Pastis, the anise-flavoured aperitif often referred to as the “Milk of Marseilles,” has a rich history that dates back to 1930s France, when it was first introduced as an alternative to absinthe.
With its refreshing and complex anise flavour profile, the best pastis brands each offer their unique interpretation of this classic drink by blending several botanicals into their creation.
Much like ouzo, I love the versatility of pastis; You can enjoy it neat, diluted with water (louched), or in a creative cocktail, allowing you to explore the flavoursome variations each pastis brand introduces to this anise spirit.
Best Pastis Brands
The best pastis brands are packed with anise and herbal flavours such as fennel, cardamom and coriander, making them ideal for your next aperitif. Here are 8 to consider.
1. Ricard Pastis de Marseille
Overview
- Distiller: Pernod Ricard
- ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Amber
Review
As one of the original and most renowned pastis brands, Ricard is a pastis brand at the centre of any conversation about this anise-based delight. Its signature blend of anise, liquorice, and herbs is incredibly popular in France.
On The Nose
Sweet anise and green herbs
On The Palate
An aromatic blend of anise and liquorice intertwined with green herbal nuances and a feisty yet sweet anise finish. The transformation with water, when louched, reveals a refreshing and well-balanced pasits.
Best served
Enjoy neat or dilute with chilled water with 1 part pastis, 5 parts water, and a few ice cubes.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. Pernod Paris Pastis
Overview
- Distiller: Pernod
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Pale Gold
Review
I find this one a close contender to Ricard, as Pernod boasts a rich heritage and a distinctive recipe that sets it apart. Its smooth and aromatic character makes it popular for sipping and mixing.
On The Nose
Intense aromas of anise and herbal notes, including fennel, reminding me of Italian sambuca.
On The Palate
Pernod Pastis delivers a harmonious blend of anise and subtle liquorice, accompanied by fennel and coriander. I find the finish smooth, gentle, sweet, and one of my favourite sipping pastis.
Best served
Enjoy neat as a sipper or dilute with chilled water using a ration of 1 part pastis, 5 parts water. Don’t forget the ice cubes.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Henri Bardouin Pastis
Overview
- Distiller: Distilleries et Domaines de Provence
- ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Pale Gold
Review
This artisanal gem is celebrated for its meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. Crafted with a unique selection of 65 plants and spices, Henri Bardouin presents a flavorful and aromatic journey that captures the essence of Provence.
On The Nose
Subtle liquorice, cardamom, camomile, mint.
On The Palate
Anise and liquorice dance on the tongue with a kaleidoscope of herbal notes, creating a fragrant and flavourful pastis. The finish is fresh and zesty, tasting similar to raki or arak.
Best Served
Considering there is so much going on with this pastis (I feel it’s like the Jägermeister of the pastis world!) I would call this a sipper, as it’s so tasty.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. Pontarlier Anis Pastis
Overview
- Distiller: Pontarlier Anis
- ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Pale Gold
Review
With a history dating back to the 19th century, Pontarlier Anis Pastis exudes authenticity and tradition. Its recipe, passed down through generations, showcases a delightful blend of anise, fennel, and other botanicals.
On The Nose
Green anise, liquorice, fennel
On The Palate
Berger Pastis delights with a medley of anise and fennel enriched by fragrant green herbs. The finish is smooth yet has a welcoming final punch that lingers nicely.
Best Served
Pontarlier Anis Pastis can be enjoyed neat, watered down with ice, or tried in a lip-smacking liquorice French Pearl cocktail courtesy of Distilleries Provence.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. Jean Boyer Pastis Emeraude
Overview
- Distiller: Jean Boyer
- ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Soft Gold
Review
For those seeking a slightly sweeter and softer palate, Jean Boyer Pastis Emeraude offers a delightful option. Its approachable flavour profile makes it an excellent choice for pastis beginners.
On The Nose
Sweet anise and gentle herbs
On The Palate
This pastis entices with a gentle sweetness and a milder anise presence, making it an approachable introduction to the world of pastis. Herbal undertones enhance its softer character.
Best Served
Firstly, I recommend Jean Boyer Pastis Emeraude watered down (louched), as it opens up the herbal side.
Also, try it in the rather fabulous Mauresque cocktail recipe suggested by Daryl & Mindi of 2foodtrippers.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
6. Pastis 51
Overview
- Distiller: Pernod
- ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Pale Amber
Review
A modern and versatile interpretation of the classic pastis, Pastis 51 strikes a balance between tradition and innovation. Its refreshing taste and dynamic character make it an excellent base for inventive cocktails.
On the Nose
Anise, citrus, herbs
On The Palate
Pastis 51 presents a modern twist on tradition, featuring a harmonious blend of anise and herbs with a refreshing zestiness. This is a contemporary take on pastis.
Best Served
Pastis 51 is crying out to take your cocktail to the next level, so try it in Steve the Bardender’s Millionaire cocktail recipe and thank me later.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
7. Tarquin’s Cornish Pastis
Overview
- Distiller: Tarquin’s
- ABV: 42% (84 Proof)
- Country: Englad
- Colour: Pale Gold
Review
Tarquin’s Cornish Pastis is a British take on the French aniseed classic and is the first pastis to be made in the UK—a San Francisco World Spirits Awards “Double Gold” winner.
On The Nose
Anise, fennel, black pepper, and subtle floral aromas
On The Palate
This pastis intrigues with a distinctive fusion of black anise and orange zest, crafting a captivating herbal symphony. This botanical blend delivers a smooth and slightly dry finish.
Best Served
Although it’s delicious neat, Tarquin’s Cornish Pastis versatile character shines with tonic water, offering a dynamic taste experience.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
8. Combier Pastis d’Antan
Overview
- Distiller: Combier
- ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Pale Gold
Review
Delving into the artisanal realm, Combier Pastis d’Antan captures the essence of this anise-dominant French spirit with a selection of botanicals, including cardamom nutmeg and clove.
On The Nose
Sweet anise, cardamom, black pepper
On The Palate
Its sweet anise presence mingles with a symphony of clove, nutmeg, cardamom, black pepper and wormwood. The finish is smooth yet slightly bitter.
Best Served
Seve this slightly bitter pastis chilled and neat. Does the addition of wormwood make this blend more like absinthe rather than pastis? Feel free to comment!
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
Ingrid’s Top Pick
Ricard Pastis de Marseille
My top pick pastis has to be Ricard Pastis de Marseille due to its smooth yet strong anise flavours and the blend of subtle herbs and slight green tinge.
Enjoy sipping it neat or mixed with water and a couple of ice rocks.
Conclusion
If you are a relative newcomer when embarking on a journey through the world of pastis, it’s essential to remember that each brand has its own distinct character and flavour profile.
Whether you prefer the classic anise-forward notes of Ricard and Pernod or the artisanal craftsmanship of Henri Bardouin and Janot, there is a pastis waiting to enchant your taste buds.
As you explore my selection of the best pastis brands, don’t just chug it down; take the opportunity to savour each bottle’s rich history and cultural significance.
Raise your glass in a toast to the Mediterranean spirit, and let the captivating flavours of pastis transport you to the idyllic shores where this timeless tradition was born.
Also read: 12 Best Ouzo Cocktails: Modern Mixology
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from The Drinks Geek blog. We write articles on several fascinating areas of drinks, including different brands, drink types, cocktail recipes and more.
