Anise Liqueurs - Raki, Arak, Ouzo, Pastis, Etc.

[DonRocks]

Has anyone tried that Turkish anise liqueur (I forget what it's called) that turns cloudy over ice? I should have heeded their warning--it was like drinking Dr. Bronner's shampoo.

Raki, or lion's milk - pretty much the same thing as Ouzo, Arak, or Pastis - a very strong anise taste that you can only sip. A little nip after a meal makes for a good digestif, but I don't see how people in the South of France drink it all day while playing pétanque. It's like Roquefort - a little bit goes a long way. (Note how I subtly shifted this to my area of expertise. )

[DrXmus]

Don't most of those types of liquors form a louche? They contains oils which aren't miscible with water, so the solution turns cloudy. Surprisingly, not all absinthes are high enough quality to generate the louche.

[pcollins]

I've enjoyed Xtabentíºn when I can get it from the Yucatan. It certainly has an anise flavor, as well as a bit of honey. Works fine on ice, though I've never had it turn cloudy.

Edit: If anyone has a local source, I'd be interested in getting more.