Pastis Grenadine, also known as ‘Tomate’, is a refreshing, colourful cocktail that combines the aniseed flavour of pastis with the sweetness of grenadine. Easy to prepare, it's perfect for hot summer days or as an aperitif before a convivial meal.
To make Pastis Grenadine, you'll need the following ingredients:
Pastis: A typically French aniseed-flavoured liqueur, the main ingredient in this delicious recipe.
Grenadine syrup: To add a touch of sweetness and a lovely red colour.
Water: Preferably still, to dilute the pastis and grenadine.
Ice: To serve the cocktail chilled, but this is of course optional.
A long drink glass or Tumbler
A measuring jug and pouring spout
A mixing spoon
The recipe for Tomato Pastis is very simple and will only take a few minutes. Here are the various stages:
Preparing the glass: Start by filling a glass with crushed ice. This will keep the cocktail chilled and add a pleasant texture.
Measure out the ingredients: Pour about 4 cl of pastis into the glass, then add 3 cl of grenadine syrup. You can adjust the quantities to suit your personal preferences.
Mixing: Stir gently with a spoon to blend the pastis and grenadine.
Serving: Top up with still water to taste. Don't hesitate to add a touch of fantasy with a few fresh berries such as redcurrants, raspberries or strawberries.
Pastis Grenadine is an ideal base for experimenting with different flavours and creating unique variations:
With a touch of fruit: Add a slice of lime or orange for a fruity, tangy note.
With another liqueur: A few drops of bitters like Bitter Artonic can add extra complexity to the cocktail.
Alcohol-free Pastis Grenadine: Replace the pastis with a star anise syrup for an alcohol-free version that's just as delicious.
To make a success of your Pastis Grenadine, here are a few tips and tricks:
The choice of pastis: Ælred pastis is particularly recommended for its quality and subtle aromas. It goes perfectly with grenadine.
Temperature: Always serve your cocktail chilled, with ice cubes or crushed ice. This enhances the flavours and makes the drink more enjoyable.
Serving suggestions: Pastis Grenadine goes well with savoury appetisers such as olives, nuts or small cheese toasts.
Pastis Grenadine, or ‘Tomate’, has its origins in the south of France, where pastis is an emblematic drink. This cocktail was born out of a desire to diversify the way pastis is consumed, by adding a sweet and colourful touch. Grenadine, with its beautiful red colour, quickly found its place in this recipe, giving birth to a cocktail that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Over the years, it has become a classic French aperitif, appreciated for its simplicity and refreshing taste.
In conclusion, Pastis Grenadine is a cocktail that's easy to make and easy to personalise to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer it with a touch of fruit, another liqueur, or even without alcohol, it will always add a festive and refreshing note to your social gatherings. So don't hesitate to try this recipe and share it with your friends and family!
