Creative Combinations: What Can I Mix With Licorice?

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Licorice root has been used in traditional Chinese and Egyptian medicine for centuries, demonstrating its long-standing value beyond a mere confectionery flavor. When considering what can I mix with licorice, its unique, sweet, and slightly anise-like profile offers a world of possibilities for both culinary and nutritional applications.

Quick Summary

Licorice root's sweet, distinctive flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of ingredients, including herbs like ginger and mint, zesty citrus fruits, and warm spices. It can be safely incorporated into delicious teas, innovative desserts, and sophisticated savory dishes. Careful use and appropriate mixing techniques unlock its full potential for a diversified diet.

Key Points

Herbal Tea Blends: Create soothing teas by combining licorice root with complementary herbs like ginger, mint, or fennel for digestive and respiratory benefits.
Fruit Pairings: Licorice's sweetness is balanced by the tanginess of citrus fruits such as lemon and orange, as well as berries and rhubarb.
Savory Applications: Elevate savory dishes by adding a pinch of licorice powder to meat rubs for pork or game, or stirring it into creamy risotto.
Dessert Enhancements: Mix licorice into creamy desserts like ice cream, panna cotta, or chocolate recipes for a sophisticated and bold flavor profile.
Moderate Consumption: Practice caution with regular licorice intake, especially if it contains glycyrrhizin, and opt for DGL if you have high blood pressure.
Versatile Forms: Licorice comes as woody root, powder, and extract, allowing for various uses from infusing drinks to flavoring baked goods.
Smoothie Ingredient: For a unique and healthy smoothie, blend a small amount of licorice powder with ingredients like banana, vanilla, and coconut milk.

The Allure and Versatility of Licorice

With its complex, anise-like sweetness, licorice is a versatile ingredient that can elevate a wide range of dishes and drinks. Its primary source is the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, which can be purchased as woody root, powder, or extract. While the confectionery version is processed and loaded with sugar, using the natural root offers flavor depth without unnecessary additives. Its bold profile means a little goes a long way, but it pairs surprisingly well with both delicate and robust flavors.

Herbal Tea and Infusion Pairings

One of the most popular uses for licorice root is in herbal teas, where it provides a natural sweetness and a host of potential health benefits. Here are some classic combinations:

Licorice and Ginger Tea: A warm and comforting blend that is excellent for soothing digestive issues and calming respiratory systems. Simmer fresh ginger slices and dried licorice root in water for about 10 minutes before straining.
Licorice and Mint Tea: A refreshing and naturally sweet tisane perfect for after meals. Peppermint provides a cooling contrast to licorice's warmth, making it great for digestion.
Licorice and Fennel Tea: A powerful digestive aid, this combination of two naturally anise-flavored ingredients helps reduce bloating and gas.
Licorice and Citrus Infusion: Add a few slices of fresh lemon or orange to a warm licorice root tea for a zesty, vitamin-C packed drink.
Licorice and Cinnamon Spice Blend: For a richer, more complex flavor, combine licorice powder with cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and cardamom.

Sweet Treats and Dessert Complements

Licorice's sweetness makes it a natural partner for many dessert ingredients. It adds an unexpected depth that can transform a simple recipe into something extraordinary.

Ice Cream and Panna Cotta: Licorice can be the star flavor in ice cream or panna cotta, offering a bold taste against a creamy, neutral background.
Chocolate and Licorice: The combination of chocolate and licorice, whether in a sauce or a cake, is a sophisticated pairing that appeals to adventurous palates.
Fruit and Licorice: Combine licorice with sweet and tangy fruits like raspberries, rhubarb, or citrus for an exciting flavor explosion. For example, a licorice and lemon curd can be a delightful filling.
Smoothies: A small amount of licorice powder in a smoothie can enhance the flavor. Pair it with frozen banana, berries, vanilla, or a touch of coconut milk.

Savory Surprises: Innovative Culinary Uses

For those who love to experiment, licorice can be a surprising ally in savory cooking, adding a unique, earthy sweetness.

Meat Rubs: A pinch of licorice powder can be added to meat rubs for pork, game, or duck. Its anise notes are a great complement to richer meats.
Risotto: Licorice powder can be stirred into a risotto near the end of cooking. A citrus licorice risotto, for example, combines the root's earthy tones with tangy orange and lemon.
Sauces: Infuse sauces for fish or white meat with a piece of licorice root to add a subtle and sophisticated flavor.

Licorice Pairings Comparison Table


Pairing	Flavor Profile	Culinary Use	Health Focus
Licorice & Ginger	Sweet, Warm, Spicy	Herbal Teas, Infusions	Digestive & Respiratory Support
Licorice & Mint	Sweet, Cool, Refreshing	Herbal Teas, Iced Drinks	Digestive Health & Soothing
Licorice & Citrus	Sweet, Tangy, Zesty	Teas, Infusions, Desserts	Vitamin C Boost, Refreshing
Licorice & Chocolate	Sweet, Earthy, Complex	Desserts, Baking, Sauces	Novel Flavor Combination
Licorice & Pork	Sweet, Savory, Rich	Meat Rubs, Marinades	Gourmet Flavor Profile

Important Considerations for Safe Consumption

While licorice root offers potential health benefits, it's crucial to consume it in moderation, especially if it contains glycyrrhizin. High intake of this compound can lead to side effects such as high blood pressure and water retention. Individuals with pre-existing conditions, high blood pressure, or who are pregnant should consult a healthcare provider before using it as a supplement. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is available for those seeking digestive benefits without the glycyrrhizin.

Conclusion

From a simple soothing tea to a sophisticated savory rub, the answer to "what can I mix with licorice?" is surprisingly diverse and delicious. By understanding its versatile flavor profile and pairing it thoughtfully with other ingredients, you can incorporate this powerful root into your diet in creative and nutritious ways. As with any herb, moderation is key, and understanding your health needs will ensure you enjoy licorice safely and to its fullest potential. Start with a classic herbal tea and then experiment with daring dessert or savory combinations to discover your new favorite way to use this ancient, flavorful ingredient. For more on herbal teas, you can explore resources like the Bio Hunza website, which discusses the benefits of organic licorice tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Popular herbal tea combinations include licorice with ginger for digestion, mint for a refreshing taste, and fennel for soothing benefits.

Yes, licorice works surprisingly well in savory recipes. You can add licorice powder to meat rubs for pork and game, or mix it into creamy dishes like risotto to add a unique, earthy sweetness.

Licorice pairs well with tangy and sweet fruits. Excellent choices include citrus fruits like lemon and orange, as well as berries, rhubarb, and apple.

Licorice should be consumed in moderation. Excessive intake of glycyrrhizin can cause side effects like high blood pressure and water retention. It is best to consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.

Licorice root is the natural root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, while licorice candy is a confectionery that contains processed and sweetened licorice extract, often with high amounts of sugar.

Licorice can be used to flavor ice cream, panna cotta, and baked goods. Licorice powder or extract can be incorporated into creams, doughs, or sauces for a bold, sweet, and unique flavor.

The most effective method is to steep the woody root or powder in hot water. Simmering the root for a longer period will extract more flavor and medicinal properties.

DGL stands for deglycyrrhizinated licorice. It is a form of licorice where the glycyrrhizin has been removed, making it a safer option for long-term use, especially for digestive issues, as it avoids the blood pressure-raising effects of regular licorice.