These sesame-crusted Lebanese rings are crisp at the edges, lightly tender inside, and perfumed with warm anise. Quick to make and beginner-friendly, they are excellent with tea or as part of a simple mezze spread.

This small-batch Turrón de Doña Pepa has crisp, anise-scented biscuit sticks layered with warm spiced honey syrup and finished with colorful nonpareils. The result is fragrant, sticky, buttery, and richly sweet, with the distinctive festive character of the classic Peruvian confection.

Soetkoekies are delicate South African tea biscuits with a gentle crunch, warm cinnamon, and a subtle anise perfume. A little sweet wine in the dough gives them a fragrant, old-fashioned character that makes them especially good with afternoon tea.

Arak Sour is bright, silky, and aromatic, with the unmistakable licorice note of arak balanced by fresh lemon and soft sweetness. The egg white creates a smooth foam, while sumac adds a subtle ruby tang that makes the drink feel unmistakably Levantine.