Absinthe Cocktails – The Art of Floral Mixology

Since 2007, when its ban was lifted, absinthe has seen a remarkable resurgence among mixologists, with mixologists making use of its potency. While absinthe can seem intimidating at first, its versatility means you can incorporate it into various beverages.

The easiest way to enjoy absinthe is with a glass of water. A classic French preparation involves placing a sugar cube atop an empty glass of absinthe on a special spoon and slowly pouring or dripping ice-cold water over it slowly or drippily from a special dispenser. The water diluting absinthe and dissolving insoluble components such as herbal oils in fennel, star anise and anise out of solution in order to create milky opalescence known as louche. Depending on your preferred intensity level you may add anywhere from half an ounce up to an entire ounce of absinthe to your drink!

Add this versatile liqueur to cocktails by mixing it with lemon juice, sugar, egg whites and seltzer for an energizing and refreshing beverage reminiscent of a White Russian. Or add ground nutmeg for an earthier take on classic Manhattan drinks!

But perhaps the most interesting way to use absinthe is in combination with other botanical flavors, as described by The Spruce Eats. Gin and absinthe pair exceptionally well as two “bold ingredients that actually work together”, bringing out both citrusy notes in both spirits while the rye’s tannins balance its astringency.