Absinthe: The Green Fairy, the drink that became such an
important part of bohemian Europe for centuries is now part of some of the most
popular cocktails enjoyed by many the world over, from central Paris pubs to
the best cocktail bar Perth has to offer. Along with many other popular
beverages making a big comeback, Absinthe seems set to continue its path
through time as a drink that defined an era, as well as those who enjoyed it.
Absinthe is often a highly alcoholic drink that is distilled
with an anise-flavour to give it a more distinct and powerful taste.
Traditionally, Absinthe has a rich green colour coming from the way the recipe
is put together, which includes Artemesia absinthium, green anise, sweet fennel
and a number of other botanical extracts.
Highly Alcoholic Beverage
After the absinthe has finished being distilled, the alcohol
level is very high, but is diluted before consumption meaning that the average
absinthe bottle contains roughly anywhere between 45-75% alcohol per volume
with a 90-148 proof reading. Because of this extremely high level of alcohol,
many countries banned the substance over the years, but has now made a huge
comeback with the popularity of absinthe cocktails.
Some of the best absinthe cocktail recipes come from the
modern era, thanks in part of the availability of new spirits and alcoholic
beverages, as well as the introduction of exotic fruits that can be found in
abundance at the supermarket. From classic absinthe cocktails to more modern
twists, let’s take a look at some of the most popular absinthe based cocktails
of the modern era.
The Corpse Reviver #2
This recipe is based on the idea that you need something to
get over your hangover after a late night, and like with many traditional
recipes, it often includes more alcohol! The Corpse Reviver is no different,
including an alcoholic base of gin, some lemon juice, triple sec and a dash of
absinthe. Due to its highly alcoholic nature, it’s best to call in sick before
knocking this one back after a long, long night.
Death In The Afternoon
This classic absinthe cocktail is in fact one of Earnest Hemmingway’s own personal recipes. Hemmingway gave the readers of a celebrity
cocktail recipe book the following instructions: Pour a small amount of
absinthe into a champagne flute, add iced champagne and let it rest until the
drink turns into a milk-like and cloudy, and then drink four or five of these
slowly. He also adds that types of absinthe float on top of the champagne,
giving it a nice visual appeal.
Earthquake
This hearty classic absinthe recipe is said to have
originated with the French impressionist painter, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and
is intended to “shake-up” the drinker with its effects. In French translation,
this drink is known as tremblement de terre, and is still enjoyed to this day
in many Parisian bars and clubs. Simply add 3 parts absinthe and 3 parts cognac
to a large wine goblet and you may see the night slowly fade into a dark hole
somewhere. Bon chance!
The Monkey Gland
This cocktail is a tangy mix of fruit and alcohol to give
you that perfect taste every time. With a mix of strong flavoured fruit, the
absinthe brings out the best of the fruit mix, giving it one of the most
recognisable tastes of any cocktail. Simply mix 50ml of gin with 30ml of orange
juice, then add 2 drops each of absinthe and grenadine. Shake well in a shaker
over ice cubes and then strain into a chilled cocktail glass to create this
effortless tasty drink in a jiffy!
Absinthe has proven to be extremely popular in recent times,
and thanks to its aniseed flavour, goes perfectly well with a whole host of
different cocktails, fruit juices and even smoothies. In many cases you can
swap the aniseed flavoured liquors such as Sambuca which has a liquorice type
flavour, for absinthe. If you want to get into cocktail making and tasting, one
of the best ways to start is to find the best cocktail bar Perth has to offer
and ask your bartender for the some classic absinthe drinks, as well as some
modern twists.
