Homemade Steve's 8 Ball Recipe

From Falling Off the Top Shelf by the Slosh Sisters:

This is from a book I don't have, self-published in Australia, which I plan to get soon. Sent in by a correspondent. I gather that 375-ml bottles of Anise Essence can be had easily in Australia. I'm not even sure where to begin looking for one.

• 1 Cup of Sugar (refined white sugar or castor sugar)
• 1 Cup of Water
• 375ml bottle of 'Anise' essence

Directions:

1. Combine sugar & water in a large, heavy-based saucepan. Stir over medium heat, without boiling until sugar has completely dissolved.
2. Cool solution
3. Add 'Anise' essence. Stir & bottle.
4. Prep Time: 5 minutes, and 30 minutes cooling time.
5. Cooking time: 5 minutes
6. Quantity: 700ml.

The Mixture comes out cloudy, but it does not affect the taste. I don't how long a shelf life it has, ours never lasts beyond the party!