Anisette

Few would have thought that a member of the parsley family could be used to make an outstanding liqueur, yet anisette is just that.

the anise plant, a member of the parsley family, produces anise seeds, which are used to make the outstanding liqueur anisette, a liqueur based on the oil from the seeds.

What is anisette? Just an anise flavored liquor?

This herbal and sweet liqueur has been enjoyed for centuries. Traditionally, anisette is made by infusing alcohol with anise seeds, along with other herbs and spices. The result is a clear or slightly yellow-colored liqueur with a distinctly strong licorice flavor. It's often served as an aperitif before meals or as a digestif after dinner to aid in digestion.

Anisette is part of a broader category of anise spirits. Popular in many countries in Europe, such as Italy, Portugal and Spain, anisette was given birth in France. When it comes to making fine alcoholic beverages the French are nothing if not inventive, no? They created a sweet liqueur by grinding more than a dozen different types of seed into a neutral spirit. They combined it with syrup and let it distill until it reached 25% ABV (alcohol by volume).

Some variations of anisette use star anise as a key ingredient.

That lower alcohol content has many advantages. While 80 proof (40% ABV) scotch whisky is no doubt a delight, it can be a bit much for an after dinner drink sometimes. But wine, with only 8-12%, sometimes isn't quite enough, delightful as the taste may be. Anisette comes in right down the middle to provide the perfect ending to a fine meal.

That perfect ending is possible, of course, only because anisette delivers a perfect taste for some occasions. Naturally, no one would argue too strenuously that it is only appropriate after dinner. After a hard day’s work, after a vigorous horseback ride, or just after 3 o’clock on Saturday because you feel like it are all good times for an ounce. The sweet taste of anisette makes it a popular choice for an after-dinner drink.

Because it is a drink for individuals, preference rules in how it should be served. Room temperature is preferred by some. Others will want it chilled to 40ºF (4ºC) for about 1/2 an hour. If you can wait that long! Still others will prefer it poured slowly over exactly three ice cubes in a small glass. There’s nothing magic about the number of cubes, but individuals will insist on having it their own way, you know.

If the licorice taste and 50 proof level strikes an individual as a little too strong, anisette also makes for a perfect ingredient in a mixed drink. Individuals will readily appreciate some of the interesting names for cocktails made with this clear, sweet spirit.

Pre-made liqueurs like Galliano contain anisette. But a Russian roulette or a Dubonnet royal are more than just terrific names for a cocktail. They’re a treat at any time of the day.

To make a Russian roulette is simplicity itself. Simply pour a 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of Kahlua into a liqueur glass. Add 1/2 oz of Vodka, followed by an ounce of anisette. Stir gently.

One of the most famous ways to enjoy anisette is in the classic French drink, the French connection. This cocktail combines equal parts anisette and cognac, served over ice or neat. It's a simple yet sophisticated drink that showcases the unique flavor of anisette, and it is not the only one, there are many cocktail recipes that feature anisette.

Anisette is also commonly used in cooking and baking. Its distinct flavor adds depth and complexity to dishes such as cookies, cakes, and savory sauces. Anise extract, which is made from anisette, can also be found in many baked goods recipes.

Indeed, making anisette itself isn’t hard and the truly go-their-own-way person will regard it as an adventure.

Just gather some anise seeds from plants near the Mediterranean. Ooops… Wait. Not feasible for everyone. Fine, just buy them. Grind them up using a pestle and mortar, making sure the oil is well spread. Pour a quart - one liter - of 80 proof pure grain alcohol - or substitute Vodka - into an airtight container. Add three ounces of mashed seeds. Leave to stand and the alcohol will get the desired aniseed flavor.

To read all about spirits, of the earthly kind, the introduction to spirits is the first step.