The Green Fairy: The Fascinating History of Absinthe in France

🍸Absinthe, with its high alcohol content and psychotropic effects, has long been associated with artistic creation and the bohemian lifestyle.

🌿Wormwood, one of the key ingredients in absinthe, has been used throughout history for its various medicinal properties.

🥂Absinthe gained popularity in the 19th century as a symbol of elegance and sophistication, favored by the upper classes.

🚫Concerns over the potential health risks of absinthe, including addiction and mental disorders, led to its eventual prohibition in France.

🔍Scientific studies have suggested that the high levels of thujone, a compound found in wormwood, may have contributed to the negative effects associated with absinthe.

Why was absinthe called 'The Green Fairy'?

—Absinthe earned the nickname 'The Green Fairy' due to its vibrant green color and its association with intoxicating effects.

What were the rituals associated with drinking absinthe?

—The traditional ritual involves pouring absinthe into a glass, placing a sugar cube on a slotted spoon above the glass, and slowly dripping cold water over the sugar cube into the absinthe, creating a milky appearance.

Who were some famous artists and writers known to have consumed absinthe?

—Notable figures such as Paul Verlaine, Arthur Rimbaud, and Charles Baudelaire were known to be avid absinthe drinkers. Artists like Edouard Manet and Vincent Van Gogh also featured absinthe in their works.

What led to the prohibition of absinthe in France?

—The prohibition of absinthe in France was the result of a combination of factors, including concerns over public health, moral panic, and lobbying by temperance movements.

Is absinthe legal today?

—Absinthe is legal to produce and sell in many countries, including France, with strict regulations on thujone content. However, it is still banned in some countries.

00:00The video explores the long-standing connection between alcohol and artistic creation.

07:25The history of absinthe in France begins with its origins as a medicinal tonic.

19:30Absinthe gains popularity as an aperitif and becomes associated with elegance and sophistication.

44:15Concerns over the potential health risks of absinthe lead to its prohibition in France.

57:45Scientific studies have examined the effects of thujone, a compound found in wormwood, the main ingredient in absinthe.