How to Drink Absinthe
At 106 proof, it is generally not
recommended to drink absinthe
straight, instead there is an
"appropriate" preparation that has
been used for years (popularized by
French drinkers) to enjoy the strong
anise-flavored liqueur. It's a
simple recipe that involves
absinthe, sugar and water and once
you get the hang of the pouring
technique you'll be able to create
the perfect louche (the cloudiness
that occurs when water touches the
absinthe). If you find that you
enjoy absinthe in this traditional
preparation you may also want to buy
a set of absinthe glasses and
spoons, which are designed
specifically for this drink.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 5 minutes for
preparation
Here's How:
Pour between 1 and 1 1/2 ounces of
absinthe into an absinthe glass, or
similar stemmed glass.
Place a sugar cube on an absinthe
spoon (a flat silver spoon pierced
with holes) and lay the spoon across
the top of the glass rim.
Slowly pour cold water onto the
sugar, just enough to saturate it,
and allow it to set until the sugar
cube begins to dissolve.
Pour more water over the sugar,
again slowly, until the desired
dilution is found and the sugar is
completely dissolved. Most commonly
the ratio is between 3 and 5 parts
water to 1 part absinthe. As the
water hits the liquor a white
cloudiness, called the louche, will
swirl through the liquid, creating
quite the spectacle and releasing
the absinthe's herbal bouquet.
After the louche has been allowed to
rest, stir in the remaining and
undissolved sugar.
Sit down and slowly enjoy your
absinthe.
Tips:
Absinthe is typically over 100 proof
so it is best to dilute it and it is
equally important to drink it (and
anything) in moderation.
Absinthe is best when poured and
sipped slowly.
If you do not have an absinthe spoon
a large fork or tablespoon will
work.
Another popular method of drinking
absinthe is to dunk the sugar cube
in the absinthe, place the cube on a
spoon and light it aflame. Allow the
sugar to melt into the absinthe and,
as the flame lowers, stir the
remaining sugar into the liquid.
What You Need:
Absinthe Liquor
Absinthe Spoon
Glass
Sugar Cube
Cold Mineral Water
