Absinthe

The history of absinthe is one that is steeped in legend and myth. The drink is said to have been invented in Switzerland in the late 18th century by a French doctor named Pierre Ordinaire. It was originally used as a remedy for various ailments, including digestive problems and headaches. However, it was only after it became popular among French soldiers during the Algerian War that it truly took off.

At its peak, absinthe was a drink that was enjoyed by people all over Europe and the United States. It was known for its green color, which was created by adding herbs such as wormwood, anise, and fennel to alcohol. The drink was also said to have hallucinogenic properties, which made it a popular choice among artists and writers. The list of absinthe drinkers reads like a who’s who of the creative world, including Vincent van Gogh, Ernest Hemingway, Oscar Wilde, and Edgar Degas.

In the early 20th century, however, the reputation of absinthe took a hit. It was blamed for causing violent behavior and even insanity, despite there being little scientific evidence to support these claims. In 1915, absinthe was banned in France, the country that had first embraced it. Other countries followed suit, and by the 1930s, absinthe had become illegal in most of Europe and North America.

It wasn’t until the 1990s that absinthe began to make a comeback. In 1998, the European Union lifted its ban on the drink, and soon after, other countries followed suit. Today, absinthe is once again a popular drink among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts. It has even been featured in popular TV shows and movies, like Mad Men and Moulin Rouge!

The myths that surrounded absinthe have largely been dispelled, thanks to modern scientific research. It turns out that the drink is no more dangerous than any other alcoholic beverage. However, it is still recommended that absinthe be consumed in moderation, as it is a very strong drink that can quickly lead to overindulgence.

So, what does absinthe taste like? The drink has a complex flavor profile that includes notes of anise, fennel, and wormwood. It is typically served with sugar and water, which helps to cut through the bitterness of the herbs. The traditional way to enjoy absinthe is to pour it into a glass, add sugar, and then drip cold water over a sugar cube placed on a special spoon. The sugar cube dissolves and creates a louche, or cloudiness, that is a hallmark of the drink.

In recent years, bartenders have come up with many new ways to enjoy absinthe. It can be used as a base for cocktails, like the popular Corpse Reviver #2, or as an ingredient in desserts like chocolate truffles. Some bars even offer absinthe tastings, where you can try different brands and styles of the drink.

There are many different types of absinthe on the market, each with its own unique flavor and style. Some popular brands include Pernod, La Fee, and Lucid. It’s worth trying a few different brands to find the one that you like best.

In conclusion, absinthe is a drink with a rich history and a complex flavor profile. Despite its controversial past, it has once again become a popular drink among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts. If you’ve never tried absinthe before, why not give it a shot? Who knows – it might just become your new favorite drink!