Pastis

Pastis is an anise-flavored liqueur from France, typically containing 40-45% alcohol by volume, although there exist alcohol-free varieties.

When absinthe was banned there in 1915, the major absinthe producers (then Pernod and Ricard, who have since merged as Pernod Ricard) reformulated their drink without the banned wormwood component, creating pastis, which remains popular in France today.

In France, pastis is diluted with water before drinking. The resulting decrease in alcohol percentage causes some of the constituents to become insoluble, which changes the liqueur's appearance from dark transparent yellow to milky soft yellow. The drink is consumed cold and is considered a refreshment for hot days.

Although it is consumed throughout France, especially in the summer, pastis is generally associated with southeastern France, especially with the city of Marseille, and with the clichés of the Provençal lifestyle, like petanque.

Related drinks are anisette, ouzo and raki.