Pastiche: what is it, history + interesting facts
Briefly about the drink
The French tincture Pastis is infused with herbs (anise, star anise, fennel, dried liquorice roots, or malt). The most common recipes include additional cinnamon, pepper, sage, cardamom. The imagination is generally not limited, it all depends on the individual manufacturer.
Water is then added to the tincture, which reduces the strength. The average values vary between 45 and 50%. The color and sweet taste is acquired due to liquorice.
History of Pastis
1914: When World War I broke out, every drink above 16% alcohol was banned in France to prevent soldiers from getting drunk. A year later, absinthe was completely banned in the country. It was called "madness in a bottle". Since it was the most popular drink in France, a replacement had to be found.
As a result of the ban on strong alcoholic beverages, pastis immediately became popular. It had a similar aroma and anise flavor to the original drink, so it was recognized as a great alternative.
1922: The ban on alcohol was partially lifted. Only drinks with an alcohol content above 40% were not allowed. However, the habit of making pastis remained even during the years of Prohibition, especially in the South of France. Here, aperitifs have always played an important role.
1932: In Provence, anise tinctures were very popular, which supported illegal production. Paul Ricard, the son of a wine merchant, decided to put an anise aperitif on sale, but was fined. He didn't give up trying and after a few years he still got a business license. The drink was called "Pastis de Marseille". 1932 can be considered the official year of birth of pastis.
1942: During the Second World War, under the Vichy regime, alcohol stronger than 16% was again banned until 1951. The symbolic Pastis 51 from Pernod was created at the same time. Pastiche became one of the most favorite drinks in France because it reminded people of summer, sun and warmth. It was put into mass production.
2020: New recipes appear, often more complex with unusual combinations. Thanks to innovative and traditional representatives, people continue to learn about it. Today it is one of the most common aperitifs.
How and with what to drink Pastis
It is worth starting with the fact that for modern French people, pastis is exclusively an aperitif. It is not drunk in its pure form, but diluted with water in a ratio of 1:5. It will refresh on a hot summer day and have a positive effect on digestion. It is customary to serve it in low glasses with a thick bottom. Sometimes sugar is added to the glass. In addition, pastis is suitable for cooking baked goods and meat dishes.
You can make more than one cocktail with it. To make a French "Parrot", add a few drops of mint syrup to the pastis diluted with water. Replace the syrup with lemon juice and you'll get "Canary". If you mix pastis with mint and pomegranate syrup, you will make another famous, but unfortunately unnamed cocktail.
Vermouth, gin and liqueurs are suitable for alcohol combinations. From non-alcoholic - juice.
Interesting facts about Pastis
-
There is no consensus on the etymology of the name. Some believe that it comes from the French "pastiche" (wormwood), but it is not clear because of the composition or color. Another meaning of the word "dirty", "muddy". In addition, there is a translation from the old French "mixture", "mixture".
-
The latter translation refers to the specific flavor of the tincture: it resembles a powdered cough medicine. Not everyone will appreciate this.
-
At the beginning of production, the strength was 30%. By the 40s of the XX century, it became 45% as we know it now.
-
Pastis is not only an aperitif, but also an excellent digestif. Anise has a beneficial effect on the stomach. In ancient times, the tincture served as a medicine for helminths (worms, in other words). But those times are unusual in that even absinthe was recognized as harmless.
-
There is a so-called "Marseille way" of drinking pastis in its purest form. But not diluted, the pastis is sharp, burning and similar to a potion.
Update: 10.07.2020
Category: Other alcohol