Top 10 Best Pastis To Buy Online

1. Ricard Pastis de Marseille

While not necessarily the best pastis, Ricard takes first place as it’s by far the most influential. Ricard Pastis was the first pastis to be commercialised and is now deeply ingrained into French culture.

Some absinthe and ouzo enthusiasts may find it a little cloying. However, its sugar content is offset by deep notes of liquorice while the anise dries the palate. It’s a classic beverage best enjoyed at a 1:5 water ratio or more.

2. Henri Bardouin Pastis

A far more artisinal pastis, Henri Bardouin is less known than those produced by the Pernod-Ricard giant. Arguably the connoisseur’s pastis, Henri Bardouin is produced in Provence using 65 different herbs and spices.

As a result, it delivers complexity with an overall dry palate and a refreshing finish.

3. Eyguebelle Pastis Ælred 1889

Another creation from Provence, this pastis is the fruit of the joined producers Eyguebelle and Ælred, which were founded in 1949 and 1889 respectively.

Don’t let the year mislead you, though. Ælred first produced its pastis around the mid-20th century.

Having also been made from a rich variety of spices, it delivers herbal notes of cardamon, cinnamon, and clove alongside its anise foundation.

4. Pastis 1212

A relatively new and exciting pastis with a beautiful carafe-inspired bottle, 1212 is named after the term used for a match point in pétanque.

It features a powerful graphic design and the cork is a detachable jack ball that can be used for the game.

As for its flavour, 1212 adds fig and orange blossom as well as almond syrup in order to distinguish itself with a mildly fruity bouquet.

5. Pastis 51

Until Pernod and Ricard merged in 1975, 51 was the former’s reborn flagship product following the Second World War. 51 is slightly lighter and more refreshing whereas Ricard is comparatively bolder and more bitter.

Despite now being owned by the same company, the Ricard-51 debate rages on and both sides continue to have loyal fans. We’d argue that 51 is a better option for cocktails as it won’t be quite as bold. Ultimately, it’s up to you!

6. Duval Pastis de Marseille

Another classic brand from Marseille, Duval recently celebrated its 220th anniversary. Nevertheless, its pastis was introduced following the Second World War.

Expect and overall subtle pastis with hints of liquorice beneath the distinctive anise body.

7. Berger Pastis de Marseille

Charles-Frédéric Berger was initially an absinthe producer in Switzerland. His sons moved its production to Marseille in 1878. When absinthe was banned a few decades later, they produced various anisette drinks.

It wasn’t until after the Second World War that Berger released its first pastis. It has a distinctive liquorice note that nicely offsets the anise.

8. Casanis Pastis

Emmanuel Casablanca first launched his pastis brand in 1925 on the island of Corsica before transferring its production to Marseille.

Today, it continues to celebrate its Corsican origins as can be seen on the label. As it features liquorice root that has been steeped and then blended into the drink, it has a particularly strong flavour.

9. Pernod Anise

Technically speaking, Pernod Anise isn’t a pastis nor is it absinthe. In fact, it’s often credited as its precursor as it was first launched in 1918.

When Pernod’s production halted during the Second World War, it returned with Pastis 51 following the liberation. However, Pernod Anise has since been reintroduced and offers an intriguing alternative to classic pastis.

As it doesn’t use liquorice nor star anise, the green anise has imparted its distinctive colour. As a result, it’s significantly less bitter and has a sharper flavour.

10. Herbsaint Anise Liqueur

Like Pernod Anise, Herbsaint isn’t pastis but an anise liqueur. Indeed, it was created in New Orleans as an absinthe substitute by J. Marion Legendre in 1934. It was initially created as a substitute for the local Sazerac cocktail.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that the Sazerac Company acquired it in 1949. Over the years, the beverage was weakened and reformulated. However, Sazerac rereleased the original formula in 2009.