Absinthe Page 1 of 1

Absinthe is a legendary herbal distillate that combines romance, mystery, and a touch of rebellion. No other alcoholic beverage has sparked as much passion, fascination, and prohibition. For decades, it was considered hallucinogenic and even banned in many countries – yet it has returned as a symbol of freedom, creativity, and the bohemian spirit.

What is absinthe?

True absinthe (fr. absinthe) is a distillate with a delicate wormwood bitterness, made from the so-called "holy trinity" of herbs – grand wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), anise, and fennel. For an even more complex flavor, additional aromatic herbs such as hyssop, lemon balm, coriander, or angelica are added to the recipes. The alcohol content typically ranges from 50 to 70%, and in some cases even higher.

Colors and styles of absinthe

We mainly distinguish between two main styles:

Green absinthe (verte) – its typical color is naturally derived from chlorophyll during the second maceration of the herbs.
Clear absinthe (blanche) – produced without coloring maceration, it has a milder appearance but a rich herbal profile.

The color is not just aesthetic – it also affects the aroma and taste. Therefore, quality absinthes are bottled in dark bottles to protect them from light, which can alter the color.

How to drink absinthe

Absinthe is traditionally served with ice-cold water, which is slowly dripped over a sugar cube on a special spoon. The drink becomes cloudy during this process – this effect is called louche and reveals the presence of true essential oils from the herbs.

In modern mixology, absinthe has found its place in cocktails – such as Sazerac or Death in the Afternoon.