BONJOUR Yellow Pastis Essence 20 ml

BONJOUR Yellow Pastis Essence 20 ml

Pastis is more than a drink – it is a ritual. You pour a measure into the glass, top up with ice-cold water and watch the clear yellow spirit turn into a milky, mother-of-pearl cloud. Then you sit back in the shade. Bonjour Yellow Pastis gives you the whole experience: the fresh sweetness of anise, the depth of liquorice root and that magical clouding that never stops fascinating.

Unlike the completely clear aniseed spirits, yellow pastis has a rounder, more herbal profile, in which liquorice root provides colour, sweetness and body all at once. It is the version that has become the best loved of them all – soft, generous and always just as welcome before a meal.

Colour & Appearance

Undiluted, the pastis is a clear golden yellow, like bottled sunshine. Add cold water and the transformation happens: the drink clouds over and turns a pale, opaque yellow-white, like a hazy summer sky. The effect occurs when the essential oils of the anise meet the water.

Nose

The nose is intense and clean: star anise and green anise up front, fennel seed and liquorice root close behind. There is herbal complexity too, with coriander, mint, lemon balm and a little camomile keeping the aroma fresh rather than heavy.

Palate

The palate is sweetly liquorice-like, cool and refreshing. Anise plays the lead – sweet, aromatic and almost cooling – while liquorice root lends a soft, round sweetness and an earthy depth. The herbs create a fresh green streak, and a light pepperiness keeps things lively. Diluted with water, the mouthfeel becomes silky smooth and the drink surprisingly thirst-quenching, which explains its standing as the summer aperitif above all others.

Finish

The finish is long, clean and cooling. Anise and liquorice rest on the tongue along with a light herbal bitterness that wakes the appetite.

How to Use

The essence is mixed with vodka or neutral spirit. 20 ml makes 750 ml of finished pastis. Instructions are on the label. The finished drink is then diluted with cold water in the glass, to taste.

Serving Suggestions

• The classic: one part pastis, five parts ice-cold water, ice last.
• With a dash of almond syrup for a smooth, sweet variation.
• With grenadine for a pink, fruitier aperitif.
• With mint syrup and water – green and extra cooling.
• In cooking: with shellfish, fish soup, mussels and flambéed prawns.

About the Essence

Bonjour Yellow Pastis is a favourite with everyone who loves anise and liquorice. It is as at home in the kitchen as in the aperitif glass – a couple of tablespoons will lift any fish or shellfish dish. Available in 20 ml, 280 ml, 1000 ml and 25 litres.

Remember always to pour the water into the glass before the ice. That way the drink turns cloudy evenly and beautifully, and the aromas of the aniseed are released at their best. How much water you add is a matter of taste: five parts is the classic measure, but experiment until you find your own favourite strength.