"The aphrodisiac of the soul." The taking of Absinthe was a popular past time amongst artists and people of creative lifestyles. Notable drinkers include; Van Gogh, Picasso and Oscar Wilde.

Absinthe is an alcoholic drink made with an extract from wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). It is an emerald green drink which is very bitter (due to the presence of absinthin) and is therefore traditionally poured over a perforated spoonful of sugar into a glass of water. The drink then turns into an opaque white as the essential oils precipitate out of the alcoholic solution. Absinthe was once popular among artists and writers and was used by Van Gogh, Baudelaire, and Verlaine, to name a few. It appears to have been believed to stimulate creativity. However, in the 1850's, there began to be concern about the results of chronic use. Chronic use of absinthe was believed to produce a syndrome, called absinthism, which was characterized by addiction, hyperexcitability, and hallucinations. This concern over the health effects of absinthe was amplified by the prevailing belief in Lamarckian theories of heredity. In other words, it was believed that any traits acquired by absinthists would be passed on to their children. Absinthe's association with the bohemian lifestyle also worked to compound fears about its effects, much as has happened with marijuana in America. Absinthe was subsequently banned in many countries in the beginning of the 1900's.

However, Absinth is legally available in the UK. Todays Absinth is a commercial Absinthe that abides by all EU rules, so it's most likely going to be a bit weaker than traditional Absinthe.

Among our Bohemian poets absinthe has been called "the green muse." Several, and unfortunately not the poorest, have died from its poisoned embraces. H

 

ooh! I'm not sure I want to try this.....

 

OMG that was long!!

 

Are you going to try it then? Please let me know the result...

 

i had some in prague, and broke a bottle trying to bring it back, but if anyone knows where to get a bottle in the states, let me know

 

You must have liked it to try to bring a bottle back though?

 

it was good, not as strong as everclear, but just needed one to fill my collection or bar, anyhow it broke while backpacking in germany, so i've only had it once, and not in a large enought quanity to experience the bonus side effects

 

Famous Absinthe Citats


"After the first glass, you see things as you wish they were. After the second, you see things as they are not. Finally, you see things as they really are, which is the most horrible thing in the world.."



Oscar Wilde



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"Let me be mad...
mad with the madness
of Absinthe, the wildest, most
luxurious madness in the world."

Marie Corelli


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"Art is the soul of life and the Old Absinthe House is heart and soul of the old quarter of New Orleans."


Aleister Crowley

Famous Absinthe Drinks

With iced water
If the first option is a little on the strong side, then Absinth can be diluted to taste with iced water



With champagne
Instead of iced water, champagne can be used as the mixer (the slightly decadent option!). In Italy, Franciacorta or Prosecco are often used instead of champagne.



With beer!?
In Italy a measure of absinth is poured into a glass of beer.



Absinthe Bull
Pour 4 cl absinth into a glass with an ice-cube and admire the magnificent colour once more. Then top up with ice-cold RED BULL

 

It is available in the local supermarket here in Tokyo..... I have never tried it though....