Absinthe is a strong liquor containing what are called thujone and other substances.
It was popular in the 19th century but banned for many years because some people claimed its health effects.
In recent years, absinthe has been making a comeback.
It does not taste like what you would expect from drinking it neat, but what does absinthe taste like?
In this blog post, we will answer the question and give some other facts about what absinthe is and how it’s made.
What is Absinthe?
Absinthe is a distilled, highly alcoholic drink.
It historically had high levels of fenchone and thujone (due to the extraction process), which gave it psychoactive properties.
The drink is also high in alcohol, with most brands at about 45 – 75% ABV.
In the last few decades, the production process has been modernized, and most Absinthes on the market have low levels of these compounds.
It’s not surprising that this drink has been portrayed as a dangerous, addictive drug.
It is believed to cause some people’s hallucinations and other harmful side effects, including slurred speech, blurred vision, convulsions, or spasms in severe cases.
The chemical compound thujone, which occurs naturally in absinthe, was blamed for these alleged negative impacts, but it wasn’t until 1915 when they were banned by most countries around Europe – with France being one of them.
However, new studies show that modern-day spirits are just as potent, if not more so than traditional ones like absinthe, proving once again how alcohol can have destructive implications on society.
Absinthe has a distinctive green color, which comes from the high levels of fenchone and thujone in most traditional absinthes.
These compounds have been reduced to trace amounts in modern production processes that give the drink a more yellowish tint.
What Does Absinthe Taste Like? Does Absinthe Taste Good?
Absinthe is a beverage that deserves your attention, not just because of its history but also for the way it tastes.
It’s an interesting drink with flavors ranging from chocolate to licorice and many other unexpected hints of flavor.
Whether you want something new or need some variety in your mixed drinks, absinthe will take you there.
The flavor of absinthe is one not easily forgotten.
It can be described as a licorice-like, anise taste with hints of fennel and nutmeg that sears on the tongue like fire before finally coating your throat in its harshness.
The aftertaste lingers hauntingly long – sometimes for hours or even days.
It’s certainly not the most pleasant drink, but it also isn’t trying to be.
The taste is unyielding – just like absinthe drinkers of old.
How to Drink Absinthe?
Absinthe contains a massive amount of alcohol – up to 74% ABV (alcohol by volume).
It was originally used as medicine to treat stomach and bowel complaints, including cramps, colic, and tuberculosis symptoms.
Absinthe is usually diluted with water, sugar, and ice before drinking.
Follow these steps to prepare absinthe:
- Pour a glass of water with ice in it.
- Add one teaspoon (approximately five milliliters) of sugar or two teaspoons (ten milliliters).
- This is for every liter of absinthe you are preparing.
- Add more if desired; the final result should be sweet and slightly diluted to be drunk without difficulty.
- Then add the desired amount of absinthe. It is typically measured in milliliters, but it is up to the drinker’s preference. It should not be too strong so that you will enjoy your experience of drinking absinthe.
- However, if you would like a very intense and long-lasting effect on your senses, add more absinthe than usual.
- Drink responsibly.
Does Absinthe Taste Like Sambuca?
The traditional drink of absinthe is known for its licorice taste, but it is also extremely potent.
The original recipe called for green anise oil, white wine, grande wormwood, and fennel seeds.
It is said that absinthe’s unique taste comes from the wormwood, but this plant also contains a chemical called thujone linked to seizures and hallucinations.
The traditional drink of sambuca is known for its anise-flavored sweetness with notes of licorice.
The original recipe calls for star anise, sugar cane molasses, iced water, and high-proof grape alcohol like grappa or vodka.
While it shares some similarities with absinthe, it’s not as potent.
Absinthe is a spirit, and sambuca is a liqueur, which means different types of drinks with different alcohol by volume levels.
Absinthe has between 45-74% ABV whereas sambuca varies around 38%.
The taste also differs because while both are made using licorice or star anise, only absinthes use wormwood to create their distinctive flavor.
How to Store Absinthe?
Is it known for its heady and intense flavor or the way that a drop of water turns ordinary liquid into a mystic green cloud? It cannot be easy to find someone who has not heard about this elixir.
Absinthe is best stored in an area with low humidity, preferably below 50%.
The bottles should also be sealed tightly to prevent any moisture from coming inside.
Maintaining these conditions will not only keep the absinthe tasting its best, but it also preserves a certain level of rarity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, absinthe has a bad rep for being something that only hippies and beatniks drink.
That’s why it became known as “The Green Fairy.
” It can be enjoyed responsibly at home with friends or to get creative when you’re out on the town, but please don’t go crazy.
The taste of absinthe is quite complex, but if you mix it with water and sugar as the Swiss do or a real fruit juice like orange, you can get all of that complexity without getting drunk.
What Does Absinthe Taste Like? Does Absinthe Taste Good?
Ingredients
- Absinthe
- Ingredients from your favorite recipes
Instructions
- Depending on the recipes you choose, the taste can vastly differ.
- For authentic results, it is important to choose a recipe that will highlight the original flavor.
- Have fun experimenting with different recipes and taste tests!
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