Anisette.

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Why Making This Anisette Recipe Was So Important to Me

What Is Anisette?

Recipe Ingredients

glasses of anisette.

How to Make Anisette

What is Maceration?

How Maceration Is Used to Make Anisette

annisette
  • Add sweetness and texture: Pour in the light corn syrup and vegetable glycerin, then stir or shake again until all ingredients are well incorporated. Don’t worry if it seems a bit cloudy initially – this will settle during the aging process.
anissette2
anisette.

How to Store Anisette and Shelf Life

empty gift bottles.

Licorice Flavors Around the World

Frequently Asked Questions About Anisette

Absolutely! While the flavor improves significantly with aging, your anisette is safe to drink immediately after mixing. It just won’t have that fully developed, smooth taste that makes aged anisette so special.

Anise extract is alcohol-based and easier to work with in this recipe, while anise oil is more concentrated and can be harder to distribute evenly. Stick with pure anise extract for best results.

While corn syrup provides the ideal consistency, you can experiment with simple syrup or honey. However, this may slightly alter the final texture and flavor of your anisette.

While not absolutely essential, glycerin creates that signature thick, smooth mouthfeel that distinguishes quality cordials from simple flavored spirits. It’s worth the investment for authentic results.

Using 80-proof vodka creates an anisette with similar alcohol content to commercial versions, typically around 25-30% ABV after adding the other ingredients.

Definitely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just maintain the same proportions and use a larger container for aging.

Serve chilled in small cordial glasses, either neat or on the rocks. It’s perfect as a digestive after meals or as a unique cocktail ingredient. My dad loves to drink his in a small snifter.

Some cloudiness is normal initially and will settle during aging. If it persists, it’s usually harmless and doesn’t affect taste.

While traditional anisette focuses on pure anise flavor, you can experiment with small amounts of vanilla or citrus zest for personal variations.

After one month, taste a small sample. If it’s smooth and well-integrated, it’s ready. If it seems harsh or the flavors aren’t melded, give it more time.

Clear 100% vodka typically refers to a neutral spirit that is colorless, flavorless, and has an alcohol content of nearly 100%, or more precisely, close to 95–96% alcohol by volume (ABV) — also known as 190 proof.

Most often, they mean a very high-proof neutral alcohol, like:

  • Everclear 190 proof (95% ABV)
  • Spirytus Rektyfikowany (96% ABV)
  • Neutral grain spirit (NGS) used in liqueur-making

This type of alcohol is:

  • Colorless and tasteless
  • Very potent
  • Used in infusions, tinctures, and liqueur-making
  • Not typically consumed straight due to its strength

Important Distinction

bottled liqueurs.

Did You Try This Recipe?

More Homemade Liqueur Recipes to Try

glasses of anisette.

Anisette

This was my dad’s favorite cordial. He discovered Marie Brizard Anisette when he lived in New York and fell in love with it.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Drinks, Happy Hour
Cuisine General
Servings 3 Cups

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 Cups Vodka 80 proof and good quality
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. Pure Anise extract
  • 1 3/4 Cups Light corn syrup
  • 1 Tsp. Vegetable glycerin

Instructions
 

  • In the jug or glass container you will store this liqueur in, mix the vodka and anise extract. Stir or shake (depending on the storage vessel) until really well mixed.
  • Add the corn syrup and glycerin and stir or shake again until well incorporated.
  • Seal the jug or glass container with its lid and store in a dark cool place for at least a month before bottling or serving.
  • Serve in small cordial glasses to start or finish the meal. Enjoy.
Keyword Homemade Liqueurs & Cordials
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