Pastis de marseille Prado

The Bottle: Pretty classic. If there is a more "French" bottle out there, then I've yet to meet it. It screams, "Bistro". In the Glass: Honey gold. On the Nose: A very un-shy, sweet anise. This isn't complicated, nor should it be. Love it or hate it, it is what it is. Taste: On the sweeter side of anise than something like a Pernod. This is in the same wheelhouse as an Ouzo, but not quite as "dessert" as a Sambuca. Despite the sweet arrival and black licorice wallop, it finishes with a nice dryness. Not really meant to be a sipper, this one is best over ice and water with plenty of sun. It will louche nicely, just like most other aniseed-based liqueurs. If this flavor is to your liking (and you probably already know if it will be, based on what I've written) then I'd go with something a bit more refined if you are looking for a full-strength sipper. Aniseed-based liquors are a dime-a-dozen in the Mediterranean, and there are definitely higher quality ones out there. But for a low ABV summer sipper? This one is hard to beat for the money.

Prado Pastis de Marseille is a traditional anise-flavored spirit, especially popular in the south of France. Star anise and licorice root are the predominant flavors. It is traditionally consumed neat, with a dash of water. It is also mixable in a range of other drinks, such as limeade or granadine and water.