Ricard Pastis de Marseille

I was recommended this liqueur by one of the guys at my local liquor store for a refreshing hot-weather drink. He said to mix one oz of Pastis with 6 oz of very cold water and stir until the glass gets cold and drink. If you like star-anise or black licorice you will love this drink, but if you don't this is not a pleasant drink. My mother-in-law, however, loves it during the summer. It is all about personal tastes. I do use this to wash my cup when making a Sazerac so it does have other uses. I do believe that liqueurs like this have a place in a well-stocked bar but a little goes a long way.

Sweet anise liquor, with some astringent herbal depth and a good alcohol whoosh mouth to nose. Louches with water-- the way to drink it -- but also good as a sweeter substitute for Pernod or absinthe in cocktails.

One of the best summer anise liqueurs there is. Typical french drink. Add water + ice and enjoy a game of petanque.