Pastis in Menton: how to drink Provence's iconic aperitif

Pastis belongs to the apéro: the unhurried time before lunch or dinner when people sit outside, talk and share something salty. It is closely associated with Marseille and Provence, but Menton's terraces, sea air and French-Italian rhythm make it a natural local ritual too.

The familiar reference is Ricard, but the point is less the brand than the pace: a small serving, plenty of cold water and a long conversation rather than a quick drink.

Pastis is led by anise, often with liquorice, fennel, herbs and spice. In the bottle it is amber; with water it becomes pale and cloudy because aromatic oils no longer stay fully dissolved. That louche is part of the ritual, not a flaw.

Start with roughly five parts cold still water to one part pastis, then adjust further to taste. Add ice only after the water if you want it. Pastis is not meant to be drunk neat like a shot.

Pastis is common enough that it does not need a specialist venue. Restaurant Le 5, Bouddha Beach, Le V.I.P, Vinum Veritas, Le Cercle des Marins Disparus and Gold Cafe each give the ritual a different setting: central brasserie, seafront, old town, marina or Italian-style aperitivo.

Ask what is currently stocked rather than expecting a particular brand. Useful French: Un pastis, s'il vous plaît. For an artisan option: Avez-vous un pastis artisanal ?

Comptoir des Vignes is the clearest local stop for a classic bottle, an artisan alternative or gift advice. Ricard and Pastis 51 are familiar southern classics; Henri Bardouin and smaller producers can offer a more herbal, botanical style. Ask what is in stock today.

For air travel, full-size spirits normally belong in checked luggage. Keep the receipt, protect the bottle and check destination-country rules before buying several bottles.

Choose a late-afternoon terrace, order one pastis with cold water, watch it turn cloudy, then take your time with olives or something salty. Pair it with a port walk, a pétanque afternoon, seafood or a quiet seafront evening rather than building a whole night around it.

Pastis is easy to underestimate because it is diluted. Do not drive after drinking, alternate with water and keep the ritual relaxed. It is for adults only.

Pastis is a French anise-flavoured spirit, strongly associated with Marseille and Provence rather than being native to Menton. Start with plenty of cold water; a Mauresque is a sweeter introduction for people unsure about liquorice.

For a gift, choose a recognizable classic or ask a caviste for an artisan bottle. Always confirm current stock, venue availability, airline rules and customs guidance yourself.