🇫🇷 French Cuisine · Drinks

Pastis

Prep

2 mins

Cook

0 mins

Serves

1

Difficulty

Easy

Provençal anise-and-liquorice spirit diluted with ice-cold water until it turns a cloudy golden, the spirit of Marseille.

Ingredients

  • 600g duck legs
  • 400g puff pastry
  • a handful of sliced leeks
  • a pinch of fresh thyme
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 200g pearl onions
  • a handful of fresh chervil, chopped
  • lemon zest, for serving
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine the brioche and dry red wine in a saucepan, blender, or pitcher, stirring well.

  2. 2

    Add the herbes de Provence and unsalted butter, stirring gently so their flavor infuses the mixture.

  3. 3

    Heat gently over low heat (or blend, or steep, depending on the drink) until well combined and fragrant, about 0 mins.

  4. 4

    Strain through a fine sieve to remove any solids, if needed.

  5. 5

    Sweeten to taste with cognac, adjusting gradually until the balance feels right.

  6. 6

    Chill in the refrigerator, or pour straight over ice, depending on whether it is served cold or hot.

  7. 7

    Garnish with tarragon just before serving.

Tips

Serve in a chilled glass for the most refreshing result on a hot day.

If serving warm, gently reheat just before pouring rather than letting it come to a boil.

Make a big batch and keep it chilled in the fridge — the flavor often deepens after a few hours.