Pastis Spritz

How to Make Pastis Spritz

1. 1

   Step 1: Prepare glass and ice

   Chill four large wine or rocks glasses in the freezer for a few minutes if desired. Fill each glass generously with ice to keep the cocktail bright and cold throughout serving.

   For this step

   • 4 cupsIce cubes
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Measure pastis and sweeten

   Divide the pastis evenly among the glasses (about 1 fl oz / 30 ml per serving). Add a light splash of simple syrup to each to gently round the anise notes—adjust to taste depending on the dryness of your sparkling wine.

   For this step

   • 4 fl ozPastis (e.g., Ricard)
   • 1 fl ozSimple syrup (1:1)
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Add sparkling wine

   Top each glass with an even pour of chilled sparkling wine (about 3 fl oz / 90 ml per serving). Pour slowly to preserve effervescence and create a lively base for the spritz.

   For this step

   • 12 fl ozDry sparkling wine (Prosecco or Cava)
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Top with soda and gently stir

   Finish each glass with soda water (about 2 fl oz / 60 ml per serving) to lift and lighten the drink. Give each cocktail one or two gentle stirs—enough to integrate but not flatten the bubbles.

   For this step

   • 8 fl ozChilled soda water
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Garnish and serve

   Express a lemon twist over each glass to release oils, then drop it in and add a fresh thyme sprig as an aromatic, savory accent. Serve immediately while effervescent.

   For this step

   • 4 twistLemon twists
   • 4 sprigsFresh thyme sprigs
   

1. Chill four large wine or rocks glasses in the freezer for a few minutes if desired. Fill each glass generously with ice to keep the cocktail bright and cold throughout serving.
2. Divide the pastis evenly among the glasses (about 1 fl oz / 30 ml per serving). Add a light splash of simple syrup to each to gently round the anise notes—adjust to taste depending on the dryness of your sparkling wine.
3. Top each glass with an even pour of chilled sparkling wine (about 3 fl oz / 90 ml per serving). Pour slowly to preserve effervescence and create a lively base for the spritz.
4. Finish each glass with soda water (about 2 fl oz / 60 ml per serving) to lift and lighten the drink. Give each cocktail one or two gentle stirs—enough to integrate but not flatten the bubbles.
5. Express a lemon twist over each glass to release oils, then drop it in and add a fresh thyme sprig as an aromatic, savory accent. Serve immediately while effervescent.