What ingredients are in a Mauresque?

3 cl Ricard, 1 cl Orgeat syrup, Full Glass Water

What glass do you use for a Mauresque?

A Mauresque is traditionally served in a Collins glass.

How strong is a Mauresque?

A Mauresque has an estimated ABV of 15,04%.

How many calories are in a Mauresque?

A Mauresque contains approximately 119 calories per serving.

What is a Mauresque cocktail?

The Mauresque is a classic French aperitif drink made by combining pastis (anise-flavored spirit) with orgeat (almond syrup) and cold water. It is one of the traditional 'pastis variations' popular in Provence and the French Riviera, alongside the Tomate (pastis with grenadine) and the Perroquet (pastis with mint syrup). The orgeat gives it a sweet, nutty, mildly creamy character that softens the anise of the pastis.

How is a Mauresque prepared and served?

To prepare a Mauresque, a measure of pastis (typically Ricard or Pernod) is poured into a tall glass, followed by a small quantity of orgeat syrup, then topped with cold water. The water causes the pastis to louche — turning from clear to opaque milky white — a characteristic reaction of anise spirits with water. It is served without ice in the traditional French manner, though modern versions may include ice.

What is the ABV of a Mauresque?

A Mauresque has an ABV of approximately 10–15% depending on the amount of water used to dilute the pastis. Pastis is typically 40–45% ABV, but the traditional serving ratio of 1 part pastis to 4–5 parts water significantly reduces the final alcohol content. It is a refreshing, sessionable aperitif designed to be consumed leisurely before a meal in the Provençal tradition.

A traditional Marseillais variation on the pastis-and-water ritual, the Mauresque combines Ricard or another pastis with orgeat syrup and cold water in a Collins glass. As the water meets the anise spirit, the liquid shifts from amber to an opaque pearl-white through the reaction known as the louche effect. Orgeat lends almond sweetness and a creamy body to the anise-forward base, softening the pastis without overwhelming it. Ice is added last, since the syrup and spirit combine poorly once chilled. At roughly 15 percent ABV after dilution, it belongs to the family of Provençal apéritifs built around pastis cut with water.

Mauresque

Bardak Collins glass

Zorluk Easy

Kalori ~119 kcal

ABV 15,04%

Malzemeler

Ricard 3 cl
Orgeat syrup 1 cl
Water Full Glass

Talimatlar

1 - Pour the Ricard (or pastis) 2 - Pour the orgeat syrup 3 - Finally pour the water and add ice cubes at your convenience. Add the ice cubes at the end, otherwise the syrup and pastis do not mix well.

LowABV Herbal

The Mauresque is a classic French Provençal drink combining Ricard pastis (or any pastis) with orgeat syrup and cold water, which transforms the anise spirit from amber to an opaque pearl-white in a reaction called the louche effect. The orgeat adds almond sweetness and creamy body to the anise-forward pastis. It is one of the traditional Marseillais variations of the pastis-with-water ritual.

History & Origins

The Mauresque — meaning 'Moorish' in French — is one of several traditional pastis-based drinks from Marseille and Provence that add flavored syrups to pastis and water. The practice of mixing pastis with grenadine, mint, or orgeat dates to the mid-20th century as a way to soften the strong anise character of the spirit. Mauresque refers specifically to the North African and Moorish influences on Provençal culture.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Strong anise and fennel from the pastis with a sweet almond note from the orgeat, intensified by the louche transformation upon water addition. Palate: Herbal and anise-dominant with creamy almond sweetness, medium body, and a refreshing cold water dilution. Finish: Long, cooling, and anise-forward with a lingering almond sweetness.

anise almond herbal creamy refreshing

Pro Tip

Always add the water last — and never ice first, as it prevents the syrup and pastis from properly mixing before dilution occurs.

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