Where to buy real absinthe

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We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Absinthe has been known by a number of nicknames over the years, including "the green fairy" due to its reputed hallucinogenic effects.

In reality, you are not going to see things if you drink this spirit responsibly, of course. But you will open yourself up to a complex and interesting liqueur that can be enjoyed in a variety of cocktails.

The traditional way to drink absinthe is to place a spoon with a sugar cube on top of a glass, then gently pour water over it to dilute the spirit and open up the palate. Absinthe is flavored predominantly with anise, fennel, and wormwood, and is usually bottled at a very high proof. For many years, real absinthe was banned in the U. Here are some of the best absinthes to drink now, according to some bar industry experts.

Pernod is better known for its anise-flavored pastis, but the brand does make real absinthe as well. Read Next: The Best Cognacs. It balances well in cocktails without taking over. Absente may not be the lowest ABV absinthe at proof, but its alcohol content is manageable and the blend of botanicals makes it ideal for newcomers to the category. Wormwood, mugwort, anise, peppermint and lemon balm are just some of the ingredients in this recipe that dates back to the 19th century, according to the brand.

This widely available absinthe also contains the infamous hallucinogen thujone, but its reputation has been greatly exaggerated and there is only a small amount used. Recipes for absinthe can also include any number of other herbs like hyssop, mint and stinging nettles, just to name a few. However, while many countries have legal definitions for various spirits i.

In Switzerland, however — the exception to the rule — you can only label your product absinthe if it's distilled, uses no natural coloring and is absent of certain additives. You can buy absinthe today that is ingredient-for-ingredient identical to the absinthe they used to make back when Van Gogh sliced his ear off. That said, you can also buy absinthe that Edgar Allen Poe probably would have considered sacrilege.

One giveaway is often the color, but more on that later.