National Anisette Day is celebrated annually on July 2nd. This holiday honors and celebrates a drink that not everyone may have heard of, one that’s derived from aniseed. Anisette is a clear liqueur that’s popular in Mediterranean countries and is also heavily used at Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States. This anise-flavored liqueur can be served with just a little bit of water, or it can be made into Café de Paris—a drink made with gin, cream, and an egg white. Regardless of how you observe this holiday, have fun but be sure to do it responsibly.

A Brief History of Anise

Although we don’t know the origins of National Anisette Day, we do know the origins of anise—the main ingredient in Anisette. It’s believed that anise has been used as far back as 1,500 B.C. in Egypt and is even mentioned in the Bible. Throughout the centuries, it’s been used for everything from increasing milk flow in nursing mothers to being used as an aphrodisiac. It was even used to ward off the Evil Eye. Native Americans used it as a laxative. Other uses for anise throughout history include easing sore throats, helping with bronchitis, and it was used as an expectorant in cough syrups.

Anise-flavored liqueurs have been created for hundreds of years. Anisette was made by Marie Brizard in France since 1755. In Spain, Anis del Mono has been manufactured since 1870. In Italy, Sambuca is a liqueur that’s made with elderberry, star anise, and other essential oils. Today, anise-flavored liqueurs can be found all over the world.

Facts About Anisette & Aniseed

Are you thirsty for some more information about Anisette? Well, if you are, then allow us to entertain you with some fun facts about Anisette. Information that can be dropped on friends and family while you’re celebrating National Anisette Day.

• Anisette is made by distilling aniseed.
• Other names for aniseed include Anisi Fructus, Anisum, Anise, Anisum Vulgare, and sweet cumin.
• Anise was used to cover the medicinal taste of cough syrups for years.
• Fresh anise leaves can be used in soups, sauces, or even placed into salads.
• Essential oils from aniseeds have been used to eliminate head lice.
• Anise seeds are used in Absinthe.
• Anise seeds are also used in a Greek liqueur called Ouzo.
• Anise seeds are rich in vitamins A, B, C, and minerals such as iron, manganese, and copper.
• Anise seeds taste like licorice.

Observing National Anisette Day

National Anisette Day can be observed by making one of the many drinks that use anisette. Some of the drinks that can be made with this liqueur include the New Orleans, Sol y Sombra, Violetta, Baltimore Bracer, Montana, Saucy Sue, Queen Bee, Flying Fortress, Queen Mary, Shanghai, Bastion, and Presa Diretta. You can also use the hashtag #NationalAnisetteDay on this day to let everyone know you’re celebrating this holiday.