This group is for the lovers of the La Fee Verte (the green fariy) otherwise known as absinthe. You can share experiences, share how and where to get it, and learn the different rituals.

You have probably crossed paths with absinthe by now. Unless you live in a bubble, how can you not. Suddenly, this cult liqueur from the 19th century is everywhere you turn. Absinthe has been featured in numerous movies, such as Moulin Rouge, From Hell and Alfie just to name a few. It has also been featured in popular magazines, such as Maxim, and on websites. Absinthe has also hit Hollywood and is starting to develop a clan of loyal followers.

Absinthe is definitely experiencing a revival and you will surely see even more of this previously banned concoction. Don’t miss the wave, this absinthe guide will provide you all the information you need.


What is absinthe

Absinthe, or affectionately known as the Green Fairy (La Fee Verte), is a high alcohol volume (usually 50-70%), licorice flavored herbal liqueur. Absinthe gets its nickname from its light green color and its humble beginnings as a miraculous cure all. It was first created by Dr. Oridinaire as a medical tonic, and yes that is his real name. It was first commercially distilled by Henry Louis Pernod. Absinthe derives its name from the Greek word apsinthion, which ironically, means undrinkable. It has a distinctive bitter taste due to the wormwood in the formulation. Wormwood is the herb that produces the psychoactive constituent thujone which produces the “absinthe effects”.


What are the absinthe effects

Back in the Belle Epoch period, absinthe was believed to act as an aphrodisiac and hallucinogen. It was also well documented to be a creativity stimulator and many artists and writers of the period were loyal absinthe drinkers. People usually report a sense of drunken clarity when drinking absinthe. In other words, the liberating effects of the alcohol are felt while the mind remains coherent. At higher intakes thujone can induce hallucinations, but not for everyone. Also, the absinthe must be ingested quickly or only the alcohol will be felt. However, don’t get too excited because most brands of absinthe on the market only have 10 mg of thujone due to regulations on thujone levels in the EU. The only brand having the original level of thujone is the King of Spirits Gold at 100 mg because it is produced in the Czech republic where there are no restrictions.


How do you drink absinthe

There are two words to describe absinthe: strong and bitter. The alcohol content in absinthe ranges from 60%-90% so do not drink it straight. You will definitely regret it. The best way to drink absinthe is diluted with water with some added sugar. You can use either the traditional or the Czech method.

Traditional Method: Pour absinthe into a glass until it is about 1/5 full. Place a sugar cube on an absinthe spoon and rest the spoon over a glass. A fork can be substituted in place of the absinthe spoon but this looks somewhat ghetto. You will not want to use this improvisation in view of any girl you are trying to impress so invest the $10 and get an absinthe spoon. Slowly pour cold water over the sugar cube and into the glass until it is a 4 to 1 ratio with the absinthe. Stir the contents of the glass and witness the green fluid turn a milky white in a process called louching. This occurs because the essential oils in absinthe do not mix with the water.

Czech Method: Set up in the same manner as the traditional method but pour the absinthe over the sugar cube into the glass instead of straight into the glass. Now set the sugar cube on fire and allow the all the melted sugar to flow into the glass. Proceed by pouring the water and stirring. The caramelized sugar adds a tang and you can’t beat the presentation.

Who drinks absinthe?

Absinthe has been enjoyed by many great writers and artists. Ernest Hemingway, Oscar Wilde and Voltaire are just a few from the literati list. Vincent Van Gogh is probably the best known absinthe advocate and was rumored to be buzzing on absinthe when he cut off his ear. However, there is agreement that Van Gogh’s mental instability was most likely due to the toxic fumes in his paints rather than the absinthe. Modern day absintheurs include Johnny Depp, Marilyn Manson and Eminem. Is it me, or does there seem to be a rebellious streak among absinthe drinkers?


Where can you buy absinthe?

Absinthe containing thujone is still banned for sale in the USA but owning a bottle for personal enjoyment is not an issue. You won’t find real absinthe in any stores but there are many websites that you can purchase from. If you are going to take the plunge, I would highly recommend getting the King of Spirits Gold with 100 mg of thujone or you will not experience absinthe in its full glory. There are also many absinthe substitutes without thujone that are available for purchase in stores.















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