Pastis, a Perfect Aperitif for the Lazy Days of Summer

It’s no more than a blend of water and spirit, but for a relaxed afternoon, it can’t be beat.

Pastis is the name of both an anise-flavored spirit and an easy, satisfying drink that requires no more than adding cold water to that liqueur. For me, it’s an ideal summer aperitif. It’s refreshing, transporting, and it comes with a show. The simple process of preparing the drink is entertainment in itself. Add the water to the pale, chamomile-colored spirit, and voilà! The liquid in the glass quickly turns milky and pearlescent. This diverting transformation even has a name: the louche. It refers to the emulsion that occurs when water blends with the oils in the pastis, as well as hinting at the historic perception of absinthe, pastis’s more storied relation, as sordid and disreputable.