Absinth

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

What is absinthe?

True absinthe (French: absinthe) is a spirit with a gentle wormwood bitterness, distilled from the so-called “holy trinity” of herbs – grand wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), anise, and fennel. For a more complex flavor, recipes often include other aromatic herbs such as hyssop, lemon balm, coriander, or angelica. The alcohol content usually ranges from 50% to 70%, sometimes even higher.

Colors and styles of absinthe

There are two main styles:

Green absinthe (verte) – gets its signature color naturally from chlorophyll during the second maceration of herbs.
Clear absinthe (blanche) – produced without coloring maceration, offering a lighter appearance yet rich herbal profile.

The color is not just aesthetic – it also influences aroma and taste. That’s why quality absinthes are bottled in dark glass to protect them from light, which can alter the color.

How to drink absinthe

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

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