Absinthe

Background：

Absinthe is a distilled spirit that originated in Switzerland in the late 18th century. It gained popularity in France in the 19th century, where it became associated with bohemian culture and the arts. However, absinthe was eventually banned in many countries due to concerns about its safety and the belief that it caused hallucinations. The ban was lifted in most countries in the 21st century, and absinthe has once again become a popular spirit among drinkers.

To make absinthe, you will need these Ingredients. These include:

The main ingredients in absinthe are wormwood, anise, and fennel. Other herbs and botanicals may also be used, such as coriander, angelica root, and hyssop. The herbs are steeped in a neutral spirit, such as vodka or grain alcohol, and then distilled. After distillation, the absinthe is typically colored green with the addition of chlorophyll or other natural ingredients.

To make absinthe, you will need a few special tools. These include:

A still: A still is used to distill the herbs and botanicals into a concentrated spirit.

A spoon: An absinthe spoon is a special spoon with perforations that is used to hold a sugar cube over the glass while water is added.

A fountain: An absinthe fountain is a device that drips water into the glass, slowly diluting the absinthe and creating a milky white color known as the louche.

Glasses: Absinthe is traditionally served in a tall, narrow glass with a dose line marking the amount of absinthe to be poured.

Directions Step by Step

1.Gather your ingredients and tools. You will need wormwood, anise, fennel, and other herbs and botanicals of your choice, as well as a neutral spirit, sugar cubes, and cold water. You will also need a still, absinthe spoon, absinthe fountain, and glasses.

2.Begin by steeping the herbs and botanicals in the neutral spirit. The exact proportions will vary depending on the recipe you are following, but typically you will use a ratio of 1:5 herbs to spirit. Allow the mixture to steep for several days to infuse the flavors.

3.Once the mixture has steeped, it is ready to be distilled. Use a still to distill the mixture, collecting the resulting spirit in a separate container.

4.After distillation, the absinthe may be clear or slightly yellow in color. If you wish to color the absinthe green, you can add chlorophyll or other natural coloring agents.

5.To serve absinthe, pour a dose of absinthe into a glass, using the dose line as a guide. Place an absinthe spoon over the glass and place a sugar cube on top of the spoon.

6.Use an absinthe fountain to slowly drip cold water over the sugar cube, allowing it to dissolve and mix with the absinthe. The water will turn the absinthe milky white and create the louche.

7.Once the water has been added, stir the absinthe and water together with the absinthe spoon. Enjoy the absinthe slowly, savoring the complex flavors and aromas.

Notes：

Absinthe is a strong spirit, typically with an alcohol content of around 50-75%. It should be enjoyed in moderation and not consumed quickly. It is also important to use caution when using a still and to follow all safety guidelines to avoid injury or damage to property.

Summary：

Absinthe is a unique and complex distilled spirit that has a long and storied history. It is made from a combination of herbs and botanicals, including wormwood, anise, and fennel, and is typically served with sugar and water. To make absinthe, you will need a still, absinthe spoon, absinthe fountain, and glasses. The process involves steeping the herbs and botanicals in a neutral spirit, distilling the mixture, and then adding water to create the louche. Absinthe should be enjoyed in moderation and with caution, as it is a strong spirit with a high alcohol content. Overall, absinthe is a unique and flavorful distilled spirit that is worth exploring for anyone who enjoys complex and interesting drinks.