudy. When used in cooking, pastis lends a licorice note, particularly to seafood dishes. Note: Pastis is also a word for pastries made in southwestern France. Recipe: Pastis Negroni (Cookthink) Recipe: Pastis-Flamed Shrimp (Cookthink)