Absinthe "The Green Fairy"

This alcoholic spirit has taken on a certainly unusual mystique, legendary stature and even persona like no other. Absinthe; “The Green Fairy” is the drink that inspired a generation of artists and writers in Europe (particularly France and Spain) in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This thriving culture lasted until it was banned because of tons of bad press, word of mouth and a binge drinking farmer that topped off a day of mixing a variety of other intense booze with a bottle of absinthe, murdering his wife and finally suicide.

My first knowledge of absinthe came from my high school studies of the great bohemian artists of and around France. Degas, Lautrec, Van Gogh and later Picasso would consume the drink as well as paint saloon patrons and often reference the beverage.  Writers like Hemingway and Wilde were also fans. Theirs were heady and decadent times. They were also times of the most productive, both experimentally and creatively the world has of yet seen. Absinthe was the Heroin, LSD or Meth of it’s day all served in a unique customized reservoir glass.  

The spirit has recently made a comeback in all of it’s myth and glory to most of it's once banned (almost 100 years) European countries and the United States. “The Green Fairy” is available with the most crucial ingredient; wormwood. The botanical substance derived from a flower is essential to the proof rating and power of the drink. 

One of the greatest pleasures of the absinthe experience is the finishing of the fermentation process traditionally done per glass. It is a somewhat but not overly involve thing. The finishing, almost ritualistic, process requires an absinthe (specially designed flat/sieved) spoon or sufficient substitute, sugar cube, cold water and a glass. First add about 1 oz. absinthe to your glass. Next; balance your spoon on the top of your glass and center the sugar cube. Then slowly drip/dissolve the sugar with the cold water. It is important that this is done slowly.  Usually the ratio is two or three parts water to one part absinthe. Absinthe is one of the more powerful spirits and begins usually at 110 proof. The amount of water mixed should be accorded to your own expectations. BE CAREFUL.

Another warning is; Absinthe is sometimes served “Bohemian Style” where the contents are set to blaze. This is completely unnecessary and is only a form of showmanship. This should not be tried by unprofessionals as in Washington D.C. Absinthe Bars only allow licensed practitioners. These servers alone are legally allowed to be Absinthe Mixologist. 

I made my first time trying Absinthe a complete and full event. I started with looking into selected art books from the Impressionist period through to early Cubism and Da Da. I followed that with watching Peter Sellers in a “Pink Panther” compilation, that; just for the laughs and then followed with singer Sade in concert. She has always impressed me with being a Saloon Singer/Entertainer in the vein of Django Reinhardt, Edith Piaf and Josephine Baker. I was impressed with this heady spirit; Absinthe, it’s pale green color, herbal flavor, licorice bouquet, historical provenance and sophistication. Hope your’s goes equally and deliciously well. Cheers!