What is Absinthe Liqueur?

Definition: Absinthe is an anise-flavored spirit that was originally 136 proof and made with grande wormwood. It is typically made by distilling neutral grain spirits with herbs, predominately anise, florence fennel and grande wormwood. Other herbs such as angelica root, coriander, dittany leaves, hyssop, juniper, nutmeg, melissa, star anise, sweet flag, and veronica are also used. The color of the distillate is clear and is often bottled this way in a style known as Blanche or la Bleue, but it is also often found with a bright green hue. The coloring is added, either through the chlorophyll from steeping herbs like hyssop, melissa and petite wormwood in the liquor or adding artificial coloring.

This potent liqueur was outlawed in many countries for years following many instances of harmful effects and even deaths of drinkers, most of which were due to over indulgence of the green spirit. Since the 95 year absinthe ban was lifted in the United States in 2007, many brands have been released with lower thujone levels. During the bans homemade absinthe kits became popular, however this can be dangerous. For instance too much wormwood or the use of wormwood extract can be poisonous.

Abisante, Anisette, Pernod and Herbsaint are often used to replace Absinthe in cocktail recipes.

Absinthe is commonly classified as a liqueur, however it does not contain any sugar and is actually a liquor.

It is not recommended to drink absinthe straight. In fact there is an "appropriate" way to drink absinthe complete with specially designed spoons and glasses.

National Absinthe Day is March 5.

How to Make Absinthe - from Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., About.com Guide to Chemistry

Absinthe Brands Available in the United States:

• Kubler Absinthe
• La Fee Absinthe
• Lucid Absinthe
• Mata Hari Absinthe
• Pernod Absinthe

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