pastis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “pastis” mean?
An anise-flavoured alcoholic aperitif from France, typically diluted with water before drinking.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An anise-flavoured alcoholic aperitif from France, typically diluted with water before drinking.
A specific type of French liqueur, often associated with Provençal culture and outdoor café life, that turns cloudy when mixed with water.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is equally understood in both varieties, but the drink itself is more commonly consumed and referenced in British contexts due to geographical proximity to France.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes French Mediterranean culture, holidays, and leisurely dining. In American English, it may carry stronger connotations of sophistication or niche culinary knowledge.
Frequency
More frequent in British English, especially in travel, food, and drink writing. Rare in general American conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “pastis” in a Sentence
drink [pastis]serve [pastis] with waterorder [pastis]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in contexts of beverage import/export or hospitality.
Academic
Rare. Could appear in cultural studies, anthropology, or food history papers.
Everyday
Low. Used mainly by people familiar with French culture or specific drink enthusiasts.
Technical
Used in bartending, mixology, and culinary arts to specify the ingredient.
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pastis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pastis”
- Using 'pastis' as a countable plural ('pastises' is non-standard; use 'glasses of pastis').
- Pronouncing the final 's' as /z/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both contain anise, pastis was created as a legal substitute for absinthe in France after its ban. Pastis does not contain wormwood.
Traditionally, it is served in a tall glass with a separate carafe of cold water. You add water to the pastis to taste, which causes it to turn cloudy and dilute the high alcohol content.
The two most iconic brands are Pernod and Ricard, which merged in 1975. Other brands include Henri Bardouin and Casanis.
Its popularity is largely confined to France and regions with strong French cultural influence. It is considered a niche or specialist drink in most other countries.
An anise-flavoured alcoholic aperitif from France, typically diluted with water before drinking.
Pastis is usually formal/technical in register.
Pastis: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpæstɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /pæsˈtiːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pastis o'clock (humorous, referencing the time for an aperitif)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'past' + 'is'. Imagine a drink from the past that is still popular in France.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIQUID IS CULTURE (e.g., 'He sipped the pastis, absorbing the atmosphere of the Midi.')
Practice
Quiz
What typically happens when you add water to pastis?