How to Drink Absinthe: 5 Things You Need to Know 

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How to Drink Absinthe: 5 Things You Need to Know  

How When you hear the word absinthe what do you think of? Green fairies? Moulin Rouge? Hemingway?  This infamous bright green spirit has definitely made a name for itself over the years, due to its pop-culture status and super high alcohol content. But have you ever tried drinking absinthe? We’re going to break down how to drink absinthe, and what you need to know about this mysterious drink. 

What is Absinthe? 

But, just what is absinthe drink? Absinthe is a very strong spirit with an instantly recognizable green hue. With a distinct licorice flavor and a high alcohol content – depending on the brand, it is usually between 45-75% – this drink has a prolific reputation.  It is made with fennel, anise, and wormwood, which gives it a strong licorice flavor and a pretty green color.  Absinthe drink became famous because of its so-called hallucinogenic properties. These supposedly inspired many famous artists. Of course, we now know absinthe doesn’t make you hallucinate.  

How to Drink Absinthe 

Here are 5 things you need to know when you decide to enjoy this strong liquor. 

Is Absinthe Legal?

Absinthe liquor has been legal in the United States since 2007. This came after a 95-year ban! So, if you are feeling like mixing your drink order up a bit, maybe order the green fairy next time. 

Don’t Drink It Neat

You should never just take a shot of absinthe. Because of its high alcohol content – typically 80 – 150 proof, absinthe should be enjoyed as a cocktail. There are several ways to enjoy the spirit mixed, and we’re going to look at the traditional way. 

Make Sure You Have the Right Implements

Drinking absinthe has become a bit of an art form, thanks to its colorful history. You should never just pour a glass, but instead, prepare it! 

Here’s what we recommend you use: 

• A fine glass – a traditional absinthe glass is best 

• An absinthe spoon – traditionally slotted 
• A sugar cube – used to sweeten the spirit 
• A box of matches – used to light the sugar cube 
• A shot of water – to make it easier to drink 

You can get all of these implements in a hand-made luxury absinthe gift box.  

4. How to Prepare Absinthe

Pour 1 – 1.5oz of absinthe into a glass, and place your slotted absinthe spoon over the glass on the rim. Next, place the sugar cube onto the slotted spoon, and very slowly, pour a little bit of water over the sugar cube, so it trickles into the glass.  

When the absinthe starts to go cloudy, tip the sugar into the glass and mix it with the spoon so it dissolves.

Add Fire For a Wow Factor

Another traditional method for drinking absinthe is to light the sugar cube on fire.  Prepare your absinthe using the same steps above. But before tipping the sugar cube into the glass, add a few drops of neat absinthe onto the cube. Strike a match and light the sugar. This causes the sugar to caramelize.  

Once it is sparking a flame, tip it into the glass of absinthe. This will cause the drink to ignite before you put it out with the shot of water. 

Always Enjoy in Moderation 

Now that you know all about the green fairy and how to drink absinthe, you can enjoy creating a glass for yourself. You can also impress friends and family with your knowledge. As absinthe does contain such a high level of alcohol, it is always important to remember to enjoy this tasty spirit in moderation. 

For more fun and exciting news, tips, and recipes, check out the other articles in the blog.