Absinth

Absinthe

Type	Spirit
Country of origin	Switzerland
Introduced	Late 18th century
Alcohol by volume	45–74%
Proof (US)	90–148°
Color	Green, clear
Flavor	Anise, fennel, wormwood
Ingredients	Wormwood, anise, fennel, other herbs
Related products	Pastis, Ouzo, Pernod

Absinthe is a highly alcoholic beverage, typically between 45-74% ABV (90-148 proof), derived from botanicals, including the flowers and leaves of Artemisia absinthium (grand wormwood), together with anise, fennel, and other medicinal and culinary herbs. Historically described as a highly alcoholic spirit, it is also referred to as "la fée verte" (the green fairy) due to its natural green color.

History

Absinthe originated in the late 18th century in Switzerland, particularly in the Val-de-Travers region. It gained popularity in late 19th and early 20th-century France, especially among Parisian artists and writers. The drink was associated with bohemian culture and was consumed by notable figures such as Vincent van Gogh, Oscar Wilde, and Ernest Hemingway.

Production

The production of absinthe involves the distillation of neutral alcohol with various herbs, primarily wormwood, anise, and fennel. The resulting distillate is then diluted and sometimes colored naturally with additional herbs. The traditional method of preparing absinthe involves placing a sugar cube on a perforated spoon, which is then placed over a glass containing a measure of absinthe. Cold water is slowly dripped over the sugar cube, dissolving it and diluting the absinthe, which causes the drink to louche, or turn cloudy.

Legal Status

Absinthe was banned in many countries in the early 20th century due to its alleged harmful effects and association with social disorder. However, modern studies have shown that absinthe is no more dangerous than any other spirit when consumed in moderation. The bans have been lifted in many countries, and absinthe is now legally produced and sold in various parts of the world, including the United States, European Union, and Australia.

Cultural Impact

Absinthe has had a significant impact on art and literature. It has been depicted in numerous paintings, such as Edgar Degas's "L'Absinthe" and Pablo Picasso's "The Absinthe Drinker." The drink has also been referenced in literature, including works by Charles Baudelaire, Paul Verlaine, and Arthur Rimbaud.

Related Pages

• Wormwood
• Anise
• Fennel
• Pastis
• Ouzo
• Pernod
• Vincent van Gogh
• Oscar Wilde
• Ernest Hemingway
• Edgar Degas
• Pablo Picasso
• Charles Baudelaire
• Paul Verlaine
• Arthur Rimbaud