Cocktails with Absinthe
Absinthe is a high-proof anise-flavored spirit famous for its emerald color and bohemian mystique. Once banned, it's now prized for cocktails and traditional rituals.
- Type
- Spirit
- Strength
- 45–74% ABV
- Aroma
- Anise, Fennel, Wormwood, Herbs, Floral
- Taste
- Anise, Herbaceous, Complex, Slightly bitter
- Finish
- Long, Herbal, Anise-forward, Clean
20 drinks with Absinthe
- Absinthe DripSugar Cube, Water
- ChrysanthemumDry Vermouth, Bénédictine
- Cobra's FangDark Rum, Overproof Rum, Fassionola
- Corpse Reviver No. 2Gin, Triple Sec, Lillet Blanc
- Corpse Reviver No. 4Tequila Reposado, Lillet Blanc, Triple Sec
- Corpse Reviver No. BlueGin, Lillet Blanc, Blue Curaçao
- Death in the AfternoonChampagne
- Doctor FunkWhite Rum, Lime Juice, Grenadine
- Improved Holland Gin CocktailGenever, Simple Syrup, Maraschino Liqueur
- La LouisianeRye Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Bénédictine
- Monkey GlandGin, Orange Juice, Grenadine
- Morning Glory FizzScotch Whisky, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup
- NecromancerLillet Blanc, Elderflower Liqueur, Lemon Juice
- ObituaryGin, Dry Vermouth
- Remember the MaineRye Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Cherry Heering
- SazeracCognac, Sugar Cube, Peychaud's Bitters
- Test PilotDark Rum, White Rum, Triple Sec
- TuxedoGin, Dry Vermouth, Maraschino Liqueur
- Undead GentlemanAged Rum, Overproof Rum, Lime Juice
- ZombieWhite Rum, Dark Rum, Overproof Rum
History
Created in Switzerland in the late 18th century, absinthe became the drink of choice for Parisian artists and writers. Blamed (incorrectly) for madness and social decay, it was banned in most countries by 1915. Scientific reevaluation led to relegalization in the 2000s, sparking renewed interest.
How it’s made
Made by macerating grande wormwood, anise, fennel, and other herbs in high-proof spirit, then distilling. Quality absinthes gain their green color naturally from a secondary maceration. Traditional serving involves slowly dripping ice water through a sugar cube, causing the spirit to 'louche' (turn cloudy).
Bottles to try
Pernod AbsintheMid-range
French absinthe from the historic brand, smooth with balanced anise and herbs.
La Fée ParisienneMid-range
First absinthe legally produced in France after relegalization, traditional recipe.
St. George Absinthe VertePremium
American craft absinthe with California herbs, less anise-forward than European styles.
Got Absinthe at home?
Add it to your bar in Proof and see every drink you can make with the bottles you already have.