Definition of the word pastis

The word "pastis" is a French liquor that originated in the late 19th century as a substitute for absinthe, a banned drink believed to cause psychotic episodes and epileptic fits due to its high thujone content. Pastis, on the other hand, is made from anise-flavored liqueur and water, and is significantly less potent than absinthe. The creation of pastis can be attributed to two French men, Alexandre Edmond Baux and Paul-Marie C feelings, who experimented with different types of liquids used in absinthe in order to produce a beverage that could be sold as a legal substitute. They successfully launched their pastis, Pernod Fils, in 1850, and it quickly gained popularity in France and the rest of Europe. The name "pastis" is derived from the French verb "pastiller," which means "to relax" or "to digest." The drink was marketed as a digestif, and its anise flavor was said to aid in digestion. While absinthe remained banned in some countries for many years, pastis was legalized and became a staple in French bars and cafes. Today, pastis is still widely consumed in France and other parts of Europe, and is often mixed with water to create the popular French cocktail, the pastis-water ritual known as "l'apéro." The drink's anise flavor has also made it popular with tobacco enthusiasts, who sometimes add a drop or two to their cherry pipes as a flavoring. In summary, the word "pastis" originated in the late 19th century as a substitute for absinthe, which was banned due to perceived health hazards. Its name is derived from the French verb "pastiller," and it quickly gained popularity as a legal substitute for absinthe. Today, pastis is a widely consumed French liquor that continues to be enjoyed around the world.