A Licorice Cocktail is a bold and intriguing drink with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The rich, herbal notes of licorice pair beautifully with smooth vodka and a touch of fizz from club soda. Whether you’re a longtime licorice lover or just looking for something new, this cocktail is a fun way to explore its unique flavor. I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a tip I learned while perfecting it—using a high-quality anise liqueur makes all the difference!
Licorice
Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 1 oz (30ml) anise liqueur (like Pernod or absinthe)
- 1 oz (30ml) vodka
- 0.5 oz (15ml) licorice syrup
- Club soda, to top
- Ice
Glass choice: A highball glass works best, allowing the flavors to blend while keeping the drink light and refreshing. If you prefer a more concentrated taste, a rocks glass is a great alternative.
How to Make a Licorice Cocktail
- Fill your glass with ice to chill it while you mix the drink.
- In a cocktail shaker, add anise liqueur, vodka, and licorice syrup with a handful of ice.
- Shake well for about 10 seconds to chill everything thoroughly.
- Strain into your prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Top with club soda and stir gently to mix.
- Garnish with a small piece of black licorice or a star anise pod for an extra aromatic touch.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights when I want something refreshing but still packed with flavor. The licorice syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the drink.
Tips & Tricks
- Want a stronger licorice flavor? Add a few dashes of licorice bitters or use sambuca instead of anise liqueur.
- Prefer a lighter version? Use half the licorice syrup or swap it for a natural sweetener like honey or stevia.
- No club soda? Sparkling water works just as well!
- Make it ahead: You can pre-mix the anise liqueur, vodka, and syrup in a bottle and store it in the fridge. Just pour over ice and top with soda when ready to serve.
Food Pairings
Pairing the right food with this cocktail enhances its bold flavors. Here are some of my favorite options:
- Salted Nuts: The contrast between the salty crunch of almonds or cashews and the sweet-spicy licorice is irresistible.
- Dark Chocolate Desserts: A piece of dark chocolate or a rich chocolate tart brings out the deep, herbal notes in the drink.
- Spicy Asian Dishes: A little heat from Szechuan or Thai food plays beautifully with the cocktail’s subtle spice.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these fun twists:
Star Anise Licorice
- Ingredients: Star anise-infused vodka, licorice bitters
- How to make: Infuse vodka with a few star anise pods overnight, then mix with licorice bitters and serve over ice.
Spicy Licorice
- Ingredients: Chili-infused anise liqueur, ginger beer
- How to make: Infuse anise liqueur with a small dried chili for a few hours, then shake with ice and top with ginger beer.
Licorice Mint Julep
- Ingredients: Mint leaves, bourbon, licorice syrup
- How to make: Muddle mint with licorice syrup, add bourbon, and serve over crushed ice for a refreshing twist.
For a non-alcoholic version, try mixing licorice tea with a splash of lemon juice and topping it with club soda. It’s just as refreshing and full of that signature licorice flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?
Yes! Replace the anise liqueur and vodka with licorice tea and follow the Virgin Licorice recipe above.
What if I don’t have licorice syrup?
You can make your own by simmering licorice root with sugar and water until it thickens. Or, substitute with anise syrup for a similar flavor.
Is this cocktail very sweet?
It’s balanced, but you can adjust the syrup to taste. If you prefer a drier drink, use less syrup and more club soda.
Can I use black licorice candy in the drink?
Absolutely! Melting a small piece into the syrup while warming it can intensify the licorice flavor.
When’s the best time to enjoy a Licorice Cocktail?
It’s great as an after-dinner drink or a classy nightcap. The herbal notes make it a cozy choice for cooler evenings too.
How can I store leftover licorice syrup?
Keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to two weeks. It’s also great for coffee or drizzling over desserts!
This Licorice Cocktail is a unique and flavorful drink that’s sure to impress. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the fun variations, it’s a great way to enjoy the bold, sweet-spicy taste of licorice. Cheers! 🍸
