Exotically stimulating aniseed and liquorice ice coffee

According to tradition, star aniseed was typically brewed into a mild drinkable decoction and enjoyed before or after meals to whet the appetite or to act as a mild digestive aid. It is a major ingredient in masala chai, an Indian spiced tea mixture typically prepared with a blend of selected spices, black tea, milk, and jaggery or sugar. In the Western world, star anise is employed not only in the culinary field, but (like anise) in the production and flavouring of liquors as well.

As a matter of interest, both these spices have a warm liquorice flavour, and they both have aphrodisiac qualities that may improve libido, In fact aniseed has been used as an aphrodisiac since the Greeks and the Romans, who believed it had special powers. Sucking on the seeds is said to increase your desire.

For a stimulating, exotically flavoured ice coffee, try this blend of zesty fresh mint, salt sweet liquorice and aniseed sweetened with honey.

METHOD

Prepare the Grand Cru of your choice in 6 espressos (6x 40 ml / 1.5 oz). Pour the espressos into a cold glass jug with the ground aniseed, the liquorice stick snapped in two and the honey. Leave to develop for 10 minutes, preferably placing the jug in an ice bucket to cool the mixture. Serve in iced cups topped with fresh mint, half a stick of liquorice and a few ice cubes.

Serves 2