Dutch Anijsmelk: Warm Honey Anise Milk, the Cozy Dutch Bedtime Drink for Cold Nights

Lightly crush the anise seeds with the flat of a knife or a brief bash in a mortar to release their oils.

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) whole milk or oat milk
• 2 teaspoons whole anise seeds, lightly crushed
• 1 whole star anise
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 1 strip of lemon peel, pith removed
• 2 tablespoons honey, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of fine sea salt
• Ground cinnamon or a few anise seeds, to garnish

Instructions

1. Lightly crush the anise seeds with the flat of a knife or a brief bash in a mortar to release their oils.
2. Pour the milk into a small saucepan and add the crushed anise seeds, star anise, cinnamon stick, lemon peel and the pinch of salt.
3. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring now and then, until small bubbles form around the edges and the milk is steaming. Do not let it boil or it may catch on the bottom.
4. Pull the pan off the heat, cover and let the spices steep for 10 minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger the licorice-sweet anise flavor; 10 minutes gives a gentle, classic cup.
5. Strain the milk through a fine sieve into a measuring jug, pressing on the spices. Discard the solids.
6. Return the milk to the pan, stir in the honey and vanilla and reheat gently until hot. Taste and add more honey if you like it sweeter.
7. For a frothy top, whisk vigorously for 20 seconds or use a handheld milk frother. Pour into two warm mugs and dust with a little cinnamon or a few anise seeds.
8. Serve right away, ideally with a speculaas cookie on the side and a blanket within reach.
9. Anijsmelk is one of the oldest comfort drinks in the Netherlands, warm milk steeped with anise and sweetened with honey or sugar, traditionally given to children before bed and to anyone coming in from the cold. Dutch grocery stores still sell anise-sugar tablets called anijsblokjes that dissolve in hot milk, but the from-scratch version with whole spices tastes far rounder. In November, as the canals turn gray and Sinterklaas season begins, a mug of anijsmelk is as Dutch as it gets, and it happens to be a soothing caffeine-free nightcap for anyone.

Nutrition (estimated, per serving)

• Calories: 245 kcal
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 180mg