Absinthe: The Green Fairy’s Nightfall Rituals

Charles O’Connor is an absinthe expert and historian who in Absinthe: The Green Fairy’s Nightfall Rituals explores this legendary drink’s rich heritage and unique qualities. Absinthe first became popular as a social drink in Europe during the 1800s. Due to its herbal and complex flavors it inspired artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Oscar Wilde; however its links with madness led many countries to ban it – however modern distillers around the globe are producing high quality versions which remain distinct from Louches (Pernod or anisette), pastis or raki.

Absinthe has long been revered for its mystique surrounding its drinking ritual. This involves using an absinthe spoon – with its slotted handle called an absinthe spoon – to place a sugar cube onto a glass of absinthe spirit before slowly dripping ice cold water over it, causing a process known as louching that dissolves the sugar into the spirit, creating its cloudy, opalescent appearance. Both its ritual and vivid green hue add further mystique surrounding absinthe’s mystique.

Absinthe may have a dangerous reputation, but when taken correctly it can actually be quite safe to consume. Diluting it with water and not drinking more than several ounces at one time are both essential steps in drinking it safely. Furthermore, quality absinthe should contain at least three herbs such as anise (Pimpinella anisum), fennel seed (Oeniculum vulgare) and grand wormwood Artemisia absinthium; unfortunately however many on sale today do not contain these three nor even grand wormwood Artemisia absinthium!