The Banned Drink that Has Returned: A Journey through the Making of Absinthe

🌿Absinthe is a distilled and steeped spirit with a distinct green color and herbal flavors, commonly associated with black licorice.

🍃Wormwood, a key ingredient in absinthe, contains a compound called thujone, which was once believed to cause hallucinations but has been proven otherwise.

🥃Traditionally, absinthe is made with unaged grape brandy, but other spirits can be used as well, such as the gin byproduct used in this demonstration.

🌈Real absinthe has a natural, dirty green color, not a bright green that indicates the use of artificial ingredients.

🍹Enjoy absinthe in different cocktails or try it neat over a sugar cube for a unique and evolving drinking experience.

Is absinthe legal now?

—Yes, absinthe is legal in most countries. The ban on absinthe was lifted in the early 2000s as scientific evidence disproved the previous claims about its harmful effects.

What does absinthe taste like?

—Absinthe has a complex flavor profile, with notes of black licorice, herbs, and a hint of bitterness. The taste can vary depending on the specific brand and production methods.

Can absinthe make you hallucinate?

—No, absinthe does not have hallucinogenic properties. The misconceptions about absinthe causing hallucinations were based on false scientific studies from the past.

How should I serve absinthe?

—Absinthe can be enjoyed in various ways. You can mix it into cocktails, such as the classic Sazar, or drink it neat by slowly dripping ice-cold water over a sugar cube placed on a slotted spoon.

Where can I buy absinthe?

—Absinthe is available in liquor stores and online. It is important to choose a reputable brand and check the alcohol content, as different variants of absinthe may have varying levels of potency.

00:00Absinthe, a once-banned drink, is the focus of this video.

00:13Absinthe is a spirit with a unique green color and distinct flavors.

01:28Wormwood, an ingredient in absinthe, was wrongly associated with hallucinations.

03:55Gin byproducts are used as a substitute for grape brandy in the making of absinthe.

05:31The final step in making absinthe involves adding additional botanicals for flavor and color.