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Sherman A1

(38,958 posts)
Tue Jul 2, 2013, 03:48 AM Jul 2013

July 2: National Anisette Day



Anisette is an anise-flavored liqueur that is consumed mainly in Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France. It is colorless and, unlike some other anise-based liqueurs, contains no licorice.[1] It is sweeter than most anise-flavoured liqueurs.

True anisette is produced by means of distilling aniseed.[2] Pastis, a similar-tasting liqueur, is made by maceration, using a combination of aniseed and licorice.

The liqueur has a powerful flavour when drunk straight, and can even produce irritation to the throat if not taken slowly due to its high alcoholic content. In mixed drinks, however, it produces a sweet agreeable flavour. It is often mixed simply with water, where it produces a milky white consistency. That mixture is called in Spanish speaking countries “palomita”. All the liqueur has to be dropped into very cold water at the same moment. Pouring it from a bottle even quickly does not produce the same result. A very white liquid denotes that a good anisette has been used. A “palomita” with just a drop of anisette can be drunk as a refreshing drink.

The sugar is added in as a syrup. Marie Brizard is a well-known producer of Bordeaux-style anisette. Anís del Mono is a Spanish brand. Sambuca is Italy's version of anisette. Pastis, commonly drunk in France, is flavored with both anise and liquorice.[3]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anisette
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