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
- Starfish & Coffee — Bourbon, Aperol, Coffee Pecan Bitters, Lemon juice, Egg white, Blackberry preserves, Star anise, Grade B maple syrup
- Tempest — Spiced Rum, Ginger liqueur, Clove and mace tincture, Lime juice, Egg white, Star anise
- Black Star Line — Gin, Cassis, Pastis, Bitters, Club soda, Lime juice, Simple syrup, Star anise
Explore more Star anise cocktails.