So here I was browsing the Internet randomly (as you do), and I stumbled across a Web site that sells DIY pastis kits (ok, maybe the browsing wasn’t that random). As I’d just bought some plain alcohol to make liqueurs, I thought I’d try and find recipes and make my own. Turns out there are many recipes out there, many of which include anethol which is illegal for sale in France. Cool.

So here’s what I’m trying:

• 100ml 40%ABV plain alcohol
• 1 star aniseed ‐ 1 teaspoon green aniseed
• 1 teaspoon of sugar

Wait three days.

The result is rather disappointing, it lacks depth, complexity and smoothness compared to even the most basic commercial pastis. There are so many other recipes, but what has the liver to try them all?