Anisette liqueur
ReferenceBordeaux / France, Spain, Mediterranean
ABV25–30%
Sub-styles
sweet anise liqueurMediterranean anisedigestif anise
Tasting Notes
Sweet anise, licorice, fennel, star anise, subtle floral, vanilla hint, sugar candy. Sweeter and rounder than pastis. Less herbal complexity than absinthe. The sweetness makes it more versatile as a cocktail modifier but less interesting as a neat sipper.
Brand Guide
Primary: Marie Brizard Anisette ($20-25) — the category benchmark since 1755. Alternative: Anis del Mono ($18-22, Spanish), Sambuca (Italian anise cousin, different style). Budget: generic anisette ($10-15). The category is small — Marie Brizard essentially owns it.
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The Story
Mediterranean sweetness distilled from star anise, the after-dinner staple of southern Europe.