Perroquet

Perroquet, French for “parrot,” is a classic French café pour: Pernod stretched with cold water and a dash of mint syrup, served long over ice. It takes its name from the pale green color the drink turns once the water goes in. It is a close cousin of plain Pernod and water, but the mint gives it a cooling edge and a slightly sweeter finish that makes it friendlier for anyone new to anise spirits.

Part of the fun is watching it change. Anise spirits hold their oils in solution while the alcohol is strong, then turn cloudy as water is added, an effect called the louche that you also see with absinthe and ouzo. The Perroquet belongs to a little family of French café drinks built the same way. Swap the mint for grenadine and you get a Tomate, or use orgeat and it becomes a Mauresque. All of them are casual, low-alcohol drinks meant for a sidewalk table and a long conversation.

Glass: Highball | Strength: Light | Serves: 1 | Prep Time: 2 minutes

Bartenders tip: The cloudiness is the point, so add the water slowly and watch it happen rather than dumping it in. Traditional French sirop de menthe is bright green and gives the best color. Mint syrup is easy to overdo against anise, so start with a single dash and add more only if the drink tastes flat. Very cold water gives a smoother, silkier louche.