How is the anise-flavored spirit Pastis typically consumed ritualistically in the South, especially Marseille?
Answer
It is diluted with still water, transforming the clear liquid into an opaque, milky yellow.
The ritual surrounding the consumption of Pastis, which is particularly strong in the South and Marseille, dictates that it must never be drunk neat. Instead, the anise-flavored spirit, made from botanicals like star anise and licorice root, is traditionally diluted with still water. The specific transformation observed during this dilution is the clear liquid turning into an opaque, milky yellow color. While preferences vary, the common ratio mentioned suggests four parts water to one part Pastis, illustrating that the dilution process is integral to the enjoyment of this apéritif, often associated with afternoons spent playing pétanque.
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