Prince Pastis de Marseille
Prince Pastis de Marseille is the real Marseille article: a classic French pastis at the legally required 45% ABV (90 proof) in a 700mL bottle, built on star anise and licorice root in the southeastern style born after absinthe's 1915 prohibition. A Preiss Imports exclusive brand, it earned 89 points and a Silver Medal at Tastings 2017 — an authentic taste of the Provençal café terrace. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 45% (90 proof)
- Size: 700mL
- Style: Pastis de Marseille (anise-licorice aperitif)
- Origin: France — Marseille/Provence style
- Award: 89 points, Silver Medal — Tastings 2017
Born in Marseille, 1915
Pastis — from the Provençal pastisson, "mixture" — was created to fill the void left when absinthe was banned in France in 1915: the anise ritual without the wormwood. By law, any pastis labeled "Pastis de Marseille" must hit 45% ABV, and Prince is built to that classic southeastern spec — a blend of star anise, licorice, and other herbs and spices on a sugar-beet alcohol base. The importer's tasting notes praise a seductively anise-forward entry, a softer mellow licorice midpalate, and a full-bodied, lasting spice on the finish.
Tasting Notes
Brilliant amber in the glass, turning milky-opalescent with water (the famous louche). Neat, it is intensely anise and licorice with Provençal herbal depth; diluted, it softens into something silky, refreshing, and bittersweet, spice lingering on a long dry finish.
How to Enjoy
The classic serve: one part pastis to five parts ice-cold water, ice added after the water — watch it cloud. Drink it as an apéritif before dinner, over crushed ice, or use it in cooking: the importer recommends it in pastries, marinades, and sauces. It also stars in the Suissesse cocktail (pastis, lemon, egg white, soda). Find more French aperitif culture in our aperitivo range and the full Pastis de Marseille shelf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pastis?
A French anise-and-licorice aperitif created after absinthe's 1915 ban — the anise ritual, minus wormwood.
Why does pastis turn cloudy with water?
The anise oils are soluble in alcohol but not in water; diluting releases them as a milky emulsion called the louche.
What does "Pastis de Marseille" legally require?
A minimum of 45% ABV — the Marseille style is the boldest expression of pastis.
How do you drink pastis?
Diluted about 1:5 with cold water as an apéritif; also over crushed ice or in cocktails and cooking.
Explore more anise classics among our liqueurs. Order Prince Pastis de Marseille online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA — Marseille in a glass.