Why is 'aniseed spirit' a common crossword clue?

Aniseed spirits like Ouzo, Pastis, and Sambuca are culturally significant and have distinct names that are often just the right length for crossword puzzles. Their unique flavor profile also makes them a memorable category.

Are all aniseed spirits the same?

No, while they share the common flavor of anise, they differ significantly in origin, ingredients, alcohol content, and traditional serving methods. For example, Ouzo is Greek, Pastis is French, and Sambuca is Italian.

What other clues might relate to 'aniseed spirit' answers?

Clues might involve their country of origin ('Greek aperitif'), ingredients ('star anise liqueur'), color ('the green fairy' for Absinthe), or how they're traditionally served ('served with water, turning milky').

aniseed spirit crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find quick, accurate, and comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "aniseed spirit crossword clue". Whether you're stuck on a tricky puzzle or just double-checking, we've got you covered with answers sorted by letter count and helpful explanations.

Solutions for "aniseed spirit crossword clue" by Letter Count

4 Letters

OUZO: A popular Greek aniseed-flavored aperitif, often served with water that turns it cloudy.

6 Letters

PASTIS: A French alcoholic drink flavored with anise and liquorice, popular as an aperitif.

7 Letters

SAMBUCA: An Italian liqueur whose primary flavor is star anise, often served with coffee beans (con la mosca).

8 Letters

ABSINTHE: A potent, wormwood-based spirit with a strong anise flavor, famously known as "the Green Fairy".

More About "aniseed spirit crossword clue"

Aniseed spirits are a fascinating category of alcoholic beverages, known for their distinct licorice-like flavor derived from the anethole compound found in anise, star anise, or fennel. These spirits are culturally significant in many parts of the world, particularly around the Mediterranean and in the Middle East.

From the Greek Ouzo and French Pastis to Italian Sambuca and the more infamous Absinthe, each spirit offers a unique drinking experience and cultural context. They are often enjoyed as aperitifs, mixed with water to create a cloudy effect (the "louching" phenomenon), or used in cocktails and culinary applications. Their widespread recognition and specific names make them frequent visitors in crossword puzzles, providing clues that test both general knowledge and a keen eye for letter counts.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Consider regional variations: For "aniseed spirit," think about the country of origin. Is it Greek? French? Italian? This can narrow down your options significantly.
Look at surrounding letters: The letters already filled in from intersecting clues are your best friends. They can quickly confirm or rule out potential answers like OUZO or PASTIS.
Check for synonyms/common phrases: Sometimes the clue might hint at a common way the spirit is served or its nickname (e.g., "green fairy" for Absinthe).

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes aniseed spirits turn cloudy when water is added?

This phenomenon, known as "louching" or the "ouzo effect," occurs because the anethole (the compound giving aniseed its flavor) is soluble in alcohol but not in water. When water is added, the alcohol content drops, causing the anethole to precipitate out of the solution, forming tiny droplets that scatter light and create the milky appearance.

Are all "aniseed spirits" strong?

While many popular aniseed spirits like Absinthe can be quite strong (high alcohol by volume), others like some types of Ouzo or Pastis are typically consumed diluted with water, making their effective strength lower during consumption. The term "spirit" generally implies a distilled alcoholic beverage.

What's the difference between anise and star anise?

Anise and star anise are two different plants that both contain anethole, the chemical compound responsible for the distinct licorice-like flavor. Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is a flowering plant in the parsley family, while star anise (Illicium verum) is the fruit of an evergreen tree native to China and Vietnam. Both are used to flavor aniseed spirits, sometimes individually, sometimes in combination.