Anisette FAQ: Everything you need to know about the French anise liqueur

Introduction

Anisette is an emblematic liqueur of French heritage , recognizable by its green anise aromas, its sweet softness and its Mediterranean elegance.
Whether served neat, topped up with water or in a cocktail, it embodies the French art of living.
In this FAQ, De Michellot answers all your questions about anisette liqueur , its history, its taste, its differences with pastis and its artisanal variations.

👉 To learn more about the history and tasting of this liqueur, see our article:
📖 Anisette Liqueur: History, Taste and French Know-How

And discover our artisanal creation:
🍸 Michellot Anisette Liqueur

💬 FAQ about anisette liqueur

❓ What is anisette liqueur?

Anisette is a sweet liqueur made from green anise , made by macerating or distilling anise seeds in alcohol.
It differs from pastis in its absence of liquorice , which gives it a lighter, floral and sweeter taste.

❓ What is the difference between anisette and pastis?

Pastis contains both green anise and licorice, while anisette relies solely on green anise.
Anisette is therefore sweeter, more floral and less bitter.

Pastis is often 45% alcohol, compared to 25 to 35% for anisette.

❓ What is the best French anisette?

Historic brands such as Marie Brizard , Casanis and Pernod have marked the history of this liqueur.
But the new generation prefers artisanal and natural versions, like Michellot's Anisette Liqueur :

  • Distilled from green anise, star anise and fennel seeds,

  • No artificial colors or flavors,

  • Produced at the Lyon distillery , respecting French know-how.

❓ What does anisette taste like?

Anisette is sweet, floral and slightly sugary .
Its dominant aromas are:

  • 🌿 Green anise (plant freshness),

  • 🍋 Fennel and citrus fruits ,

  • 🍯 A sweet and spicy touch on the finish.

In summary: a balanced, refreshing and delicately perfumed liqueur.

❓ How to drink anisette liqueur?

Several ways to enjoy anisette liqueur:

  1. Pure , very fresh, between 4 and 6°C.

  2. Topped up with iced water , for a light, thirst-quenching anisette.

  3. In a cocktail :

    • Anisette Spritz : anisette + crémant + sparkling water.

    • Anisette Tonic : anisette + tonic + lemon.

    • Anisette Coffee : espresso + 1 cl of Michellot anisette.

❓ Why does anisette become cloudy with water?

The cloudiness or “ cloudiness ” phenomenon comes from the essential oils of green anise , which are soluble in alcohol but not in water.
When water is poured over them, they disperse, creating a milky appearance typical of natural anise-based liqueurs.

❓ What is the alcohol content of an anisette?

Anisette generally has an alcohol content of between 25% and 35% vol. depending on the recipe.
De Michellot 's artisanal version offers a balanced anisette, both light and rich in natural aromas.

❓ What is the difference between anisette, sambuca and ouzo?

Liqueur Origin Main aroma Taste Alcohol content
Anisette France Green anise Sweet and floral 25–35%
Sambuca Italy Star anise Very sweet 38–42%
Ouzo Greece Anise + herbs Dry and aromatic 40–45%

French anisette is distinguished by its delicacy and balanced sweetness .

❓ Does anisette help with digestion?

Yes ✅
Green anise is known for its digestive and soothing properties .
A small dose of anisette after meals helps stimulate digestion and reduce bloating.

❓ What is the origin of anisette?

Anisette liqueur was born in 1755 in Bordeaux , with Marie Brizard , who marketed the first version.
It then became popular in the South of France, particularly in Marseille with Casanis and Pernod , before becoming a symbol of French aperitifs .

❓ What is the best way to enjoy De Michellot anisette?

Michellot Anisette Liqueur can be enjoyed:

  • Pure and iced to reveal its aromas,

  • Topped up with sparkling water for a refreshing aperitif,

  • Or in a floral cocktail like the French Anisette Spritz .

🍃 A modern, artisanal and 100% French anisette.

📖 To go further