The green colored liquid slowly clouds as the sugar cube ignites and drops through the elaborate spoon. What is this mysterious drink? The recently-legalized, enigmatic absinthe. Notoriously known as the “Green Fairy”, absinthe is the highly-alcoholic anise-flavored spirit credited with both the artistic genius of Van Gogh and the suicidal lunacy of Hemingway. Ranging from 55% to 88% alcoholic content, absinthe has undoubtedly stirred the most international controversy of any beverage.
After experiencing a heyday of popularity in France during the mid 1800’s, absinthe was demonized by the growing wine industry for fear of competition. Banned by the United States in 1912, the spirit was recently legalized in 2007 and has been gaining popularity since.
Originally developed as a digestive aid and prescribed to internationally-stationed French soldiers, absinthe derives its flavor and potency from a unique blend of herbs: wormwood, green anise, and sweet fennel. Contrary to popular myth, absinthe (especially high quality product) does not present uncommon danger, and credible accounts of hallucination from pure absinthe are hard to find. Most likely, those who have experienced unpleasant side effects from absinthe consumed an unclean product tainted with other substances.
Steeped in ritual, the art of absinthe consumption varies among cultures. Many choose either the traditional French or Bohemian styles to ensure an authentic absinthe experience. While the Bohemian style practices burning a sugar cube above, the simple French pours cool water over ice to dilute the powerful substance. Both of these processes create the infamous “louche”: the iconic cloudy mixture.
Modern absinthe producers hope to restore the beverage to its original popularity, dispelling the rumors of its dangers and side effects. However, its very nickname, the “Green Fairy”, derives from the stories of psychedelic hallucinations from the spirit. So what’s your take on absinthe’s recent comeback? Have you tried the mysterious green concoction? Will you ever? And if you have, who is that mysterious green fairy?
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