This document provides an overview of absinthe, including its history, ingredients, preparation, and cultural significance. It discusses how absinthe originated in the 19th century and was popular among artists and writers due to its high alcohol content and stimulating effects. However, it faced controversy and was banned in many places due to fears it caused hallucinations and insanity. Modern research shows that thujone, its main ingredient, is not hallucinogenic in typical doses. Absinthe is now legal again and its unique preparation method involving dripping water over a sugar cube on a slotted spoon to achieve its cloudy, emerald color is described. Various absinthe cocktail recipes are also included.

2. Absinthe A bitter, green or yellow alcoholic drink flavoured with wormwood. Because of the stigma surrounding it, Absinthe is a drink that many have heard of, but few have had the nerve to try. However, as of late, Absinthe is once again making a come back, this time legalized and deemed safe for consumption. It is unclear as to when Absinthe was first created. But, its consumption can be traced back many, many years. During the middle to the late part of the 19th century, Absinthe was a favourite of writers and artists.

4. It was said to inspire poets , authors and artists to create truly incredible works. Late in the 19th century, wine prices began to increase, and only the well-to-do could afford what was being produced. Middle-class citizens, including tradesmen and artisans, could not afford such an extravagance, and turned to cheaper libations—namely Absinthe. The distilled spirit was a favourite choice not only for the price, but because it was thought to heighten the drinker’s senses and be much more potent than wine.

5. Unfortunately, as Absinthe became more popular, controversy over the drink’s effects began to swirl. It was thought to cause hallucinations and insanity, and the term Absinthismwas coined. It wasn’t long before the drink was banned in most countries worldwide, and it soon became a drink that many would avoid at all costs so as not to go insane!

6. So, what exactly is Absinthe and why was it thought to be such a toxic beverage? It could be because of the spirit’s high alcohol content, which is usually around 68%. Or, it could be because of its main ingredient. The key ingredient used in making Absinthe is wormword, also known as ArtimisiaAbsinthium. The herb’s essential oils contain Thujone, which can be toxic when large amounts are consumed. This chemical is thought to be the reason for the effects that Absinthe had on its drinkers. Its other ingredients are not known to have any ill effects on a drinker, although in combination they are said to give the drink a licorice-type flavor with an aftertaste that is rather bitter.

7. Through extensive research, it has been found that Absinthe is not the toxic, hallucinogenic beverage that it was once thought to be. It has been found that Thujone is actually a GABA antagonist that does not cause hallucinations. But, if large amounts are consumed, it can cause muscle spasms. In addition, it is thought that the symptoms experienced by Absinthe drinkers were caused by poisonous chemicals that were added to more inexpensive versions in order to give it a brighter colour. Today, because of these findings, Absinthe is making a comeback. It is no longer considered to cause ill effects, and its ban has been lifted in most countries.

8. Now that you are free to drink Absinthe without having to worry about hallucinating and seeing the Green Fairy, you need to know how to properly drink it. Absinthe has traditionally been served by placing a special slotted spoon containing a sugar cube over a glass of the spirit. Cold water is poured over the spoon, the sugar dissolves, and the green Absinthe is diluted and becomes cloudy. This cloudy effect is called a louche. It was also common to see Absinthe served in an Absinthe fountain, which was a large jar that allowed for the preparation of many drinks at once.

9. Absinthe Fountain This AbsintheFountain is the closest you'll get to having a real European absinthe experience at home. Designed to let you serve the drink the way it was enjoyed by Van Gogh and Picasso, the fountain is handmade from mouth-blown glass and plated brass, holding the ice water that drips down from the four spigots, onto sugar cubes suspended over waiting glasses, creating the perfect milky, iridescent quality the drink is known for. Enjoy. With the re-emergence of Absinthe, there are sure to be many new drink recipes available. Work up the nerve, and try one!

10. Preparing Lucid Absinthe Supérieure pour 1.25-1.5 oz. of Lucid into an appropriate glass. Then place a sugar cube atop a flat, perforated spoon that rests on the rim of the glass. (Note that the sugar and the spoon are optional as Lucid has a subtle, natural sweetness without adding sugar). Slowly drip 4-5 oz. of ice cold water on top of the sugar cube (or directly into the glass), which slowly dissolves into the Absinthe. The cold water causes Lucid to louche into an opalescent cloud as the herbal essences emerge from the Absinthe and perfume the room.

11. "Let me be mad ...mad with the madness of Absinthe,the wildest, most luxuriousmadness in the world." “Absinthe has a wonderful colour, green. A glass of absinthe is as poetical as anything in the world. What difference is there between a glass of absinthe and a sunset? After the first glass you see things as you wish they were. After the second, you see things as they are not. Finally you see things as they really are, and that is the most horrible thing in the world." - Oscar Wilde

12. 1.4th Estate Cocktail Drink Type: Shooter Ingredients 4 dash(es) Absinthe 1/3 oz. French Vermouth 1/3 oz. Gin 1/3 oz. Italian Vermouth Instructions Layer in a shot glass. ************************************ 3.Bull Rush Drink Type: Cocktail Ingredients 1 oz. Absinthe 1 dash(es) Black Currant Juice optional1 can(s) Red Bull Energy Drink 1 oz. Vodka - Instructions Add vodka, absinthe and blackcurrant juice over ice in a tall glass. Fill with Red Bull Energy Drink. ****************************************** 2.What's Blood For If Not For Shedding? Drink Type: Shooter Ingredients 1/2 oz. Curacao (Red) 2 oz. Kahlua 1/2 oz. Tequila Gold 1/4 oz. Absinthe 1/4 oz. Tabasco Sauce Instructions Pour everything into a shot glass. Make sure it mixes. Shoot. 4.Death In The Afternoon Drink Type: Cocktail Ingredients 1 Sugar Cube dash(es) Absinthe Champagne (A flute) Instructions In the Words of Ernest Hemmingway : Pour 4 jiggers (large Dash) over a sugar cube into the Champagne until cloudy. **************************************** Curacao--An orange flavoured liqueur made from dried bitter orange peel. Kahlua A coffee liqueur produced in Mexico. 26 per cent alcohol by volume. ****************************************

13. Genuine Absinthe Drip Pour 1.5 oz of absinthe in a drip glass or old fashioned cocktail glass, placing a cube of sugar in a drip spoon and pour cold water to fill. Wait until the water has dripped through before drinking. The Absinthe Cocktail 1.5 oz absinthe, .75 oz water, .25 oz anisette, 1 dash orange bitters. The Absinthe Special Cocktail 1.5 oz absinthe, 1 oz water, .25 teaspoon powdered sugar, 1 dash orange bitters. The Knock Out Mix .75 oz dry gin, .75 oz dry vermouth, .5 oz absinthe, 1 teaspoon white "crème de menthe". Bombay Cocktail 1 oz Brandy, .5 oz dry vermouth, .5 oz Sweet Vermouth, .5 teaspoon curaçao, .25 teaspoon absinthe. Jeyplak 1.5 oz dry gin, .75 oz sweet vermouth, .25 teaspoon absinthe. The Ladies' Cocktail 1.75 oz whiskey, .5 teaspoon absinthe, .5 teaspoon anisette, 2 dashes bitters. Brazil Cocktail 1.25 oz sherry wine, 1.25 oz dry vermouth, .25 teaspoon absinthe, 1 dash bitters. Café de Paris White of one egg, 1 teaspoon absinthe, 1 teaspoon sweet cream, 1.5 oz dry gin Du Barry 1.5 oz Dry Gin, .75 oz dry vermouth.

16. Absinthe Posters from late 19 th & early 20 centuries Trinity 2010