Culture & Lifestyle • Liqueur

Pastis

Pastis is a French anise-flavoured apéritif spirit, typically associated with Provence and especially Marseille.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Pastis is a French anise-flavoured apéritif spirit, typically associated with Provence and especially Marseille. It is usually diluted with water before drinking, which makes it turn cloudy white. By legal definition, pastis includes liquorice flavouring and has a minimum alcohol content of 40% ABV, or 45% ABV for pastis de Marseille.

Definition

Pastis is an anise-flavoured spirit and apéritif from France. It is defined legally in France by its anise and liquorice character, low sugar content (less than 100 g/L), and minimum alcohol strength of 40% ABV, or 45% ABV for pastis de Marseille.

History

Pastis developed in France in the early 20th century and is often described as a substitute for absinthe after absinthe was restricted. It became especially associated with Marseille and the wider Provence region, and is strongly linked to southern French drinking culture.

Production and composition

Pastis is made from neutral alcohol flavoured with anise, liquorice, and sometimes other aromatic plants or spices. Different brands may use varying botanical blends, but the drink remains defined by its anise-and-liquorice profile.

Serving and culture

Pastis is usually mixed with cold water before drinking, which causes the drink to turn opaque due to a milky-looking emulsion. It is commonly consumed as a pre-meal apéritif in France, particularly in southern France, and is often served with ice.

Key facts

Pastis is a French apéritif based on anise flavouring and liquorice root.
It is typically served diluted with water, producing a cloudy, milky appearance.
French legal definitions require pastis to contain less than 100 g/L of sugar and a minimum alcohol strength of 40% ABV, or 45% ABV for pastis de Marseille.
Pastis became popular in the 20th century and is strongly associated with southern French drinking culture.
The word pastis is commonly explained as meaning “mixture” in Provençal.

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Canadian context

Pastis is available in Canada through imported spirits and is of interest mainly as a French aperitif found in bars, restaurants, and specialty liquor retailers.

Frequently asked questions

What is pastis?

Pastis is a French anise-flavoured apéritif spirit, usually associated with Provence and Marseille.

Why does pastis turn cloudy when water is added?

The drink becomes cloudy when diluted with water because its flavour compounds form a milky-looking emulsion.

What does pastis taste like?

It is typically described as having a strong anise flavour, with liquorice notes and sometimes additional herbal or spicy flavours.

How is pastis usually served?

It is usually served diluted with water, often with ice, rather than neat.

Is pastis the same as absinthe?

No. Pastis is a different spirit, though it is often compared to absinthe because both are anise-flavoured and both are linked to French drinking culture.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pastis
Supports: General definition, legal alcohol and sugar requirements, and serving characteristics.
Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pastis
Supports: French-language description of ingredients, including anise and liquorice, and traditional composition.
BBC Travel — https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250207-pastis-the-french-cocktail-born-from-a-banned-spirit
Supports: Historical context linking pastis to the period after absinthe restrictions and its role as an aperitif in France.
Atout France — https://www.france.fr/en/article/secrets-pastis/
Supports: French origin, cultural associations, and etymology relating to the idea of a mixture.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricard_(liqueur)
Supports: Example of a major pastis brand and its Marseille origin.