Star anise (Illcium verum) is  the star shaped fruit of a small evergreen tree native to southwest China. Star anise has multiple culinary uses in the cuisines of India, China, Vietnam and Malaysia, where it lends a strong, black licorice note to everything from pho to chai tea to garam masala. 

Star anise has seen more usage lately in the cocktail world as a substitute for the more expensive anise root. It takes infusion well, though anise flavors are not popular in the wider market yet. Star anise can also be used as a cocktail garnish, though it is not edible. 

Some popular cocktails containing Star anise

  • Cosmopolitan Milk Punch — Vodka, Tawny port, Triple sec, Tonic water, Cranberry juice, Milk, Lime juice, Sugar, Star anise, Bay leaf, Clove, Pomegranate molasses, Orange peel, Grapefruit peel, Cardamom
  • The SCT Negroni — Gin, Sweet vermouth, Aperitivo, Star anise
  • Rites of Spring — Aquavit, Bianco Vermouth, Pear liqueur, Bitters, Oleo-saccharum, Star anise, Lemon peel
  • Vernis à Ongle — Haitian Rum, Bigallet China-China, Sweet vermouth, Star anise
  • Two Islands — Scotch, Averna, Sweet vermouth, Islay Scotch, Orange bitters, Star anise
  • Err from the Faith — Rye, Orange liqueur, Braulio, Maraschino Liqueur, Orange bitters, Star anise, Orange
  • Fall Into My Glass — Pear liqueur, Gin, Sweet vermouth, Chocolate bitters, Star anise
  • Black Star Line — Gin, Cassis, Pastis, Bitters, Club soda, Lime juice, Simple syrup, Star anise
  • Falling Leaves — Riesling, Pear eau de vie, Orange Curaçao, Peychaud's Bitters, Honey syrup, Star anise
  • Smoked Anise — Vodka, Anisette, Whiskey, Star anise