Homemade Star Anise Liqueur

Homemade Star Anise Liqueur is a smooth, aromatic Italian-style digestif with a warm, sweet, licorice-like flavor.

In the U.S., this beautiful spice is usually sold as star anise, and it gives the liqueur its unmistakable fragrance and elegant after-dinner character.

This recipe is simple, fragrant, and perfect for the holidays, family dinners, or homemade gifts. Serve it well chilled in small glasses after a rich meal, just like a traditional Italian digestivo.

DOWNLOAD PDF OF THIS RECIPE HERE:

homemade_star_anise_liqueur_recipe

Cooking Times & Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Infusion Time: 7–10 days
Resting Time: 7 days
Yield: About 2 liters / about 68 fl oz
Servings: About 34 small 2-oz servings

Ingredients

• 4 cups food-grade alcohol, 190 proof
• 8–12 whole star anise pods
  use up to 15 for a stronger flavor
• 4 cups water
• 3 ½–4 cups granulated sugar
  3 ½ cups = less sweet
  4 cups = smoother and sweeter

Optional

• 1 small strip of untreated lemon peel
• 1 small piece of cinnamon stick

How to Substitute Alcohol with Everclear

In the U.S., you can use Everclear 190 proof instead of generic food-grade alcohol.

Use the same amount:

• 4 cups Everclear 190 proof
• 4 cups water
• 3 ½–4 cups sugar

Everclear is very strong, so never drink it undiluted. In this recipe, it is first infused with star anise and then diluted with sugar syrup to create a smooth homemade liqueur.

If you can only find Everclear 151 proof, the final liqueur will be slightly lighter in alcohol. You can still use it with the same recipe, but the result will be a little softer and less strong.

Instructions

1. Place the whole star anise pods in a large clean glass jar.
2. Pour the food-grade alcohol or Everclear over the star anise.
3. Seal the jar tightly and let it infuse in a dark place for 7–10 days, shaking the jar gently every day or two.
4. After the infusion time, prepare the syrup. Add the water and sugar to a saucepan and warm over low heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
5. Turn off the heat and let the syrup cool completely.
6. Strain the infused alcohol through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
7. Combine the strained alcohol with the completely cooled syrup.
8. Mix well, then pour into clean glass bottles.
9. Let the liqueur rest for at least 7 days before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Use only food-grade star anise, the kind sold for cooking and baking. Do not use decorative, scented, or craft-grade star anise.

For a stronger flavor, use 12–15 star anise pods and let the infusion sit closer to 10 days. For a softer, more delicate liqueur, use 8 pods and infuse for 7 days.

Always let the sugar syrup cool completely before mixing it with the infused alcohol. This helps preserve the aroma and gives the liqueur a smoother taste.

Serve chilled as an after-dinner digestif. It is especially wonderful during Christmas, New Year’s, or after a big Italian family meal.

Nutritional Facts

Approximate values per 2-oz serving.