How To Drink Absinthe With Sugar
Absinthe is best served diluted with sugar but there are two different ways to serve it with sugar. Learn how to drink Absinthe with sugar by following these instructions and tips.
The Ritual or La Louche
This method of preparing Absinthe is the way that Absinthe was served in its heyday during the 19th century and early 20th century. Although it was sometimes used in cocktails or consumed “straight”, the most popular way to drink Absinthe was to use the “Ritual”.
To make the perfect Absinthe, you will need:-
– Absinthe – Real Absinthe which contains wormwood.
– A large glass or proper Absinthe glass.
– A cuillere (absinthe spoon) – This is a perforated or slotted spoon.
– A cube of sugar.
– A carafe of iced water.
Pour a shot of Absinthe into the glass (Note: Some Absinthe glasses have markings or a bulge to show the correct level of Absinthe, otherwise use 25-50ml).
Place the sugar on the spoon and rest the spoon on the rim of the glass.
Slowly drip, rather than pour, the iced water over the sugar, letting it dissolve and drip into the Absinthe.
As the water mixes into the Absinthe there is an effect called the louche. The essential oils from the herbal ingredients in the Absinthe are not soluble in water and so cause the drink to turn milky or cloudy or “louche”. This effect can be fascinating to watch.
Once you have added the water (a ratio of 3:1 to 5:1 water to Absinthe is ideal) you can the stir your drink and enjoy the taste of the Green Fairy.
Different types of Absinthe louche differently and Absinthes with a high essential oil content, such as the Absinthe made from the orange oil Absinthe essence from AbsintheKit.com, louche beautifully.
How to drink Absinthe with sugar using the Bohemian Method or Czech Method
This method is really just the Ritual with a modern twist. It is not recognized as a proper way of serving Absinthe but has become popular with the younger generation of Absinthe drinkers who have seen it performed in bars in the Czech Republic.
To prepare Absinthe using this method, you will need:-
– Absinthe – a cheap one will do, high proof ones can be a bit risky!
– An Absinthe glass
– An Absinthe spoon
– A cube of sugar
– A lighter or match
– A carafe of iced water
Pour a shot of Absinthe into the glass.
Dip the sugar cube into the Absinthe, place on spoon and then set it alight.
Let the sugar caramelize, melt and drip into the Absinthe. (Please note that it may set the Absinthe on fire!).
Slowly drip the iced water into the Asbinthe, watch the louche and then stir with the spoon.
Enjoy your Bohemian Absinthe.
There are many tutorials and video guides online showing you how to drink Absinthe with sugar and there are also many websites that sell Absinthe and Absinthe products. AbsintheKit.com sell real wormwood essences to make your own Asbinthe and they sell replica Absinthe glasses and spoons to help give your Asbinthe experience a bit of culture!