What’s a Substitute for Pastis? The Answer!

You’ve seen Pastis if you’ve ever walked the streets of Paris or sat in a French caf after twilight.

Pastis is a French liquor with an anise or black licorice flavor. It’s popular as an afternoon aperitif in the south of France.

It gets its taste from licorice and star anise–sometimes fennel–and the result is a herbaceous and fragrant spirit that goes well with a carafe of cold water.

What’s a Substitute for Pastis?

Pastis has a unique taste, but Pernod, especially a herbal-flavored Pernod manufactured by Sazerac called Herbsaint, is an excellent alternative. Because Pastis is an anise liqueur and a relative of ouzo and sambuca, these may also be suitable alternatives. Anisette and Absinthe are two licorice or anise-flavored liqueurs that may work, or you may use a flavorless liquor like vodka and infuse it with aniseed or anise essential oil.

Want to learn more about the finest Pastis substitute? Continue reading!

Drinking and Enjoying Pastis

There is a traditional manner to drink Pastis that distinguishes it from other aperitifs and cocktails.

To consume, Pastis must be diluted with water; otherwise, it tastes harsh and astringent.

In general, one part Pastis to five or more parts water yields a pleasant ratio that creates the ideal sip.

If you want to keep it old-school, make sure the water is really cold and serve the Pastis in a balloon glass.

You may keep the water chilled by adding ice, but don’t put ice straight in your Pastis because it will crystallize.

Some people like to drink the Pastis plain, with a carafe of ice water on the side, while others prefer a tall, icy glass of water with a snifter or shot glass of Pastis on the side- the option is yours.

This enables the drinker to dilute and blend their Pastis to the appropriate strength, since too much Pastis may taste astringent and drying on the tongue.

When combined with water, the Pastis may turn foggy and opaque.

A standard serving of Pastis has about the same amount of alcohol as a can of beer or a glass of red wine.

Suitable Substitutes for Pastis

While Pastis is a unique spirit, it may not be accessible everywhere. In these cases, you may need to locate an appropriate aperitif alternative.

When you consider some of the fundamental characteristics of Pastis, such as the fact that the alcohol is macerated rather than distilled, any anise liqueur will not suffice.

Furthermore, Sambucca, Pastis’s near relative, is sweet–perhaps too sweet to be a suitable alternative in certain recipes and applications.

Pernod is similar to Pastis, but considerably more readily accessible and adaptable.

When it comes to drinking or in a range of foods and recipes, Pernod is an excellent alternative for Pastis.

Both taste like black licorice and have an anise scent.

Pernod should be served neat with cold water on the side, not drunk neat. It has a strong flavor and should be diluted to taste by the individual drinking it.

Until your taste buds adjust to the flavor, some mixologists suggest one part Pastis to five parts water.

In terms of food, Pernod may be substituted for Pastis in a variety of recipes, most notably the region’s famed Bouillabaisse fish stew.

Pastis is significantly more robust and flavorful than Pernod, thus you may need to use a little extra Pernod when substituting.

Frequently Asked Questions About What’s a Substitute for Pastis