Absinthe Green Fairy
Absinthe is strong alcoholic liquor made from alcohol and different types of herbs. The herbs are either distilled or herbal extracts are used to prepare absinthe. The main herbs used are wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), anise, melissa, hyssop, and fennel. Sometimes calamus and nutmeg were also used. Absinthe was invented at the end of the eighteenth century by a French doctor Dr Pierre Ordinaire in Switzerland. It was primarily used as a digestive tonic but soon its mystical effects made it the Numero Uno drink of nineteenth century Europe. It was lovingly called as the “Green Fairy “or “Green Muse”.
The word absinthe conjures up images of the grand cafés, the European masters, Moulin Rouge, Parisian theatres and all the other symbols of the Belle Époque. It was a common sight to find great number of people drinking absinthe in the French bars, cafés and bistros. Evening 5 p.m. was considered as the Green Hour or”Heure Verte”. Absinthe was at its peak popularity during the period 1880-1910; it was during this time that it rivaled wine. Description of Belle Époque French society would be incomplete without mentioning absinthe. No other country in Europe consumed absinthe is quantities comparable to France. Absinthe or the green fairy as it was called was considered an inspirational drink and many artists and writers who revolutionized art and literature in Europe attributed their creative genius to the absinthe green fairy.
So, what was it that made absinthe so special? Well, absinthe is not like any other drink. It contains a very high percentage of alcohol and extracts of herbs the main herb being wormwood. Wormwood contains thujone which is responsible for the unique effects of absinthe. Wormwood herb is closely related to the daisy family and grows in many areas of Europe. Thujone is a brain stimulant and its chemical structure is similar to THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol which is present in cannabis.
Absinthe that is carefully distilled by the finest distilleries is not very bitter. However, absinthe manufactured by some of the lesser known distilleries is extremely bitter. It has anise and this gives it the licorice taste. Absinthe also has a slight taste of citrus.
Absinthe is a very liberating drink and an evening with the Green Fairy thoroughly rejuvenates the mind and body. Absinthe drinking is a ritual and there are two types of rituals you can choose from to prepare your absinthe drink. The traditional French ritual and a modern Czech ritual made famous by the film “Moulin Rouge”. Some of the very famous absinthe drinkers included Vincent Van Gogh, August Strindberg, Arthur Richmond, Oscar Wilde, and Pablo Picasso.
No matter which ritual you choose to prepare your absinthe drink, apart from absinthe you will also need absinthe glass, and absinthe spoon. Absinthe spoons and glasses come in various styles and designs. A great deal of history and culture is associated with them. Some of the pre ban vintage absinthe, spoons and glasses command a hefty premium in the antique market.
For most of the twentieth century absinthe was banned in most of Europe and the United States. This was because of great misconceptions about absinthe that were in currency at that time. However, since the beginning of this century most European countries have lifted the unfair ban and absinthe is back with a bang. The internet has made it very easy for lovers of absinthe to find the best quality absinthe online.
You can order your favorite absinthe online from some of the most respected names in the industry. Buying absinthe and other absinthe products online is fairly simple and safe. Visit absinthekit.com and place your orders for genuine absinthe essence and prepare your own absinthe at home.
So, go and get your absinthe and spend a wonderful evening with the absinthe green fairy or the green goddess.