8 Best Pernod Substitutes for Cooking (Updated 2024)

Name: 8 Best Pernod Substitutes
Ingredients: Pastis; White Wine; Ouzo; Absinthe; Sambuca; Whiskey; Vodka; Lemon Juice

Updated Jan 17, 2023Recipe Marker

Do you want to cook a French seafood recipe? Pernod is a French liquor with an anise flavor that can be a great complement to a dish. However, since Pernod is not widely available, you can make do with Pernod substitutes.

We collected a list of best alternatives for Pernod. Try out the list below to create a similar result for your dishes, especially your seafood recipes.

8 Best Pernod Substitutes

1. Pastis

Pastis is another anise-flavored French drink that is a perfect substitute if you do not have any Pernod on hand or if your local store is out of stock. The same manufacturer that produces Pernod makes it.

This drink has a 40-45 percent alcohol content. But when you cooked it with food, the alcohol level reduces.

You can enhance the flavor and fragrance of your seafood dishes by adding a few drops of pastis.

2. White Wine

White wine is an essential part of many cuisines. You can use it as a safe substitute for Pernod when cooking. You can choose any kind of white wine, from dry wine to sweet wine, and smooth wine.

If you are preparing seafood, it is advisable to use up to 2 teaspoons of white wine. If you are cooking pasta or risotto, you can add 1 teaspoon of white wine.

The acidity of white wine also has the benefit of eliminating the pungent odors associated with seafood and meat.

3. Ouzo

For cooking, Ouzo makes a fine Pernod substitute because it brings a similar anise taste to seafood recipes and any other dish you may like to try. Ouzo is a dry liquor with an anise flavor made from grape must that is common in Greece.

Ouzo is generally distilled in copper stills and then seasoned with anise seeds and other spices, including mint, cardamom, clove, coriander, and fennel.

4. Absinthe

Absinthe can be a suitable Pernod alternative for your recipe. This European spirit is a cousin to Pernod. It has a very close flavor to Pernod, and the high alcohol content evaporates when cooking.

Anise is present in Absinthe and is mixed with sweet fennel, mugwort leaves and flowers, and other herbs. This spirit serves as a licorice spice in many traditional and popular European dishes.

Absinthe is produced at exceptionally high alcohol-by-volume levels. Thus, it is normally diluted with water before being consumed.

5. Sambuca

Since sambuca is related to Ouzo and Pastis, you can use it as a Pernod substitute in cooking, particularly if you want a similar taste.

Sambuca is an Italian anise-flavored liquor. White sambuca is the most common variety, which is usually colorless. Black sambuca and red sambuca are other varieties of different colors.

Basic oils from anise and other herbs and spices like licorice and elderflower enhance this liquor.

6. Whiskey

You can use whiskey in place of Pernod for your dish. There are various kinds of whiskey, but you can use nearly all of them as substitutes.

Although the taste of whiskey differs from Pernod’s distinct anise flavor, it can be a decent substitute if you want a special taste and a sweet yet smoky flavor in your dish.

Whiskey is often mixed with red meat, particularly in slow-cooking recipes in Europe and Russia. Additionally, it makes a great addition to seafood because of its pleasant flavor and fragrance.

7. Vodka

Vodka is another option on our list of substitutes. While it is a popular drink, vodka is an excellent ingredient in seafood sauces. It is also readily available around the world, so it is an affordable and convenient Pernod alternative.

Vodka has a delicate flavor and fragrance that matches well with seafood like shrimp, fish, and scallops.

You can intensify the aroma of your dish and eliminate the odor of the seafood. Just dissolve one teaspoon of vodka in your sauce with other herbs and spices.

8. Lemon Juice

If something simple and alcohol-free, lemon makes a perfect substitute for Pernod. Lemon has long been preferred as a flavorful addition to salads, desserts, savory meals, and drinks.

Although swapping Pernod with lemon will not yield the anise and licorice flavors, it will add a fragrant smell, as well as a sweet and sour flavor. Plus, this strong fruit is high in vitamin C.

The distinction between the two is clear, but using lemon is a great way to modify recipes for those unable to drink alcohol. It is also inexpensive and readily available in most stores.

The Bottom Line

You can effectively indulge in French cuisine, especially seafood, by substituting the above ingredients for Pernod. Select carefully depending on your recipe. Whichever you like, still taste your dish as it cooks. Enjoy your delectable meal!

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