National Anisette Day

Celebrate National Anisette Day with a Sweet Sip of Tradition

Hey sweet friends!

🌿Today, we’re raising our glasses to a unique and delightfully nostalgic liqueur anisette! July 2nd is National Anisette Day, and here at Good Thyme Gal, we’re all about honoring ingredients that bring flavor, culture, and a little fun into our kitchens.

Whether you’ve grown up with the licorice-like scent of anisette cookies baking in your grandmother’s oven or are just now discovering this aromatic elixir, today’s the perfect time to explore the magic of this classic European spirit.

🍸 What Is Anisette?

Anisette is a clear, sweet, anise-flavored liqueur traditionally made with anise seeds. Popular in Mediterranean countries like Italy, France, and Spain, it’s used to flavor baked goods, cocktails, and even savory dishes. Think of it as the smoother, sweeter cousin to pastis or sambuca.

Its bold, licorice-forward taste might be polarizing, but it’s also unforgettable. And when used thoughtfully, anisette can lend a complex, aromatic quality to recipes that’s both cozy and sophisticated.

🌿 Why National Anisette Day Matters for Good Thyme Gal

At Good Thyme Gal, we celebrate flavor, memory, and creativity. National Anisette Day aligns perfectly with our mission of honoring tradition while encouraging you to try new things with confidence and joy.

Anisette is also a great reminder that pantry staples and heritage ingredients like anise, can make a big splash without costing a fortune. And that’s something we’re always about: accessible flavor, big heart, and no gatekeeping.

💛 An Equitable Recipe: Easy Anisette Almond Biscotti (Dairy-Free!)

Let’s celebrate with a recipe that brings anisette front and center without requiring fancy tools or expensive ingredients. These Easy Anisette Almond Biscotti are crispy, subtly sweet, and perfect with your favorite cup of tea or coffee.

📝 Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup slivered almonds (toasted optional)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 ½ tbsp anisette liqueur

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting

  
  

🍪 Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with anisette and vanilla extract.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until a dough forms. Fold in the almonds.

5. Shape the dough into a log (about 10 inches long and 2 inches wide) on the parchment.

6. Bake for 25–28 minutes, until the top is golden and firm. Remove and let cool for 10 minutes.

7. Reduce oven to 300°F (150°C). Slice the log into ½-inch pieces and place cut-side down.

8. Bake biscotti for another 10 minutes on each side until crisp and dry.

9. Cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and enjoy!

These biscotti are perfect for dipping and keep well in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. They’re a budget-friendly, no-fuss way to bring anisette into your home.

✨ Make It Your Own

• No anisette? Use ½ tsp anise extract (available at most groceries) and 1 tbsp extra water or orange juice.

• Nut-free? Omit almonds or sub with sunflower seeds.

• Gluten-free? Use your favorite 1:1 baking flour blend.

🌿 Homemade Anise Extract Recipe

⭐ What You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon anise seeds (whole, not ground)

• ½ cup vodka (at least 80 proof; neutral and unflavored)

• A small glass jar or bottle with a tight-sealing lid

• Time and patience (extracts get better with age!)

🍶 Instructions:

1. Lightly crush the anise seeds using a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon. This helps release the aromatic oils.

2. Add the crushed seeds to your clean, dry jar.

3. Pour in the vodka, making sure the seeds are fully submerged.

4. Seal the jar tightly and give it a good shake.

5. Store in a cool, dark place (like a cabinet or pantry) for 4 to 6 weeks. Shake the jar once or twice a week to help the infusion.

6. After 4–6 weeks, strain the extract through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bottle or jar.

7. Label and date it, and store at room temperature. It’ll keep indefinitely and continue to deepen in flavor over time.

🌍 A Toast to Tradition, Taste, and Togetherness

National Anisette Day is about more than a liqueur, it’s about preserving culinary memories, experimenting with global flavors, and making space for recipes that carry stories.

Whether you're recreating a beloved family treat or trying anisette for the first time, today is your invitation to savor something a little different, and a lot delightful.

So pour a small glass, bake a biscotti or two, and celebrate the sweet simplicity of anise with us. 💫

🎥 Level Up Your Baking Skills with Good Thyme Gal on YouTube! 🎥🍰

Looking for a little extra guidance in the kitchen? Whether you're mastering a new recipe or perfecting an old favorite, my Good Thyme Gal YouTube channel is here to help! I share step-by-step tutorials, helpful tips, and fun tricks to make baking easier and more enjoyable. From cookies and cakes to savory treats, you’ll gain the confidence to create something amazing!

Let’s celebrate together! 🎉👉 Subscribe to my YouTube Channel today and let’s bake up some magic together!#BakingTips #GoodThymeGal #YouTubeBaking #CookingConfidence #BakeWithMe

Ready to dig in? Share your anise inspired creations using #GoodThymeGal on Instagram and tag me @Chrstyleeb !!! I love seeing what you’re cooking!

Here’s to every little flavor that brings us closer together.

With love and licorice-kissed bites,

Good Thyme Gal