Marseille Mint Crush

Cocktail Description

This anise-kissed riff on the classic Mojito trades rum for pastis, giving you a refreshingly herbaceous sipper that tastes like summer in Provence.

The Marseille Mint Crush balances the bold licorice notes of Ricard pastis with bright lime juice, sweet cane syrup, and plenty of fresh mint, all topped with bubbly club soda over crushed ice. You'll get that distinctive French aperitif flavor—think star anise and fennel—mellowed by cooling mint and citrus, making it surprisingly approachable even if you're not typically a pastis drinker. This one's perfect for warm afternoons on the patio or as a pre-dinner drink to wake up your appetite, since pastis is traditionally enjoyed as an aperitif in France. The cocktail comes together quickly with simple muddling and stirring, so even novice bartenders can nail it on the first try. Serve this alongside Mediterranean dishes like grilled fish, roasted vegetables with herbs de Provence, or salty olives and anchovies—the anise notes play beautifully with seafood and bold, briny flavors. The combination of refreshing mint and botanical complexity makes this a smart alternative when you want something lighter and more herbaceous than your standard rum-based crushes.