Mauresque

The Mauresque is a delightfully simple and refreshing long drink hailing from the south of France. It features pastis, an anise-flavored spirit, which is sweetened with orgeat, an almond-based syrup. When chilled water is added, the drink performs its signature 'louche' effect, transforming from clear to a cloudy, opaque white. It's the perfect pre-dinner drink for a warm afternoon, offering a complex yet light flavor profile that is both sweet and herbaceous.
Mauresque

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Mauresque is categorized as a classic French apéritif. It belongs to the family of pastis-based long drinks, which are traditionally consumed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Its simple preparation and refreshing nature make it a quintessential pre-dinner beverage.

Serving

Served cold in a tall glass, the Mauresque is a long drink whose final strength and volume are customized by the drinker by adding chilled water. This low-ABV beverage is designed for slow, refreshing sipping.
Serving size
Approx. 180-240 ml / 6-8 oz (variable based on dilution)
Alcohol content
Approx. 6-9% ABV, depending on dilution ratio
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball glass or Pastis glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The Mauresque, along with other pastis variations, gained popularity in France after the ban on absinthe in 1915. Its name, meaning 'Moorish,' is thought to be a reference to the use of orgeat syrup, which has historical roots in North Africa and the Middle East. It remains a beloved staple in the cafés and homes of Provence, embodying the relaxed culture of the French apéro.
Origin
Southern France, particularly the Provence region. It rose to prominence in the early 20th century as a popular way to consume pastis, the successor to the banned absinthe.

Mauresque

The drink is formally known as Mauresque, which means 'Moorish' in French. It is more affectionately and commonly known in Southern France as Momisette, a diminutive term of endearment. Both names refer to the same classic French apéritif made with pastis and orgeat syrup.
Original name
Mauresque
Alternative name
Momisette

Characteristics overview

The Mauresque offers a bold aroma and flavor of anise and sweet almond, balanced into a light, refreshing drink. Its defining characteristic is the magical "louche" effect, where it turns a beautiful milky white upon adding water.
Flavor
Anise, Licorice, Sweet almond, Herbal, Nutty, Refreshing
Aroma
Anise, Almond, Floral, Herbaceous
Taste balance
Sweet, Herbal
Aftertaste
Clean, Lingering anise, Sweet finish
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Opaque, Milky white, Cloudy (louched)
Texture
Smooth, Light, Watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink is moderately sweet with a light herbal bitterness and spice from the pastis. It is a still, low-alcohol beverage with a subtle creamy texture from the orgeat syrup.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This simple drink requires only three ingredients: pastis, orgeat syrup, and chilled water. The quality of the pastis and orgeat syrup will directly impact the final taste of the cocktail.
  • Pastis30 ml / 1 oz
    Use a quality French pastis like Ricard, Pernod 45, or Henri Bardouin.
  • Orgeat Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    A sweet syrup made from almonds, sugar, and orange flower water. Quality matters for the best flavor.
  • Chilled Water120-180 ml / 4-6 oz, to taste
    Must be very cold. Traditionally served in a separate carafe for the drinker to add themselves.

Ice type

  • Cubed (optional)

Mixing equipments

No special mixing equipment is needed beyond a jigger or measuring cup for the ingredients. The drink is built directly in the serving glass.
  • Jigger for measuring

Instructions

The preparation is simple: combine pastis and orgeat in a glass, with optional ice. The key step is to serve it with chilled water on the side, allowing for the slow addition that creates the drink's signature cloudy appearance.
1. Pour the pastis into a highball or pastis glass.
2. Add the orgeat syrup to the glass.
3. If using ice, add 2-3 large ice cubes now.
4. Present the glass to the drinker with a small carafe of chilled still water on the side.
5. Slowly pour the chilled water into the glass to create the 'louche' effect, diluting to your preferred taste (typically a 1:4 or 1:5 ratio of pastis to water).

Garnishing

Traditionally, the Mauresque is served without a garnish. Its milky, louched appearance is its signature visual appeal.
  • None. The beautiful cloudy appearance is the star.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is not nut-free as it contains orgeat, which is traditionally made from almonds. It is typically vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, but it is best to check the orgeat syrup's label for specific allergens.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively light cocktail in terms of calories, with most of its carbohydrates and sugar coming from the orgeat syrup. The final nutritional value depends on the specific brands and quantities used.
Calories
Averagely 120-150 kcal / 502-628 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-14 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 10-14 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is the quintessential beverage for the French 'apéro hour,' serving as a classic pre-dinner apéritif to awaken the palate. It is especially well-suited for sipping on a warm summer afternoon or during any casual get-together with friends.
  • Pre-dinner drink
  • Summer afternoon
  • Casual gathering
  • Apéro hour

Pairing suggestions

The Mauresque pairs wonderfully with classic Provençal snacks and light appetizers. Its anise and almond notes complement salty and savory bites like olives, nuts, and tapenade. It's the perfect companion for a light charcuterie board before dinner.
  • Olives
  • Salted almonds
  • Tapenade with bread
  • Light charcuterie
  • Fougasse bread

Mauresque: A Taste of the French Riviera

The Mauresque is a timeless French apéritif that captures the essence of a sunny afternoon in Provence. Its simple composition of pastis, sweet orgeat syrup, and chilled water belies a surprisingly complex flavor profile dominated by anise and almond. The visual spectacle of the 'louche' effect adds a touch of magic to the preparation. Refreshing, light, and steeped in tradition, the Mauresque is an elegant and easy-to-make drink perfect for starting an evening.

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