Absente

Absente

Absente is a liqueur that is often associated with the traditional absinthe drink. It is a modern version of the classic absinthe, which was historically popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Absente is known for its distinctive green color and its high alcohol content.

History

Absente was created as a response to the ban on absinthe in many countries during the early 20th century. The original absinthe was banned due to concerns over its thujone content, a chemical compound found in wormwood, one of the primary ingredients in absinthe. Absente, however, is made with a lower thujone content, making it legal in many places where traditional absinthe is not.

Ingredients

Absente is made from a blend of herbs and spices, including wormwood, anise, fennel, and other botanicals. The exact recipe can vary, but these ingredients are essential for giving Absente its characteristic flavor and aroma.

Production

The production of Absente involves macerating the herbs and spices in high-proof alcohol, followed by distillation. The resulting spirit is then diluted to the desired strength and often colored with natural or artificial coloring agents to achieve its signature green hue.

Consumption

Absente is typically consumed in a manner similar to traditional absinthe. It is often served with cold water, which is slowly dripped over a sugar cube placed on a slotted spoon. This process, known as the "louche," causes the drink to turn cloudy and releases the complex flavors and aromas of the herbs.

Legal Status

The legal status of Absente varies by country. In the United States, for example, Absente is legal because it contains less than 10 parts per million of thujone, which is the maximum allowed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In other countries, the regulations may differ, but Absente is generally more widely available than traditional absinthe.

Related Pages

• Absinthe
• Liqueur
• Thujone
• Wormwood
• Anise
• Fennel