Anisette is a somewhat licorice-tasting liqueur that’s best in mixed drinks.

By Cari Jorgensen

Anisette is best not drunk straight due to its strong flavor and alcohol content. But that doesn’t mean we can’t drink the liqueur in celebration of National Anisette Day. When added to a cocktail, anisette adds a licorice-flavored sweet taste to the mix. To celebrate the day, we’ve rounded up a few cocktail recipes that feature the liqueur. Try one or all in honor of National Anisette Day.

Typhoon

Shake an ounce of gin, a half ounce of anisette and an ounce of lime juice with ice. Strain the mixture into an ice-filled Collins glass. Fill the rest of the glass with chilled champagne. Lightly stir.

General Lee

Combine an ounce of lime juice, two ounces of club soda and ½ teaspoon of sugar in a Collins glass. Stir. Add ice cubes, ¼ teaspoon anisette and two ounces of gin to the glass and stir. Fill the rest of the glass with ginger ale.

Crème de Café

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. Add an ounce of coffee brandy, a half ounce of rum, a half ounce of anisette and an ounce of light cream. Shake well. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass.

Anisette Cocktail

Place an ounce of anisette, half an ounce of gin, half an ounce of whipping cream and half an ounce of eggs in a cocktail shaker. Shake, then strain into a cordial glass. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

Do you have a favorite cocktail made with anisette?