In the fascinating world of alcoholic beverage history, it’s worth exploring the origins of the iconic drink pastis. To find out who the ancestor of pastis is, we need to go back in time and look at the influences and traditions that have shaped this drink enjoyed the world over.
Pastis, the refreshing aniseed-flavoured drink that originated in Provence, has its roots in an older beverage called ‘absinthe’. Absinthe was an alcoholic drink made from plants and spices, known for its characteristic aniseed flavour and emerald green colour.
Absinthe was a very popular drink in the 19th century, appreciated for its stimulating and creative properties by artists and writers. The liquor was reputed to have hallucinogenic properties.
From a scientific point of view, absinthe is made from a mixture of herbs and plants, in particular grand wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). This plant is rich in thujone, a chemical substance which has long been accused of being responsible for the hallucinogenic effects attributed to wormwood.
However, recent studies have shown that the effects of thujone are often exaggerated and that the psychoactive effects of absinthe are due more to its high alcohol content, often between 45 and 75%.
Absinthe consumption declined at the end of the 19th century due to fears about its effects on health and its alleged contribution to destructive behaviour.
It was then that pastis was born, as a modern, slightly revisited successor to absinthe. Pastis has retained its characteristic aniseed flavour while being milder and lighter in alcohol. So it could be said that the ancestor of pastis is absinthe, that mythical drink that has given way to its flavoured descendant, appreciated by all.
Since the 1990s, absinthe has made a remarkable comeback on the spirits scene, benefiting from renewed interest in its historic character and unique taste.
Today, absinthe is appreciated by many connoisseurs for its ritual preparation, involving the use of a pierced spoon and sugar to sweeten the drink before slowly diluting it with ice-cold water.
In conclusion, absinthe is much more than just an alcoholic drink; it is a cultural symbol steeped in history and mystery, which continues to fascinate enthusiasts around the world.
So the next time you sip a chilled glass of Anista pastis, think about the history behind this bewitching drink and its ancestor, absinthe! 🥂
