Anís

Anís is an anise-flavoured alcoholic drink, usually sweet and clear. It is made by flavouring a spirit with anise; some versions use other botanicals too.

Sip it neat, serve it over ice, or add cold water. When diluted, anise-rich drinks can turn cloudy as aromatic oils disperse through the liquid.

Yes. Add a small splash to cake or biscuit mixtures, poached fruit or a pan sauce; let it simmer briefly so the alcohol cooks off while the anise flavour remains.

For a similar anise flavour without alcohol, steep crushed anise seeds in hot water and strain, or use anise tea. For another alcoholic substitute, use anisette, bearing in mind it may be sweeter.

Both are anise-flavoured spirits, but anís is often sweet, while pastis is typically served diluted with cold water and has a more herbal flavour. Pastis has 2.86 g of carbohydrate per 100 g, compared with 2.5 g in anís.

Keep the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dark cupboard, away from heat and sunlight. Refrigeration is not needed, though you can chill it before serving.