Ricard Pastis de Marseille Aperitif

Name: Ricard Pastis de Marseille Aperitif
Availability: InStock

750ml & 50 Proof

Ricard Pastis de Marseille Aperitif is a Aperitif hailing from France.

What is Ricard Pastis de Marseille Aperitif?

Ricard Pastis de Marseille is a beloved French anise-flavored aperitif that transforms from clear to milky white when mixed with water, creating a refreshing drink perfect for sunny afternoons. Interestingly, during World War II, the French government banned pastis production, fearing it would affect soldiers' performance, leading Ricard to temporarily produce fruit syrups to keep the business afloat.

Why do we love Ricard Pastis de Marseille Aperitif?

Ricard Pastis de Marseille Aperitif stands out as a unique anise-flavored spirit, not a rum, that captures the essence of Southern France in a bottle. Its distinct recipe, created by Paul Ricard in 1932, combines star anise, licorice root, and Provençal herbs to produce a refreshing aperitif that transforms magically from clear to milky when mixed with water, offering a sensory experience that's both visually striking and deliciously complex.

How do you drink Ricard Pastis de Marseille Aperitif?

Ricard Pastis de Marseille shines brightest when served over ice and diluted with cool water, allowing its complex anise flavors to unfold gradually. This refreshing aperitif is perfect for sipping on hot summer days, especially when paired with Mediterranean dishes like grilled seafood or olive tapenade, though it also works well in herbaceous cocktails year-round.

Discover some of our favorite recipes.

$42.99

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Tasting Notes

How It's Made

Fun Facts

Product Details

Nose: Strong anise dominates, with hints of licorice root and fennel. Subtle herbal notes of star anise and sage emerge. A touch of sweetness reminiscent of candied violets lingers in the background.

Palate: Intense licorice flavor coats the tongue. Herbaceous notes of wormwood and mint provide complexity. A slight medicinal quality reminiscent of cough drops appears mid-palate. The mouthfeel is thick and creamy, with a noticeable alcohol warmth.

Finish: Long-lasting anise flavor persists. A cooling sensation similar to menthol develops. Subtle bitter herbs and a touch of sweetness balance the finish. The aftertaste leaves a clean, refreshing feeling on the palate.

Ricard Pastis de Marseille Aperitif is crafted by macerating star anise, licorice root, and a blend of aromatic herbs in alcohol, then adding sugar and water to create its distinctive flavor profile. What's fascinating about the production is the careful balance of ingredients needed to achieve the signature cloudy "louche" effect when water is added, as well as the secret recipe of herbs that has remained largely unchanged since Paul Ricard created it in 1932.

Ricard Pastis was created in 1932 as a clever workaround to France's absinthe ban. Its inventor, Paul Ricard, reformulated the anise-flavored spirit to comply with regulations while maintaining a similar taste profile.

The iconic yellow Ricard jug isn't just for looks—it's designed to protect the pastis from sunlight, which can alter its flavor. This practical packaging has become a symbol of French café culture.

Ricard Pastis contains a secret blend of herbs and spices, including Chinese star anise and Provençal licorice. The exact recipe is known by only a handful of people and is kept in a secure vault in Marseille.

Main Ingredient: Aniseed
Country of Origin: France

Cocktail Recipes

The Corpse Reviver No. 2

Ingredients

1 oz Plymouth Gin

.75 oz Cointreau

.75 oz Lillet Blanc

.75 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

Pastis, for the rinse

Directions

Rinse a coupe or martini glass with a small amount of Pastis. Discard. Shake all other ingredients together in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Fine strain into the prepared glass. Optional: garnish with a lemon twist.