How to Make an Absinthe Martini

Now that the ban on absinthe liquor has been lifted in the U.S., Canada and most of Europe, drinks containing absinthe have risen in popularity. Absinthe is a highly alcoholic liquor distilled from leaves and flowers of wormwood and other herbs, with a flavor of anise and herbs and has a green color. Absinthe liquor typically has an alcohol content of 68 percent (136 proof). Absinthe sold in the U.S. must have less than 10 ppm of a component called thujone, which is considered to be psychoactive. Here’s how to make an updated version of a classic cocktail—the absinthe martini.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 oz Gin or vodka
• ½ oz Extra dry vermouth
• ¼ tsp Absinthe liquor
• Martini glass
• Ice
• Drink shaker

1. Chill martini glasses by placing them in the freezer for about five minutes. Meanwhile, go to the liquor cabinet and get out a bottle of gin (or vodka if preferred), an extra dry vermouth and a bottle of absinthe liquor.

2. Put three or four ice cubes in a cocktail shaker and add two ounces of gin (or vodka) and ½ ounce (or less, for a drier martini) of extra dry vermouth. Add 1/4 teaspoon of absinthe liquor to the shaker.

3. Shake the mixture vigorously and strain the liquid into a chilled martini glass. Add an onion-stuffed olive as a garnish and serve.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're making martinis at a party, add a flair to your mixing technique by pouring the absinthe directly into the martini glass and swirling it around before straining the gin and vermouth into the glass.
• Be careful when shaking the martini. If you shake it too long or too vigorously, you will dilute your drink and cause it to become cloudy.
• Rinse olives under water just before you put them into the Martini. This prevents excess oily olive juice from polluting your drink.

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