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Sicilian Cooking

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Anisette Rosolio

Rosolio di Anisetta

Anisette Rosolio is a very traditional drink offered in elegant leaded crystal glass as a sign of hospitality to make your guests feel welcome and comfortable. The Anisette Rosolio, this mild liquorish tasting beverage, is enjoyed after dinner straight up or on the rocks with water to quench your thirst. The anisette a smooth and refreshing drink is made with anise seeds and vanilla bean which is present in almost every rosolio.  At the bottom of the page, there is a suggestion on how to make anesone liquor. Anesone is a stronger version of anisette, similar to Sambuca.

  • Yield2 fifths
  • Wines and DrinksAnisette Rosolio

    Ingredients

    • 2 oz. anise seeds
    • 1 qt. 100 proof vodka
    • 4 cups of sugar (2 lb.)
    • 2 cups of water
    • 1 vanilla bean, open vertically, seeds scraped (optional)

    Instructions

    1

    THE ANISE
    Use a mortar or blender to grind the anise seeds. In a large and airtight jar combine the vodka, the (optional) vanilla bean split in half and the anise seeds. Place the jar in a cool place and shake it every day. Steep for at least 10 days to 2 weeks to macerate and extract the anise flavor.

    2

    THE SYRUP
    In a saucepan, over a medium heat, combine and mix the sugar and the water; keep stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Lower the heat and simmer the syrup for 15 minutes, without boiling it. Set aside to cool.

    3

    THE ANISETTE ROSOLIO
    Use a sieve to strain the infusion through and discard the seedsand the vanilla bean. Combine the cooled syrup with the anise infusion, seal the jar and let it sit for a few days. Strain the rosolio using a paper filter or a piece of cotton cloth or a few layers of cheese cloth. Bottle and seal the rosolio that will be ready to use in about two weeks.

    VARIATION:

    4

    The Anesone is a stronger anise drink mostly used to add to water for a refreshing drink or to enhance the taste of coffee. To prepare Anesone grind 2 stars anise instead of the anise seeds and add beside the vanilla, 3 cloves and 1 inch piece of a cinnamon stick. The shaped brown pod of the star anise holds eight seeds smaller than a pea, with the a strong and distinguishing licorice taste; the anise seeds come from a plant in the parsley family, the stars from an evergreen in the magnolia family. Prepare Anesone, using the same procedure as for Anisette Rosolio.