{"title":"Pastis","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBittersweet\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003earomatic\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003esteeped in Provençal sun\u003c\/strong\u003e, pastis is the iconic anise-flavoured apéritif of southern France. Formulated as a sweetened alternative following the ban on absinthe in the early 20th century, pastis pairs star anise and green anise with rich liquorice root, fennel, and secret blends of Mediterranean herbs. Renowned for its dramatic opalescent clouding—or louche—when mixed with ice-cold water, pastis offers a delightfully refreshing, aromatic serve that defines French outdoor dining culture. Discover hand-selected releases perfect for traditional terrace highballs, outdoor gatherings, and classic French mixology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eAbout Pastis\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eCreated in Marseille during the 1930s, pastis is defined by its two main botanical pillars: anise and liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Unlike unsweetened absinthe or dry anisette, authentic pastis contains added sugar (typically under 100g per litre) to balance its herbal bitterness, yielding a rich, silky mouthfeel. For your home bar, pastis is the ultimate warm-weather apéritif—lowering effective alcohol strength when diluted while opening up a heady bouquet of liquorice, spice, and Provencal flora.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eFlavour \u0026amp; Style Guide\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eUnderstanding the distinct styles of pastis makes selecting your bottle simple:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e— Pastis de Marseille (Classic Style):\u003c\/strong\u003e The gold standard style bottled at 45% ABV or higher with a pronounced liquorice core supported by sweet star anise and aromatic wood spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e— Craft \u0026amp; Artisan Pastis: \u003c\/strong\u003eProduced by smaller regional distilleries infusing up to 70 different alpine and Mediterranean botanicals—including thyme, rosemary, lemon verbena, and sage—resulting in a lighter, more complex herbal character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e— White \/ Clear Pastis (Pastis Blanc): \u003c\/strong\u003eDistilled to retain a crystal-clear appearance before dilution, offering a lighter, flower-forward profile with subtle liquorice notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e— Blue \u0026amp; Flavoured Variations: \u003c\/strong\u003eModern expressions infused with natural botanical extracts like mint, coconut, or berries for a colourful twist on the classic apéritif.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eHow to Choose the Right Pastis for You\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e— The Traditional French Serve: \u003c\/strong\u003ePour 20-30 ml of pastis into a glass, then dilute with 5 to 7 parts ice-cold water until the spirit transforms into a milky, opalescent yellow, adding ice cubes last.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e— The \"Tomate\" Cocktail: \u003c\/strong\u003eAdd a splash of grenadine syrup to a glass of pastis before topping with cold water for a sweet, pink-hued French bistro classic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e— The \"Perroquet\" (Parrot): \u003c\/strong\u003eStir a dash of crème de menthe or mint syrup into your pastis and serve for a vibrant green, invigorating mint-anise highball.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"duval-pastis-de-marseille","title":"Duval Pastis de Marseille","description":"Duval Pastis de Marseille is an authentic, traditional French apéritif, renowned for its intense, herbaceous character. Crafted in the heart of Provence, this pastis is distilled using star anise, licorice root, and a complex blend of aromatic Provençal herbs. It presents a clear, amber hue that transforms into the classic milky-white cloud—the \"louche\"—upon the addition of cold water. Bottled at a potent 45% ABV, Duval delivers a robust, refreshing palate dominated by strong anise and subtle spice. Its rich flavor makes it an essential component of French culinary tradition. It is best enjoyed diluted with five parts cold water to one part pastis, making it the perfect pre-dinner refresher.","brand":"Spiritly UK","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51049778053398,"sku":"25901","price":26.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0979\/4617\/3718\/files\/duval-pastis-de-marseille-3394210003751-39215782691068.jpg?v=1771602277"},{"product_id":"pastis-51","title":"Pastis 51","description":"Pastis 51 is a quintessential French aperitif, created in Marseille in 1951 following the lifting of the ban on aniseed-flavored spirits. As a classic Pastis de Marseille, its recipe is rooted in the \"art of Mediterranean living,\" featuring a refreshing and aromatic blend of Chinese star anise, fennel, liquorice, and aromatic Provençal plants. This complex mixture gives it a distinct light, herbaceous, and clean flavor.\n\nTraditionally enjoyed as a refreshing long drink, Pastis 51 is prepared by adding five parts water to one part Pastis, which instantly creates the characteristic cloudy \"louche\" effect. This process releases the full spectrum of its aromas, making it the perfect palate opener on a warm day. It remains a benchmark spirit and a cultural icon across France.","brand":"Spiritly UK","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51049830416662,"sku":"25127","price":27.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0979\/4617\/3718\/files\/pastis-51-3047100000247-39218840076540.jpg?v=1771602435"},{"product_id":"henri-bardouin-pastis","title":"Henri Bardouin Pastis","description":"Henri Bardouin Pastis is recognized as a Grande Distillerie de Forcalquier, setting the gold standard for traditional Provençal pastis. Unlike many commercial brands, it is crafted through the maceration and distillation of over 65 natural botanicals, herbs, and spices, including star anise, licorice root, cardamom, tonka bean, and wormwood. This complex blend results in an aromatic profile far surpassing simple anise drinks.\n\nBottled at 45% ABV, this pastis offers exceptional depth. When diluted with water, it develops the classic louche effect, turning a milky opalescent yellow. Its flavor is sophisticated, featuring herbal bitterness balanced by the sweetness of licorice and mint, culminating in a long, refreshing finish. It is the perfect apéritif, traditionally served with five parts chilled water and ice.","brand":"Spiritly UK","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51049888907542,"sku":"25910","price":35.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0979\/4617\/3718\/files\/henri-bardouin-pastis-3379974406017-39228689023228.jpg?v=1771602637"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0979\/4617\/3718\/collections\/SB_background_11eabd0a-d47e-4ed2-8a52-d179f9e41767.png?v=1790868250","url":"https:\/\/www.thespiritsbusiness.store\/collections\/pastis\/pastis.oembed","provider":"The Spirits Business Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}