How to Homebrew Absinthe

Absinthe was a long-time favorite spirit of intellectuals and artists who were interested in seeing "the green fairy." Its minor hallucinogenic effects, however, led to its prohibition in the United States. Although the professional distillation of absinthe requires a proper still and precise ingredients, homemade absinthe can still contain enough tujone to approximate genuine absinthe.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• 1 dried chopped wormwood
• 1 tbl angelica root
• 1 tsp hyssop
• 1/2 tsp coriander seeds
• 1/4 tsp caraway seeds
• 1 pinch cardomon pods
• 1 pinch fennel or anise seeds
• 1 liter vodka

1. In a glass container, add the wormwood to the vodka.
2. Set aside in the dark for ten days.
3. Strain out the wormwood.
4. Add all the remaining herbs and spices. Return the drink to a dark place.
5. Wait four more days, then strain these out and serve.

Tips & Warnings

• As of 2007, absinthe is once again commercially available in the United States.