What does pastis mean?
Pastis is a strong, anise-flavoured alcoholic drink associated particularly with southern France and the Mediterranean. It is often served before a meal, either neat in a small quantity or diluted with a large amount of cold water. The dilution is distinctive: the clear spirit turns cloudy as the oils in the anise disperse through the water. Pastis also has culinary uses, including in sauces, marinades, and drinks mixed with citrus or herbs. In everyday British and American English, the term is less common than the general description anise spirit, but it is firmly established when discussing French and Provençal drinking traditions. The word is especially useful for identifying a traditional anise-flavoured aperitif and for understanding how a seemingly simple glass of water can change the appearance, strength, and character of the drink.
nounA strong, clear alcoholic drink flavoured with anise and often diluted with water. It is traditionally served as an aperitif in southern France and other Mediterranean regions.
- An anise-flavoured alcoholic aperitif, typically strong and clear before being diluted with water.
"They drank chilled pastis with coffee and pastries at the harbour."
"A server brought a carafe of pastis and several glasses filled with ice water."
"The recipe combines pastis with honey, herbs, and lemon."
Normally used for individual glasses, servings, or containers of the drink; the drink itself is usually an uncountable mass noun.
"The bar ordered several bottles of pastis for the evening."
Pastis turns cloudy when water is added—a transformation as distinctive as the drink's anise aroma.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pastis come from?
The English word is a borrowing of French pastis, the name of a strong anise-flavoured spirit. French in turn adopted the term from Provençal, where it was used for a similar local drink, and the word has remained especially associated with Provençal and southern French culture.
How pastis is actually used
The word is most natural in reference to the traditional Mediterranean drink, especially in a French or Provençal context. In English, it can sound more regionally specific than the broader term anise spirit. Adding water changes its appearance from clear to cloudy.
Easily confused with pastis
Pastis is an anise-flavoured alcoholic drink, whereas a pastiche is an artistic work that imitates the style of another work.
Anise is the aromatic seed or spice used to flavour foods and drinks, while pastis is the alcoholic spirit made with anise.