Legendre Herbsaint Spirit
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Legendre Herbsaint Spirit is a timeless creation steeped in history, originating in the vibrant city of New Orleans during the 1930s. Crafted by J. Marion Legendre, this anise-flavored liqueur was born out of necessity, serving as a worthy substitute for absinthe when it was banned in America. Despite the lifting of the ban, Herbsaint has continued to captivate palates and remains an essential component in the iconic Sazerac cocktail, maintaining its place in the hearts of cocktail enthusiasts worldwide.
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Tasting Notes
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Bottle details
| Type | Liqueur |
|---|---|
| Brand | Herbsaint |
| Producer | Sazerac Company |
| Origin | Louisiana, United States |
| Strength | 45% ABV (90 proof) |
| Bottle size | 750 ml |
Why Liquor Geeks recommends it
This is the anise spirit that keeps the Sazerac honest. Created in New Orleans in the 1930s by J. Marion Legendre as a stand-in for absinthe while it was banned in America, Herbsaint outlasted the ban and kept its place in the city's cocktail culture, and today it is produced by the Sazerac Company. It pours crystal clear, with anise leading the nose and subtle herbal and delicate floral notes behind it. The palate is bold anise balanced by gentle sweetness, with hints of fennel and licorice, and the finish is long and warming. It suits the home bartender building a proper Sazerac for the first time just as well as the New Orleans cocktail devotee who wants the traditional rinse rather than a substitute. It also stretches into a frothy frappé or a light spritz. We carry it because a serious cocktail shelf needs this bottle, and because its story is inseparable from one of America's classic drinks.
Pairs well with
- Raw oysters on the half shell — The herbal, fennel-tinged anise character offers a bright, aromatic counterpoint to briny shellfish.
- New Orleans-style dinner party — A round of Sazeracs with an Herbsaint rinse brings the Crescent City history of this bottle right to the table.
- Dark chocolate after dinner — The gentle sweetness and licorice depth of the spirit play well against bittersweet cocoa.
Questions about this bottle
What exactly is Herbsaint?
What exactly is Herbsaint?
Herbsaint is an anise-flavored liqueur created in New Orleans in the 1930s by J. Marion Legendre. It was made as a substitute for absinthe while absinthe was banned in America, and it remained popular after the ban was lifted. Today it is produced by the Sazerac Company in Louisiana.
How do I use Herbsaint in a Sazerac cocktail?
How do I use Herbsaint in a Sazerac cocktail?
Rinse a chilled glass with Herbsaint. Then stir rye whiskey, sugar and Peychaud's bitters together and serve the drink in the rinsed glass. The Herbsaint adds its signature anise aroma, and the record describes it as an essential component of the classic Sazerac.
What does Herbsaint taste like?
What does Herbsaint taste like?
Anise dominates both the aroma and the palate. Subtle herbal undertones and delicate floral notes sit in the background. A gentle sweetness balances the herbal intensity, and hints of fennel and licorice add depth. The finish is long and warming, and the anise lingers.
Can I drink Herbsaint beyond the Sazerac?
Can I drink Herbsaint beyond the Sazerac?
Yes. For an Herbsaint Frappé, shake it with crushed ice and a touch of simple syrup until frothy, then strain it into a chilled glass. For a lighter drink, mix it with sparkling water and a splash of lemon juice over ice. This bottle is a 750 ml size.
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