How to Drink Absinthe Like a Pro

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By TigressCalliope
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A step-by-step illustration in Absinthe's proper preparation.

Absinthe has a history that is as long and distinguished as many great paintings and works of literature. It's been said that it drove Van Gogh mad and made Mark Twain mean. It's been banned in almost every country at some point or another. Towards the fin de siecle, this drink, which is synonymous with excess, is experiencing a renaissance of sorts. Soon it may even be legal here in the U.S. Here's how to drink it, should that day come.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Absinthe
Absinthe spoon
Shot glass
Cocktail glass
Sugar cube
Water

Step 1

Set the mood. Invite some friends and make a playlist on your MP3 player. Absinthe is to be enjoyed slowly and sipped. Prepare by NOT drinking anything else before or after. It will nullify the good effects of Absinthe, and intensify the bad ones (think hangover hell).
Step 2

Careful you don't overdo it--no one wants a visit from the Little Green Fairy.

Pour absinthe into your glass, filling it about 1/3 of the way. It earned it's nickname "The Little Green Fairy" from its decadent color and its rumored hallucinogenic properties (there IS a chemical called thujune in it that is similar to THC in marijuana, but acts as a stimulant).
Step 3

An example of a spoon and glass. (credit: same as opening picture)

Set an absinthe spoon on top of the glass, and place a sugar cube in it. Absinthe spoons are usually quite pretty and are often collectible. You can buy them online or maybe in some liquor stores.
Step 4

Slowly decant cold water over the sugar cube. It will melt into the absinthe. Fill the glass with water this way. Wait for the drink to "louche" or turn white and cloudy. It will eventually swirl its way to a cloudy green color. As it is louching, various flavors are being released by the reaction of sugar and absinthe.
Step 5

Absinthe has long been vilified, making it sinfully irresistable to some.

Once the absinthe has an opaque, milky quality, settle back and enjoy. You should feel relaxed and confident. Anything else, and you're overdoing it.

Comments

BeccaNorth said

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on 7/4/2008 uuuuum, absinthe. it's a classy preparation, i like pastise too. thats good too

jdsasser said

on 12/5/2007 Absinthe is NOW legal! There are three brands about to be released on the market. They are being watched extensively by the Feds, but there was an article about it in the NYTimes just today or yesterday. All hail le Fey Verte!