Lauren McKenna
Pernod is a French anise-flavored liqueur that was invented in 1920, after absinthe was banned in 1915.
It is made with star anise, fennel, and other herbs and botanicals, which gives it a unique and complex flavor. The anise or black licorice flavor is very strong, making it a popular ingredient in cocktails and as an aperitif.
Pernod is a popular spirit that is enjoyed all over the world. It is known for its freshness and complexity, with notes of anise and plants.
Pernod is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed on its own or as a key ingredient in a wide range of cocktails.
Whether you are a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or just looking to try something new, Pernod is a great option to consider.
What is Pernod?
Pernod is an anise-flavored liqueur that originated in France.
It has a distinct licorice-like flavor and is commonly used in cocktails and as an ingredient in French cuisine. In this section, we will explore the history, ingredients, and production process of Pernod.
History
Pernod was invented in 1920 by Henri-Louis Pernod, after absinthe was banned in France in 1915.
Absinthe was a popular alcoholic beverage that was believed to be hallucinogenic, and its ban led to the creation of Pernod as a legal alternative.
The recipe for Pernod is based on a combination of star anise, fennel, and other herbs and botanicals, which give the liqueur its distinctive flavor.
Ingredients
The primary ingredients in Pernod are star anise and fennel.
These are combined with other herbs and botanicals, such as coriander, angelica, and lemon balm, to create the unique flavor of the liqueur.
The exact recipe for Pernod is a closely guarded secret, but the company claims that it has remained unchanged since its creation in 1920.
Production Process
The production process for Pernod involves several steps.
First, the herbs and botanicals are macerated in neutral alcohol to extract their flavors. The resulting liquid is then distilled to create a high-proof spirit. This spirit is then mixed with water and sugar to create the final product.
One of the unique characteristics of Pernod is its ability to turn cloudy when mixed with water. This is due to the presence of anethole, an essential oil found in star anise and fennel.
When water is added to Pernod, the anethole becomes insoluble and forms tiny droplets, which give the drink its characteristic cloudy appearance.
Varieties of Pernod
Pernod Absinthe
Pernod Absinthe is a green-colored anise-flavored spirit that was originally produced by Pernod Fils in the early 19th century.
Absinthe was banned in France in 1915 due to its alleged hallucinogenic properties, but Pernod Absinthe was reintroduced in 2013 after the ban was lifted in 2011.
Pernod Absinthe has a distinct anise flavor and is typically served with water and sugar to dilute the high alcohol content.
Pernod Ricard USA
Pernod Ricard USA is the American subsidiary of Pernod Ricard, the French spirits company that produces Pernod.
Pernod Ricard USA is responsible for distributing Pernod and other Pernod Ricard products in the United States. Pernod Ricard USA offers a range of Pernod products, including Pernod Absinthe, Pernod Ricard, and Pernod Ricard Pastis.
Pernod Fils
Pernod Fils was the original producer of Pernod, which was first introduced in 1805.
Pernod Fils was known for producing absinthe, which was a popular drink in France in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. When absinthe was banned in France in 1915, Pernod Fils began producing a non-absinthe version of Pernod.
Today, Pernod Fils no longer produces Pernod, but the brand is still owned by Pernod Ricard and is produced by other distilleries.
How to Enjoy Pernod
Serving Suggestions
Pernod is a versatile liqueur that can be enjoyed in many ways.
Here are a few serving suggestions:
- On the Rocks: Pour Pernod over ice and enjoy it as a refreshing aperitif
- With Water : For a classic French aperitif, mix one part Pernod with five parts water and add ice. The water turns the clear liquid into a cloudy white and brings out the anise flavor.
- With Citrus: For a twist on the classic Pernod and water, add a splash of grapefruit or orange juice. This adds a tangy sweetness to the anise flavor.
Cocktail Recipes
Pernod can also be used in cocktails.
Here are a few recipes:
- French 75: Mix equal parts Pernod and vodka with a few dashes of lemon juice. Shake with ice and serve over crushed ice.
- Pernod and Lemonade: Mix one part Pernod with three parts lemonade. Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon wedge.
- Black Licorice: Mix one part Pernod with one part blackberry liqueur and one part cranberry juice. Serve over ice.
Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite Pernod cocktail!
Conclusion
Pernod is a French anise-flavored liqueur that has been enjoyed for over a century. It was invented in 1920 after the ban of absinthe in 1915.
Pernod is made with a combination of star anise, fennel, and other herbs and botanicals, which gives it a unique flavor that sets it apart from other anise-flavored drinks.
The original version of Pernod included wormwood and was produced as absinthe at the Pernod Fils factory from 1805. However, after the ban of absinthe, Pernod was created without wormwood and became a legal liquor. Pernod has a low liquorice content, which makes it different from other anise-flavored drinks like pastis.
Pernod is typically served by adding water or soda, which creates a milky white color and a refreshing taste. It can also be mixed with other drinks like cranberry juice or Coca-Cola to create unique and flavorful cocktails. Pernod is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed as an aperitif or as a digestif.
Overall, Pernod is a delicious and unique anise-flavored liqueur that has a long and interesting history. Its combination of star anise, fennel, and other herbs and botanicals gives it a distinct flavor that sets it apart from other drinks. Whether enjoyed on its own or mixed with other drinks, Pernod is a versatile and refreshing drink that is perfect for any occasion.
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