Absinthe and the Art of Glass Blowing

Absinthe has long been revered as an intriguing spirit with a long and colorful history, captivating mixologists, cocktail connoisseurs and bar business owners alike. While its more romanticized claims may remain just that — romanticized — some believe its distinctive flavor and green hue make it worthy additions to any bar’s menu.

Absinthe was popular among many artists such as Degas, Manet, Toulouse-Lautrec and Picasso – including Van Gogh who is said to have downed two glasses every day! Artists and bohemians would gather at cafes across France during “l’heure verte” (‘the green hour”) for absinthe drinking sessions and sharing stories.

At the height of absinthe’s popularity, ritual paraphernalia such as glasses, cuilleres (slotted spoons with slotted handles), sugar cubes, fountains dripping cold water over it to dilute, and fountains spouting cold water were developed for its consumption. Together these elements created an alluring and captivating drinking experience that appealed to many.

Absinthe was also widely consumed among writers, poets and composers during this era and is widely acknowledged to have played an instrumental role in their creative works. Paul Verlaine claimed that after drinking absinthe, things become “as you wish they were rather than what they truly are”. Oscar Wilde noted seeing miscarried pregnancies preserved in jars on his mother’s shelves following consumption.