Absinthe Cocktails
4 drinks with this bottle, from the easy ones up.
What goes with Absinthe?
Cold water comes first. Absinthe is meant to be diluted, about 3 to 5 parts water to 1 part absinthe, and that's what opens up the herbs. After that, use small amounts: a rinse in a Sazerac, a dash in a Corpse Reviver, or a shot topped with Champagne for a Death in the Afternoon.
What does it taste like?
Big anise and fennel with a bitter herbal edge. It's far drier than sambuca, and it turns cloudy when water hits it.
Which bottle should I buy?
Pernod Absinthe, St. George Absinthe Verte and Lucid are the usual choices. Steer clear of anything sold on hype about hallucinations.
Goes well with
A strong anise spirit made with wormwood, green anise and fennel, born in Switzerland and made famous in France. It usually runs from about 45 to 74% ABV, so treat it with respect. Pastis such as Pernod or Ricard is the closest swap, and Herbsaint works in a Sazerac.
Questions
Does absinthe make you hallucinate?
No. That's a myth, and the only thing likely to knock you sideways is the alcohol. Thujone, the compound that got the blame, is only present in trace amounts.
How do you drink absinthe?
Diluted with cold water, at about 3 to 5 parts water to 1 part absinthe. The traditional way is to drip iced water over a sugar cube on a slotted spoon. Skip the burning sugar cube, because high-strength spirits and fire are a bad mix.
Is absinthe legal?
Yes, in most countries. The US effectively lifted its long-standing ban in 2007, and bottles sold today have to meet limits on thujone.
One good drink, every Friday.
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