NATIONAL ANISETTE DAY
NATIONAL ANISETTE DAY | JULY 2
On July 2 we recognize a liqueur derived from aniseed on National Anisette Day. Aniseed from the anis herb gives anisette its licorice or fennel flavor. While usually a sweet liqueur, distillers traditionally blend it with sugar syrup for a sweeter result. Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France lead the world in drinking this licorice-tasting drink.
#NationalAnisetteDay
Aniseed, the main ingredient in anisette, has long been considered to have medicinal qualities. Sweeter than other anise-flavored liqueurs, anisettes' association with various cures dates back to ancient Egypt. Europe tends to produce a drier anisette than the varieties found in the U.S. Distillers add other spices such as coriander and fruit to distill anisette, too.
While most enjoy anisette by sipping it, the liqueur can be mixed as a cocktail, too. However, pure anise extract should not be drunk straight. Since its alcoholic content is high, it irritates the throat. Mixing it with coffee, gin, bourbon, or water will bring out its sweet undertones. Not a fan of licorice cocktails? You can also bake some delicious anise cookies!
If you're the one who eats all the black jelly beans, you will likely savor a shot with anisette. The licorice flavor comes from the same anise plant that we make some of our licorice candies from.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL ANISETTE DAY
You may think so, but incorporating Anisette into every day recipes is easy! Here are few ideas to prove how easy it really is:
Mix up a cocktail that contains Anisette. Add it to fresh citrus juices, soda water, or even dark spirits like bourbon to create complex summer drinks.
Add Anisette into baking. If drinking isn't your thing, add Anisette into a recipe! Try a batch of Italian anise cookies or spiced biscotti. YUM!
Enjoy a digestif after dinner. A digestif is an alcoholic beverage you enjoy after a meal intended to settle your stomach. Italians add add a quick splash of anisette into their post-dinner espresso.
Learn some Anisette history. Take some time to learn about how anise-flavored spirits shaped pre-Prohibition cocktail culture.
Share on social media! Take a photo of your cocktail or your baked creation and share it on social media using the hashtag #NationalAnisetteDay. You'll be surprised at all the licorice-flavor lovers there are from around the world.
NATIONAL ANISETTE DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar is researching the origins of this distilled holiday.