National Dish Netherlands: Anijsmelk (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Anijsmelk, a comforting Dutch classic that is far more than a simple drink. This fragrant anise milk is served warm and wins you over with its soothing aroma and gently sweet, liquorice-like flavour. Combining the cosiness of warm milk with the warming spice of aniseed, it is a favourite through the cold winter months — equally lovely as a soothing snack or a light dessert. Bring a little Dutch gezelligheid straight to your own kitchen.
About Anijsmelk
Anijsmelk is a traditional Dutch drink, treasured for its distinctive aroma and its wonderfully simple preparation. Warm milk is gently infused with aniseed, which lends the drink its unmistakable sweet, liquorice-like note. Combining the warmth of the milk with the long-prized soothing qualities of anise, it is especially popular during the cold months. It works beautifully both as a comforting snack and as a light dessert, turning an ordinary evening into something cosy and special.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 500 ml milk
- 1–2 teaspoons aniseed
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or sugar (to taste)
- A pinch of salt
Shopping for the ingredients
To make Anijsmelk you need only a handful of ingredients, but it pays to choose them well. The milk should be as fresh as possible, while the aniseed can be lightly toasted to bring out a deeper flavour. Honey or sugar can be added to taste, though honey lends the drink a lovely natural sweetness. Visit your local grocer or an organic supermarket to track down the best-quality ingredients.
Preparing the dish
Getting ready to make Anijsmelk is refreshingly straightforward. First, have your aniseed to hand and, if you like, toast it gently to release its aromatic oils. Meanwhile, prepare the milk by warming it in a pan, taking care not to let it come to the boil. This gentle heat allows the flavours of the anise milk to meld together in perfect harmony.
Step-by-step instructions
- Warm the milk in a pan over a medium heat.
- Add the aniseed and a pinch of salt.
- Sweeten the mixture with honey or sugar to taste.
- Stir well and let it infuse for around 5 minutes.
- Strain the liquid through a fine sieve to remove the aniseed.
- Serve the Anijsmelk warm in a pretty mug.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Anijsmelk is wonderfully easy to adapt for anyone avoiding gluten or lactose. Simply swap the regular milk for a plant-based alternative such as almond or oat milk, both of which give a similarly creamy result. All of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy it without a second thought. Just make sure that every product you use is clearly labelled as lactose-free.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Making Anijsmelk vegan could not be simpler: just replace the milk with a plant-based milk alternative. The honey, meanwhile, can be swapped for a vegan sweetener such as agave syrup or maple syrup. With these small changes the warm drink stays every bit as authentic and delicious, without any animal products. That way both vegans and vegetarians can enjoy this traditional Dutch favourite.
More tips and tricks
To take the flavour of Anijsmelk up a notch, try adding a little cinnamon or vanilla. These spices pair beautifully with anise and lend the milk an even more complex aroma. The key is to avoid overheating the mixture, so that the goodness of the milk is preserved. Experiment with the quantities until you find the perfect balance for your own palate.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The real beauty of Anijsmelk lies in how easily it adapts to personal preference. If you like things sweeter, simply increase the amount of sugar or honey to taste. For a richer, silkier texture, try stirring in a splash of cream or a little extra plant-based milk. Let your imagination run free and tweak the recipe until it suits your own tastes exactly. The same easygoing spirit runs through a creamy bowl of Vla.
Ingredient substitutions
If you find yourself missing some of the ingredients for Anijsmelk, there are plenty of alternatives to fall back on. The aniseed, for instance, can be replaced with fennel seeds, which offer a similar fragrant note. You could even swap the milk for yoghurt to achieve a thicker texture, though you will need to adjust the method accordingly — much as you might for the tangy Karnemelk. Stay open to different combinations to find a result you love.
Drink pairing ideas
To round out the experience of Anijsmelk, a few well-chosen accompaniments work a treat. A light fruit tea or a refreshing mint lemonade makes a lovely partner, as does a fragrant glass of fresh mint tea. A glass of warm mulled cider also pairs perfectly with the cosy notes of anise. Think about what best suits the occasion to create a harmonious little spread.
Serving and presentation ideas
The way you serve Anijsmelk can lift the whole experience. Pour the drink into a vintage cup or a small bowl with a little spoon for a charming, rustic look. A few toasted aniseeds scattered on top, or a mini cinnamon stick as decoration, give the drink real visual appeal. Do not forget a small napkin alongside to finish the moment off nicely.
A bit of history
Anijsmelk has its origins in the Netherlands, where it began life as a home remedy used to soothe an upset stomach. Anise has long been valued for its calming properties and has featured in European cooking for centuries. Today, Anijsmelk is a much-loved drink that is not only comforting but also conjures up a sense of warmth and togetherness — a hallmark of Dutch cuisine. The tradition of serving it during the cold season endures to this day and is often shared among family, much like a glass of festive Advocaat.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Anijsmelk
In short, Anijsmelk is a wonderfully soothing choice that can be enjoyed as both a snack and a dessert. The combination of warmth and aroma makes it the perfect drink for cold days. With just a few simple ingredients and an uncomplicated method, you can easily bring this Dutch classic into your own kitchen. Let its versatility and the many ways to adapt it inspire you to make Anijsmelk entirely your own.
