Pastis, South France drink

Pastis is like an olive. You either like it or you don't. The chances are the more Pastis you drink the more you will like it. One thing is certain however, you must at least try Pastis once in your life. Walk into any bar in the South of France and the chances are that you will see two old boys up at the bar drinking a strange yellow coloured drink. That strange yellow coloured drink is Pastis and it is revered in the South of France like Whisky is in Scotland.

 

A Short History of Pastis

Pastis was developed in Marseille as a substitute for absinthe, the potent bright green drink that was alleged to cause insanity and which was banned by the French government in 1915 because it was leading to the "corruption of society". Absinthe was however a popular drink and many people began experimenting with combinations of herbs and alcohol in order to duplicate the taste.

One of these backyard distillers was Paul Ricard. He would take his experiments around to various bars, asking people to try them and thereby perfecting his formula. He began commercial production in 1932 of Ricard - 'le vrai pastis de Marseille'. Pastis remains one of the most popular aperitifs in France, especially the South of France.

 

Drinking Pastis in South of France

The first thing to know is that you do not ask for a Pastis. Apart from your Rough Guide to France Guidebook, hire car and linen suit; nothing will make you stand out more as a tourist than requesting a 'Pastis'. Instead, what you need to ask for is a 'Ricard'. Once this happens, you will get a small, but approving nod from the barman. Ricard is a manufacturer of Pastis based in Marseille.

The next thing to pay attention to is the water. Yes the water. You see Pastis in the bottle is actually a brown Whisky coloured liquor. It is only when you add water that it turns yellow. But, and it is a big but, how much water should you add? You see this is where the similarities with Whisky emerge again. As you may be aware, in Scotland it is still a hanging offence to add ice to your 'wee dram'. Instead, you're permitted to add a little water. The question is of course the amount. The less you add the more kudos your will earn. Drown it in water and you will have at best 5 minutes to leave the bar. As a guide, I always add the same volume of water as the volume of Pastis.

Finally, there is the actual drinking. A word of warning, when you first drink Pastis it will catch the back of your throat like a Mace spray. To ensure any remaining credence, try and strangle any urge you have to cough. You will then get the unmistakeable taste of aniseed. Again, you will have a strange urge to say "ooh no". Instead, what is required is a turn of the head to the side and an approving nod. Then, you must sit their in the sun and nurse you're Pastis like liquid gold

 

Different types of Pastis?

For connoisseurs, there are many types of pastis, usually classified according to their recipes. These brands include Ricard and Pastis 51, also Casanas and Pastis Bleu. In some brands, more than 72 different herbs and spices are used in the recipe. Although the French will have you believe that they all have a different taste, the truth is that like Whisky they all taste the same after a few glasses.