ABSENTE, also known as absinthe, is a well-known alcoholic beverage that originated in Switzerland and gained popularity in France during the 19th century. This green, anise-flavored spirit was once banned for its alleged hallucinogenic properties, but today it is a beloved drink that is enjoyed by many.
The History of Absente
The history of absente dates back to the late 18th century when a French doctor named Pierre Ordinaire created a tonic that was believed to have medicinal properties. The tonic was made by combining wormwood, anise, and fennel, which were then soaked in alcohol. The tonic was believed to cure a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, fever, and headaches.
In the early 19th century, Henri-Louis Pernod, a French distiller, improved upon the recipe and began producing absinthe on a commercial scale. Absinthe quickly gained popularity, particularly among the bohemian crowd in Paris, and became a symbol of artistic and intellectual expression.
However, the drink was not without controversy. Absinthe was believed to have hallucinogenic properties due to the presence of thujone, a chemical found in wormwood. This led to a backlash against the drink, and many countries, including the United States, banned it in the early 20th century.
In the late 20th century, however, absinthe began to make a comeback. Laws were relaxed in many countries, and distillers began producing absinthe once again. Today, absente is widely available and enjoyed by many.
Three Recipes for Absente Cocktails
Absente is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into a variety of cocktails. Here are three delicious recipes to try:
The Green Beast
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz. absente
- 3 oz. water
- 1 oz. fresh lime juice
- 1 oz. simple syrup
- Cucumber slices
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine the absente, water, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with cucumber slices and enjoy!
The Sazerac
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. rye whiskey
- 1 tsp. absente
- 1 tsp. simple syrup
- 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
- Lemon peel
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine the rye whiskey, absente, simple syrup, and bitters.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a lemon peel and enjoy!
The Corpse Reviver No. 2
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. gin
- 1 oz. Lillet Blanc
- 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp. absente
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Lemon peel
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine the gin, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, absente, and orange bitters.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a lemon peel and enjoy!
Conclusion
Absente has a long and fascinating history, from its origins as a medicinal tonic to its controversial reputation as a hallucinogenic drink. Today, absente is a beloved spirit that is enjoyed by many, whether on its own or mixed into cocktails. With its unique flavor profile and versatility, absente is sure to remain a popular choice among drinkers for years to come.
