The iconic ‘La Taberna Antonio Manuel’ in the centre of Valencia is making the leap into the world of spirits with the launch of its own artisanal cazalla, dubbed “L’anís del foc.” This creation, with its local character and festive spirit, pays homage to the city and its traditions through a personal and renewed approach.The project was born from the desire of Antonio Manuel and Toni Martínez, father and son, to continue delving into Valencian culture. The idea came to the tavern’s owners two years ago during lunch with friends. When they were ordering the cazalla, the idea of ​​creating their own came up. What initially seemed like an anecdote ended up taking shape months later, when they decided to begin production. “A production process that began eight months ago and to which friends in the sector have joined,” Antonio Manuel emphasizes. Now, it can be purchased at the tavern on Calle San Vicente Mártir, 42, as well as on the website anisdelfoc.es and at the Dulces de España stand in the Central Market, which they also run.

A Unique Identity

The result of so many months of work is an alcoholic beverage with its own identity and a more modern flavour than those found on the market. “L’aní del foc” has a 43% vol. (a common alcohol content in cazalla) but has undergone a double distillation process, which gives it a purer aroma. Handcrafted in a traditional 1,000-litre copper still at Bodegas Urbanas, on the outskirts of Godella (Valencia), this anise-infused spirit is light and easy to drink. “The cazalla from Taberna Antonio Manuel is pure, elegant, and high-quality,” says Diego Fernández, the winery and distillery’s winemaker. It’s made with organic ingredients, aiming for a pleasant taste, a smoothness in the mouth, and therefore a more enjoyable experience.

In parallel with the production process, Antonio Manuel and Toni worked on the naming and brand design. “L’anís del foc” is a tribute to Valencia, the Fallas, and a night as special as the Nit del Foc; also to anise, the fundamental ingredient in cazalla. A play on words, they seek to reclaim the traditional cazalla, the kind that can’t be missed during a long after-dinner conversation. The design was carried out by Sofía Regidor, a Fine Arts student, who gave the product personality through a label in brown, reddish, and yellow tones. Colours and symbols, such as fire, represent Valencian culture and tradition.

The new cazalla is complemented by a personalized glass with the slogan “Cassalla L’anís del foc,” which is now on sale. Alberto Martínez, Antonio Manuel’s brother, participated in the design process of the container. It includes Valencian expressions on one side—such as “All in the Air” or “The Sea That Goes”—and, on the other, the recipes and measurements for preparing typical Valencian mixed drinks: barrejat, palometa, and canari.

The Tavern

With almost 15 years of history (next March marks their anniversary), the Antonio Manuel Tavern is a family establishment currently run by Antonio Manuel and Toni, father and son, but also previously by Toni’s parents, Gema and Antonio. “They were always an essential support for the project, as were my brothers Alberto, who works alongside me, and Juan, who, along with my daughter María, are the perfect support for tackling all our crazy ideas,” recalls Antonio Manuel.

What’s next? From October 24th to 26th, the creators of “L’anís del foc” will participate in the second edition of the Fira de la Cassalla in Real, a municipality with a long distilling tradition. They are also currently organizing a raffle for buyers of the first 100 bottles of this “cassalla” wine. The winner will receive a ticket to watch next year’s Mascletà on March 18th, the Nit del Foc (Night of Fire), from the balcony of Valencia City Hall. This first run will be special not only because of the raffle, but also because its presentation will be different: the bottles will be accompanied by a personalized glass and packaged in a case from which a 3D label in the shape of the “L’anís del foc” logo will hang. A little later, in 2026, the family of restaurateurs plans to launch another Fallas-inspired spirit.

“L’anís del foc” is here to stay and be the star of authentic celebrations and unforgettable nights. Because sometimes, great ideas can emerge from lunch with friends.

Report by Will McCarthy

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’

More info: anisdelfoc.es